He pulls me against him hard and a deep growl rumbles in his chest. A storm brews in my stomach at his possessive touch. He grips my neck and pulls my lips to his, silencing me with the dominant claim. He slides his tongue into my mouth like it’s his personal playground. His kisses are demanding and attentive. They say I’m his prized possession. When Devin pulls back, I’m lightheaded and my knees are weak.

“That chickenshit?” he asks in that deep, sultry voice.

I shake my head, not yet regaining my ability to think, much less speak.

Devin stays within arm’s reach all night as we count all the different car parts on the back shelves of the shop. He’s quiet, but considerate. The hours tick by in an easy rhythm. Every few minutes, he’ll touch me, kiss me or hold me. The moments are fleeting, but persistent. I love having him at my side. My phone’s buzzing is constant in my pocket, no doubt reminders of the handful of other things I was supposed to be doing tonight. My sorority sisters. My study partners. My dodgeball team. I don’t care. For the first time, I’m in no hurry to rush off anywhere.

“You ready to eat your words?” I taunt Devin while he stands behind me at the counter. We’ve finished entering in all the tallies from our inventory and now it’s time to see what kept better track, his hand invoices or my new system.

“Ready to devour something,” he croons in my ear. With an arm on either side of me, he surrounds me with his strong body. I wiggle against him and let out a little laugh.

A few clicks later and I’m proven right beyond any arguments. I point at the screen and let out a triumphant, “Ha!”

I slide out of Devin’s arms and hop around in a graceful and understated victory dance. Devin sets his hands on his hips and leers at me. Rob pops out from the office with a soft chuckle. “I take it the system works?”

Devin nods and I shout, “Of course it works! Was there ever any doubt?”

Rob and I both glance at Devin. He doesn’t say a word, but he slides a giant pile of paper invoices into the trash. That’s as close to an acknowledgement of my victory as I am going to get.

“Looks like you’ll have a lot more time for that budding personal life, Dev,” Rob adds, heading for the door. “I’m gonna leave you kids alone. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

“Night, Rob.” I saunter back to the counter and hop up onto it. Grabbing Devin’s collar, I pull him between my thighs. “Well, Big Man, I was right.”

Devin brushes the hair off my shoulder and drags his lips across my neck.