Ava's POV
Rosario's Café buzzes with Saturday evening energy, warm lighting that should feel romantic but instead makes my skin crawl with anxiety. I'm ten minutes late because I spent twenty minutes in my car trying to convince myself I could do this.
Jake stands as I approach, and Chloe wasn't exaggerating. And he has that easy smile of someone who's never complicated anyone's life.
"You must be Ava." He extends his hand, grip warm and confident. "I'm Jake. Chloe's told me so much about you."
"All good things, I hope." I manage what I hope is a convincing smile as he pulls out my chair with practiced politeness.
"The best things," Mara chimes in, squeezing Chloe's hand. "Though she undersold how beautiful you are."
Heat floods my cheeks from guilt, not the compliment. These are genuinely nice people, and I'm about to waste their evening because I can't stop thinking about the man whose baby I'm carrying.
"So Chloe mentioned you work at the municipal building?" Jake asks. "That must be exciting with all the campaign activity."
"It has its moments." I reach for my water glass desperately. "Mostly budget reviews and policy research, nothing too glamorous."
"Are you kidding? You're helping shape the future of the state. That's incredible." His enthusiasm seems genuine, and I hate myself for comparing his interest to Tobias's deeper understanding of my work.
I try to focus on conversation. Mara tells stories about her training clients that make Chloe laugh. Jake shares genuinely funny anecdotes from his marketing firm. They're all trying so hard to include me.
When Jake reaches for the salt shaker at the same time I do, our hands brush briefly. The contact makes me recoil so violently I knock over my water glass, sending liquid cascading across the table.
"Oh God, I'm sorry!" I grab napkins frantically as everyone jumps to help.
"No worries," Jake says easily, but I catch the confused look he exchanges with Mara.
That's when the café door opens, and my world tilts off its axis.
Tobias walks in with Jordan, both in casual clothes discussing something serious. They're here for a working dinner, the kind of strategy session that happens away from the office.
The moment his eyes land on our table, on Jake's hand resting casually on my chair back, his entire demeanor transforms.
"Oh shit," Chloe mutters. "Dad's here."
Tobias approaches with a politician's smile that doesn't reach his eyes, Jordan trailing behind looking confused by the detour.
"Chloe, sweetheart." He kisses his daughter's forehead, but I feel the tension radiating from him like heat. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Double date," she explains. "Dad, this is Mara, my girlfriend, and Jake, Ava's date."
The word 'date' lands like a physical blow. Tobias's jaw tightens as his gaze locks onto Jake with uncomfortable intensity.
"Pleasure to meet you both." He extends his hand to Jake, deliberately squeezing too hard. "I'm Tobias Murphy, Ava's... supervisor."
"Oh wow, the gubernatorial candidate!" Jake seems oblivious to the violence in Tobias's demeanor. "Ava speaks so highly of you. She's obviously a valuable member of your team."
"Very valuable," Tobias agrees, voice loaded with possession. "Irreplaceable, actually."
"We were just talking about taking her to that concert next weekend," Jake continues cheerfully. "The indie band she mentioned? I managed to get tickets."
Something dangerous flashes in Tobias's eyes. "How... thoughtful."
Before the silence becomes unbearable, Jordan clears his throat. "We should grab our table, Tobias."
"Of course." Tobias straightens, but not before his fingers trail across my shoulder in a touch that burns through my dress. "Enjoy your evening."
They disappear toward a corner table, but I can feel Tobias's gaze boring into my back. Every laugh I force feels performative.
Fifteen minutes later, I can't take it anymore.
"Excuse me," I mumble, standing abruptly. "I need the bathroom."
The single-occupancy bathroom offers blessed privacy, but as I splash cold water on my face, the door handle turns behind me.
"Occupied!" I call, but the lock clicks decisively.
I turn to find Tobias standing there, his political mask completely gone, replaced by something raw and possessive.
"Having fun?" His voice is deadly quiet as he locks the door.
"Tobias, what are you doing? Someone could…"
"Answer the question." He steps closer, backing me against the sink. "Are you enjoying your date with the perfect gentleman?"
"I only agreed to avoid Chloe's suspicion," I breathe, my body already responding despite the insanity. "I couldn't say no without raising questions."
His hands cage me against the porcelain. "So you thought you'd let him put his hands on you? Let him think he has a chance?"
The possessiveness sends liquid heat between my thighs. His mouth crashes into mine. "Do you have any idea what torture it is, watching him look at you like he wants to devour you?"
"He's not…"
"Were you thinking about him?" His hands grip my waist, lifting me onto the counter. "When he touched your hand, did you wonder what those fingers would feel like inside you?"
"No." The word comes out as a moan as his hands push my dress up. "God, no. I was thinking about you."
"Good." His fingers find my panties, and we both groan. "Because I'm going to remind you exactly why boys like Jake could never satisfy you."
He yanks my underwear aside, fingers sliding through my embarrassing wetness. He unzips his pants desperately, positioning himself at my entrance. "Look in the mirror, baby. Watch me claim what's mine."
He spins me around, my hands bracing against the sink as he enters me in one smooth thrust. The angle is perfect, hitting spots that make stars explode behind my eyes.
"Look at yourself," he growls, starting a punishing rhythm. "Look how perfectly you take my cock. How your body was made for me."
In the mirror, I can see his face twisted with possession, my own expression wrecked with need. The sight makes me clench around him.
"So fucking perfect," he pants, finding my clit. "Jake would never be able to fuck you like this, would he?"
"Never," I moan. "Only you."
"Ava? You okay in there?"
Chloe's voice outside makes us freeze, but Tobias doesn't stop. He moves faster, harder, his hand covering my mouth.
"What, you're not going to answer your best friend?" he whispers, eyes locked on mine in the mirror with dark satisfaction. "Going to let her think you're sick while I fuck you senseless?"
The combination of his words, his touch, and the absolute insanity pushes me over the edge. I come with a scream his palm barely muffles, convulsing around him.
"That's it," he groans, rhythm becoming erratic. "Come on my cock while she's right outside."
He follows me over with a harsh gasp, burying himself deep. We stay frozen, breathing hard, before reality crashes back.
"Just a minute!" I call out, voice thankfully steady.
"Take your time!" Chloe's voice moves away.
We separate quickly, straightening clothes with shaking hands. We both look thoroughly wrecked.
"No more dates." He cups my face, thumb tracing my swollen lips. "I don't care what excuse you make to Chloe."
"We agreed to keep things hidden," I protest. "She'll get suspicious if I suddenly stop dating."
"Then be sick. Be busy with work. Be anything except sitting across from another man while carrying my child." His jaw tightens. "I can't watch it again."
"You're being unreasonable."
"I know." He presses his forehead to mine. "I know I have no right to ask. But watching him touch you..." He kisses me hard. "Tell them you're not feeling well. I'll leave first, give you a minute."
Then he's gone, leaving me to splash cold water on my face and somehow explain to my best friend why I look like I've just been thoroughly fucked in a public bathroom.
Which, technically, I have.