Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 100713 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 504(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100713 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 504(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
“Come again for me,” I growled, moving harder and faster, keeping my body tight to hers.
“I will,” she panted, moving her hips in sync with mine. “For you. For you.”
I don’t know what it was about hearing her repeat those two words, but suddenly I was exploding inside her, pouring myself into her with every throb, and I didn’t stop until my body gave out and my world went dark.
Collapsing, I rolled to my side so as not to crush her, holding her close. Resting my lips on her warm forehead, I took a second to catch my breath.
“Were we quiet?” she whispered.
“Quieter than last night at least.”
“That’s not saying much.” She giggled softly. “I almost died when your dad was like, ‘It sounded like banging.’”
A laugh rumbled low in my chest. “Me too.”
We stayed like that for a few minutes, our breathing in sync, the house quiet, her leg slung over my hip. Drowsy and relaxed, I was almost asleep when she wriggled from my arms. “I’ll be right back, okay?”
“Okay.” I released her, turning onto my back as she slipped from the bed into my bathroom. Putting my hands behind my head, I closed my eyes and breathed in—the scent of her lingered on the sheets. I hoped she’d stay a little longer.
I’d never been big on cuddling—another complaint of Caroline’s.
You never just want to hold me.
You pull away when I try to hold you.
You only want to be close to me during sex.
Usually when she hurled these accusations at me, I told her that I just wasn’t a physically affectionate person—it had nothing to do with her. I hadn’t grown up in an environment where physical affection was abundant, so I’d never internalized a need for it.
My dad wasn’t demonstrative that way, and my sisters were more likely to poke and slap at me than embrace me. I knew they cared, but without a mother around to communicate in a language of hugs and kisses when I was a child, I’d never learned to express myself that way. Nor had I ever craved it.
Until now.
The bathroom door opened and Maddie appeared, her naked skin glowing faintly in the dark. She moved silently toward the bed and stood at the foot. “Hey.”
I propped myself up on my elbows. “Hey.”
“I should probably go back to my own bed . . . but I don’t want to.”
“Then don’t.”
“What if Elliott wakes up?”
“You don’t have to sleep here the whole night. Just stay for a little bit.” I reached for her.
She took my hand and allowed me to tug her back into bed. “Okay, but don’t let me fall asleep.”
“I won’t.” I pulled the covers to our waists and wrapped her in my arms. “Everything okay?”
“Yes.” She hesitated. “I took my pill earlier, in case you’re concerned. I never forget.”
“I trust you.”
“I only stayed on it because it helps regulate my cycle.”
I wasn’t sure how to reply. “Okay.”
“I didn’t want you to think I run around sleeping with people. I don’t.”
“I didn’t think that.”
“You’re the first since my divorce.”
“You’re the first in a long time for me too.”
She hugged me tighter and sighed. “My sunburn is awful. I’m going to look ridiculous in the morning. Like a lobster. You won’t think I’m pretty anymore.”
I chuckled. “I’ll always think you’re pretty. Does it hurt?”
“Right now, nothing hurts.”
Smiling, I pressed my lips to her hair.
A few minutes later, I could tell she’d fallen asleep. Her breathing was deep and regular, her body was soft and relaxed. I allowed myself a little time to just enjoy the feel of her sleeping in my arms, knowing that she trusted me in all things. But when I caught myself dozing, I squeezed her gently. “Hey.”
“Hm?”
“Not that I wouldn’t keep you right here all night, but I’m so comfortable, I’m worried I’ll fall asleep too.”
“Mmm.” She nestled even closer. “I’m comfortable too. As hard as your body is, it’s surprisingly warm and cozy. I could get used to this.”
My heart stumbled a little.
“But I should go.” She sighed, planted a kiss on my chest, and sat up. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Okay.” I watched her fumble around in the dark, tugging up her underwear and slipping her shirt over her head. Then she knelt on the bed again and kissed me quickly.
“Goodnight,” she whispered.
“Night.”
A moment later, I was alone again.
But the scent of her lingered, along with the memory of her body next to mine.
And her words.
I could get used to this.
Had she meant it?
For a few minutes, I let myself picture what it might be like—Maddie and Elliott living here with my father and me. Breakfast together every morning. Dinner together every evening. Elliott could attend Bellamy Creek Elementary, just like we had. Maddie could find a nursing job with a pediatrics practice in town. We’d be like a family.