Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
I can’t exactly tell him why I was so distracted, so I stammer and shift on my feet. “It’s fine. I’m okay. You said you have something. What?”
“Yeah.” He hands me the shirt. “I wouldn’t mind seeing you in this one.”
Unfolding it, I hold it up in front of me and grin. I head back to the bathroom, briefly glancing over my shoulder. “I’ll be right back.” I don’t bother to shut the door. I know he’s not going to peek, and closing off our connection is the last thing I want to do. I slip my dress off and unclasp my strapless bra, so happy to finally be free of the contraption. I hang both items on a towel hook, then pull the shirt he gave me over my head.
I never turned on the bright lights, but there’s some sneaking in from the bedroom to see enough of myself in the mirror. I move closer to it and pull my ponytail free from the collar. With the shoelace barely hanging on, I take a moment to tighten it before returning to Keats.
He stands at the end of the bed, struggling to restrain the smile that wants to crease his lips. I don’t bother holding back the giggle that erupts and spin for him. “Do you like?”
“I love. You look amazing.”
I can’t say I’d call this look amazing, but that I am in his eyes is all I need. As I look down at the City Events Catering Co. logo, who knew seeing me in an old, stained catering tee would bring him so much pleasure? “Was this shirt chosen for any particular reason?” I could guess, but I’d rather hear him explain.
“It’s one of the smallest tees I own, and it reminds me of meeting you.”
Tapping one faded stain on the cotton under the logo pressed to my chest, I ask, “Is it the food stains? I admit I’m a messy eater.” I crack a smirk.
He chuckles. “No, I was wearing that tee under my dress shirt the night I met you.” His own grin takes over his handsome face. “It had fewer stains back then.”
Never missing an opportunity to make me feel like the star of his very own show, I ask, “Do you always say the right thing?”
“Is that the right thing to say?” He laughs. “And no. But you always give me more credit than I deserve.”
“It’s deserved.” I scan the mattress between us, then work my gaze back to him. “Which side are you taking?”
“I was waiting to ask you the same.”
“I’m good with either.” Since I’m already on one side, I claim it by folding down the sheet and blanket. I wasn’t cold standing in a thin dress, but now that I’m so close to lying in his arms again, I’m freezing and speed up the process by slipping my legs under the covers and pulling them up to my neck. “I liked your old apartment, but I must admit, this place is quite the upgrade. I’m proud of you.”
He strips down to his boxer briefs, then climbs in on the other side and moves to the center. With his eyes set on mine, I see the boyish charm return to his expression—a gentler grin and eyes that ease at the corners. Even his hair has flopped forward over his forehead. “I learned not to concern myself with how others see me. It only got in the way of progress.” Leaning forward, he kisses me before falling back on the bed. “But that means a lot to hear somebody say that to me.” Glancing back at me, he adds, “Thank you.”
I hadn’t realized until he said it that I could relate. I’ve seen pride in my dad’s eyes, but only when things are going according to plan—never for anything I accomplished on my own, of my own choosing. Keeping the invasive thoughts of negativity at bay has been easy with Keats. I’ve been living like I’m not a Stansbury. The change has been welcomed, so I won’t let my thoughts ruin it now.
The motion is quick—his arm swooping me against him—before I can let out a squeal. A trail of kisses is peppered across my shoulder, the hardness of his chest pressed to my back. Strong arms wrap around me like I’m something precious to protect, leaving only heat between us. That and his erection.
He’s not making any moves on me to remedy the situation, but he sure knows how to tempt me. I can’t disagree. We should be taking it slow. A lot has happened, and there’s even more to process. We’ll have time to reconnect physically, maybe more organically than on a night when I asked to stay.
Anyway, we need sleep. I do for sure. Tomorrow is a big day. Leaving everything you’ve known in life behind is going to take a lot of energy. Releasing a big yawn, I snuggle back into him even more and sigh in utter contentment. He kisses the back of my neck, and although things were heating up earlier, I’m enjoying the slower pace. I’m enjoying him.