by Kate Benson
“There’s really not much to say,” I admit, my voice coming out in a whisper. “Just old skeletons, I guess,” I sigh, wiping the last of my tears away with the back of my hand. I want to tell him the truth, all of it, but the shame that lingers from my marriage with Eddie, my unwarranted fear of his judgment makes me stop. “I’m really sorry. I’m so embarrassed.”
“Don’t be,” he shakes his head, his fingers pushing my hair back sweetly before his eyes move back to mine, crinkling slightly as he gives me a small smile. “Home run or not, I still had one hell of a time at the ballgame, sugar.”
Chapter Eighteen
Nate
Once I’m sure she’s relaxed enough, I grab one of my t-shirts from the closet and pull it over her head, leading her out of my bedroom and into the rest of the house.
“I’ve never been inside your place before,” she says quietly, giving my hand in hers a gentle squeeze.
“Yeah, I guess you haven’t,” I reply, glancing over my shoulder. “You want a tour?”
“Sure,” she smiles small as she meets my eyes.
“Alright, well there ain’t much to it,” I admit with a low chuckle. “But the bathroom’s that way,” I say, pointing toward the small room as we make our way down the hall. “This here is Rocky’s room,” I say, giving the door a gentle push and revealing the mostly bare spare bedroom with a few toys and the big, plush dog bed in the corner where Rocky’s nuzzled into his favorite blanket, sleeping. “Ignore the mess. He’s going through a rebellious phase.”
“You have a room for your dog?” she asks, still smirking at my cheesy joke.
“Of course,” I shrug, looking at her like she’s nuts to even ask. It pulls a low giggle from her chest that makes me smile wide and I tug her hand in mine, pulling her forward. “This is the living room. I’ve got a back yard out there, too. The kitchen is over there, and you saw the bedroom,” I wink, making her blush once more before her thoughts seem to turn dark. “Stop worrying about that. Trust me, baby. I’ll show you again when you’re ready.”
“Okay,” she nods, giving my hand another squeeze. We say nothing for a moment, our eyes saying all the things we aren’t brave enough for just yet until she reaches up on her toes and gives me a gentle kiss. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” I reply quietly, pressing my lips to her hair before facing her once more. “You hungry?”
“Yes,” she nods. “I’m actually starving. I haven’t had more than an apple since breakfast this morning.”
“Well, that’s lame,” I insist, making her shrug her agreeance. “Sit,” I order gently, pointing toward the couch. “I’ll make us some supper.”
“Okay,” she replies quietly before moving toward my couch and taking a seat on the edge of the cushions.
I pull a few things from the cupboards and begin pulling things together for burgers, smiling to myself when I glance over and see her relaxing, settling against the back of the couch with the remote. We make easy conversation, the lazy simplicity of the evening taking hold of us once we finish our dinner and stretch out across the sofa. Hours that feel like minutes slip by and before I know it, I’m waking with her against my chest, rays from the first light of Sunday morning seeping in through the window across the room.
I glance down to find her auburn hair flowing like wine over my chest, the light scent of cinnamon I’ve come to crave consuming me for a moment before I ground myself. I sweep the strands away gently, glancing down at her face, clean of makeup and worry as she sleeps soundly against me. I think about the day before, her taste, the low, delicious moans that left her lips as I pleasured her. I recall the softness of her flesh, the way she gripped my hair and fell apart as she gave into the temptation we’d both been trying so desperately to fend off. In that moment, in that little sliver of time, we found the escape we’ve craved so deeply.
I can’t lie and say I’m not disappointed that she stopped. I want nothing more than to take her, make her mine, but I get it. I’ve got reservations myself, but if she stays, I’ll take whatever she’ll give me.
She releases a low sigh, her hot breath drifting over my skin pulling me from my thoughts as I thread my fingers into her hair, still studying her as she dreams. A moment passes, and she feels my eyes on her, her own beginning to flutter open as she releases another low sigh of content. She begins to yawn and covers her mouth, nuzzling into my chest before rubbing her eyes awake and glancing up at me.
“Mornin’,” I whisper, echoing her yawn before I rest my palm against the small of her back, leaning back against the other on the arm of my couch.
“Good morning,” she replies, her morning voice soft and husky.
“How’d you sleep?”
“Okay,” she replies, laying her palm flat on my skin before she rests her chin there and holds my eyes. “I’m sorry I fell asleep like that. I’m sure you didn’t get much rest.”
“I rested just fine,” I disagree softly. “I actually don’t think I’ve slept that well in months.”
Her lips curve up on either side, my words seeming to please her for a moment before she releases another yawn and rests her cheek against me once more. Rocky ambles into the room, our open eyes inviting him to the edge of the couch to steal our attention.
“Hey buddy,” she whispers, scratching his floppy ears and giggling low when he falls lazily onto his back, aiming for a belly rub. She obliges for a moment, giving him a gentle pat before she tucks back into herself. “Do you know what time it is?”
“No,” I admit, shaking my head before I reach for my phone. “Seven-forty-five.”
“Ugh…” she groans, shaking her head before she rubs her face awake once more and pulls herself from my front, the loss felt immediately. “I need to get up.”
“Do you have to work today?”
“No,” she shakes her head, glancing back at me.
“Then why are you rushin’?”
“I don’t know,” she shrugs. “I just figured you had things going on. I didn’t want to wear out my welcome.”
“Your welcome is un-wear-outable,” I promise, making her snort to herself as I pull her back down to me, wrapping my arm around her. I press my lips to her hair and give her a quick squeeze, both of us relaxing once more. “What do you want to do today?”
“I haven’t thought on it yet. You?”
“This,” I mumble, my eyes drifting shut as I discreetly inhale her cinnamon hair once more.
“What about Rocky?” she yawns, falling into me, too. “Doesn’t he need to pee?”
“Doggy door,” I reply, my thumb moving over her arm.
“Food?”
“Automatic puppy feeder,” I yawn. “He’s got a shit ton of water in there, too.”
“Company?” she smirks against my skin.
“Wait for it,” I hum, less than four seconds passing before the couch gently shakes with his intrusion, his furry little body curling easily between my feet. “There it is.”
“Fine,” she sighs, relaxing easily into my chest. “You’ve both talked me into it. Just like an hour or so, though.”
“Okay, baby,” I hum, kissing her forehead. “We’ll get up in an hour. We’ll do so much stuff.”
“You’re such a liar,” she sighs, stifling her giggle.
“I’m serious. I’m gonna wear your little ass out today,” I lie, opening one eye to find her doing the same, her expression doubtful. “Just give me an hour and you’ll see.”
“Whatever you say, hoss.”
“Mhmm,” I nod, closing my eye at the same time she does. “We’re gonna get some shit done today, sugar.”
“Yeah, I bet,” she whispers, nuzzling in closer, her arms falling lazily around my sides. “I’m pretty sure you’re full of crap.”
“Shh…” I cut her off. “Save your energy. I told you, I’ve got big plans later.”
“‘Kay.”
Ava
We wake hours later, the afternoon sun blazing through the wind
ows combined with Nate’s warm body beneath mine and Rocky’s snoring frame tangled in our feet just enough to have me starting to sweat. I jolt awake slightly, my startled reaction causing Nate’s hand to flinch against my waist, securing me against him.
The television is on, the volume low, and after a quick glance around the room, I glance up to find him awake, eyes lazily locked on the screen.
“Hey,” I say quietly, my voice broken with lack of use.
“Hey good lookin’,” he replies, glancing down at me, his lips turning up just slightly on either side. “Good nap, eh?”
“Yes,” I admit, resting gently against his chest, holding his eyes. “Have you been awake for very long?”
“Meh,” he shrugs. “Thirty, thirty-five minutes.”
“I’m sorry. You should have woken me up, so I could move,” I yawn, covering my mouth before shifting to sit up.
“You don’t have to get up,” he offers, gently pulling me back to his front.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” he nods, wriggling beneath me slightly and settling into the couch cushions, releasing a low hum of content as I relax with him. “It’s been a while since I had anyone to cuddle with who wasn’t covered in fur,” he confesses, his hand moving lazily over my back as I smirk down at Rocky. “I kind of like it.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean,” I whisper, nuzzling in further, hugging his sides. “I kind of like it, too.”
Chapter Nineteen
Ava
The next few weeks fly past us in a blur.
What had started with so much hesitance for us both has evolved into something amazing, something I don’t think either of us ever anticipated.
While not much had changed for my days, every night was spent with Nate. More often than not, we stayed at his house, a few later nights with his friends landing us on my couch instead. He’s also encouraged me to go back to school for my nursing degree, something I’ve wanted since I was young. It’s made my longer than I’d ever thought possible, but the nights spent with him make it all worthwhile. Nevertheless, we were together and faster than I thought possible, he became an extension of me and I him. Despite him keeping his promise to take things slow, there were days where it was still overwhelming, some days where it felt like the whole world was flying by me in a breeze.
Sometimes it’s a little scary. It’s been a long time since I felt myself falling for someone so completely.
Mostly, though, I’m finding Nate to be exactly what I need.
He pushes me in all the right ways, encourages me to live my life to the fullest, to be happy. I push him to let me in, to not spend so much time working and let someone take care of him sometimes, too.
It’s been an adjustment, but it’s been worth it in ways I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to comprehend.
Most days, I’m not sure how I ever lived without him.
“Hey babe,” he greets me, the sunlight from the door opening into the kitchen pulling me from the book in front of me. “How’s my girl?”
“Good,” I smile, returning his gentle kiss as he bends to meet my lips. “How are you? How was work?”
“It was work,” he shrugs, bending to greet Rocky for a moment, their exchange making me smile wide. It isn’t long before he pours himself a glass of tea and falls into the chair across from me, lifting my bare feet from the edge and setting them in his lap. “What’s that?”
“Homework,” I admit, setting it to the side to face him more fully. “I have a paper due at the end of the week and I’m a little behind, so I thought I’d spend a few hours trying to get caught up.”
“Do you need to stay home tonight?” he asks, giving my thigh a gentle squeeze of affection.
“No, we promised your mom we’d be there, and we will.”
“Well, I know that, but you have to get your schoolwork done,” he shrugs. “Besides, I can still go over there. I’ll just bring you a plate back and tell her you’re busy with homework.”
“Why do you say it like we’re trying to come up with a way to get out of supper?” I narrow my eyes, making him chuckle.
“I don’t know,” he admits, setting his drink to the side. “But if you need to stay home, it’s really okay. She’ll understand.”
“I know and thank you,” I offer. “But I gave her my word I was coming, and I’m going to keep it. I might just have to study until right before then is all.”
“Okay,” he replies quietly, holding my gaze for a moment, the heat behind his green eyes doing things to me, same as always. Although I still haven’t found the courage to have sex with Nate, we’d managed to cross some pretty fantastic lines over the last few weeks. “You mind if I take a shower?”
“No, not at all,” I shake my head, clearing my lustful thoughts from my head as I stand and move toward the kitchen, eager for a drink of my own. “You should know by now you don’t have to ask.”
“Thanks,” he says low as he comes to a stop behind me, resting his lips on the arch of my shoulder. “You look pretty dirty,” he whispers teasingly, his mouth moving slow up my neck until he comes to a gentle stop at the hollow of my ear. “You’re welcome to join me if you’d like.”
“I would love to,” I admit, smiling bashfully at the way his lips turn up at my blush when I recall the shower I’d taken with him last night. “But sadly, I’ll have to take a raincheck. I’m crazy behind on this right now and today’s my last day off for three.”
“Okay,” he whispers, his palms moving over my stomach, dipping just beneath the waistband on my shorts as his lips press firmly to my cheek. “You’re not very much fun when you’re being responsible.”
“I know,” I admit, regret staining my voice as images of Nate soaking wet flash in my mind. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“Promise?” he hums against my skin, making me nod breathlessly. “Because I feel like I’ve been pretty supportive…”
“You have,” I agree.
“And all I really want in return is for you to play nurse with me,” he whispers, making my smile broaden. “I don’t need much attention. Just a routine physical.”
“That’s all, huh?” I giggle, turning to face him before I wrap my arms around his shoulders and pull his lips close to mine, giving them a gentle peck, savoring in the way he hovers against my mouth.
“Mhmm,” he whispers, teasing me with his tongue. “I promise to be a good patient.”
“You always are,” I sigh against him, savoring in his lips moving over mine, showering me with a half dozen kisses, his hands falling easily over my ass.
He stares into me for a brief moment before his lips press against the end of my nose, warming my chest.
“Okay, now I actually need a shower,” he smirks, his shaft pressing hard against my stomach as he leans in. “Give me some sugar.” I raise up on my toes, pressing my lips to his firmly, the sensation of his tongue as it flicks against my lower lip sending a shiver up my spine. He feels it and his eyes are dancing slightly in amusement as he gives my ass a gentle pat, releasing me. “I’ll leave the door unlocked if you change your mind.”
“Okay,” I answer, watching him step out of the kitchen and toward the guest bathroom below the staircase.
He pulls his t-shirt over his head as he rounds the corner, his eyes meeting mine before he flashes a knowing smile when he finds me still gaping, chewing my fingernail in consideration.
Once he leaves my sight, it takes a moment for the spell to be broken, but eventually, I move back toward my book. The sound of the water turning on behind the bathroom door makes me squirm slightly in my seat before I thumb back through the pages, finding the section I’d just been looking at.
“Okay, diabetic nephropathy,” I whisper to myself, settling back into my seat. I begin reading, hoping in vain, that this overview will depress me less than the one I’d just finished. Less than a full paragraph in tells me otherwise and the combined effects of that and Nate’s rich, deep voice as he begins singing
on the other side of the door defeat my good intentions. “Shit,” I hiss, glancing behind me once more before abandoning my book altogether.
Chapter Twenty
Ava
By the time I make it to the door, I’m half naked already and can hear him more clearly above the spray, his sweet rendition of Patsy Cline’s Walking After Midnight tugging at more than just my heartstrings.
I push the door open and can’t help but blush as I find him already pulling the curtain open for me.
“I had a feeling that one would get you in here,” he teases as I walk inside.
“You don’t play very fair,” I reply, pulling the last of my clothes off and step beneath the spray behind him. “You know I’m a sucker for Patsy.”
“Well, I know that, baby, but I never promised to play fair,” he admits, pressing his lips back to mine as he pulls me close.
He turns me easily in his strong arms, pressing my back to the tile before his hands fall low on my waist. When he pulls away, we’re both panting, both of us trembling with need I’m still not sure I can give into yet. He doesn’t say anything, but I see desire swimming in his eyes.
It mirrors mine.
His lips run over my chin, gently nipping at me as he resumes his serenade, the familiar lyrics sounding delicious as they spring from his broad chest. I take him in, swallowing hard at the sight of him naked and wet, craving me, the ink splaying over his skin more vivid beneath the spray. The elaborate designs that pay tribute to his father blends easily into the earth and sky, a backdrop of deep, blue waves that beckon me to jump into them… to jump into him.
God, I want Nate. I want him bad, more than I’ve ever wanted anyone or anything before. I know if I asked him to, he’d take me in a second, right here in the shower. However, as bad as I want him, the hateful echoes I’ve been fighting since that first night have yet to cease.
Maybe they never will.
At this point, it feels hopeless, but I’m still trying to please him in other ways, to keep him from running a mile a minute in the other direction.