He couldn't take his eyes off her milky white thighs, peeking out from under her dress. Unable to resist, he slid a hand over her knee. Her skin was silky, and he couldn't help but wonder if it was this smooth everywhere …
An hour later, I need a cold shower or a vibrator. This is one of the steamiest things I've ever read, let alone authored. It doesn't hurt that I've got the perfect inspiration on the other side of my door. And maybe, just maybe, when I picture my hero, he looks exactly like Xavier.
I bet he tastes like him too.
This thought immediately brings to mind our two kisses earlier in the day. I don't count that awkward meeting of our mouths during our wedding because that wasn't really a kiss.
Xavier showed me what a kiss was. The kind that makes your toes curl and all the blood rush to one specific part of your body. If we hadn't been in a crowded bar, I probably would have climbed him like a tree.
The second kiss, to distract him, was a moment of desperation, but it's not like it was a hardship.
Not in the least.
In fact, I'd love to waltz out there and kiss him again. Why be sexually frustrated or resort to battery-operated fun when there is no doubt that Xavier could satisfy me in a way I've never been satisfied before?
Oh right, because this marriage is a sham, and he's only here because he has to be. I am a means to an end for him and nothing more. He'd think I was some sort of unhinged or deranged person if I went out there and propositioned him.
I mean, it wouldn't have to mean anything. It'd be a release. I'm sure he could use one too. Can't he?
I push my computer off my lap and stand, taking a minute to stretch out the cramps in my legs. I make it all the way to my door before I realize this would be the most stupid thing I could ever do. Which for me, and my impressive list of stupid things, is saying a lot.
Even this would be too much for me.
It doesn't matter that we're in a fake marriage, which remains my favorite book trope of all time. It doesn't matter that there's only one bed in this apartment. It doesn't matter that he's ridiculously attractive but also nice.
Real life doesn't work that way, and it's high time I start realizing it. I sit back down and open my laptop again. It's time to focus on this book.
The next time I look up, my neck stiff and my hips cramped, it's after two a.m. My word count is over five thousand, which is impressive. I know I should be heading to bed, but I'm too excited about my writing.
But since it's also two in the morning, I can't tell Marley that I'm ready to take the plunge with writing again. So instead, I do the next best thing. I open ClikClak.
Hey everybody, I've got some big news. BIG news. It's related to my business, and let's just say I think I'm going to be on the steamy side of this app soon. Stay tuned for the big reveal! Kisses and hugs!
After a whirlwind day, the wedding day I'd never dreamed of, I finally drift off to sleep, content that at least one part of my life is finally moving in the right direction.
*****
I stumble out of my room at seven minutes before nine, which will give me enough time to make a cup of coffee and still be at my desk for work on time. I don't think I'll ever be able to work in an office again.
That would be a great thing if I could be a full-time writer. I'd always be able to set my own schedule.
"Morning," I mumble. Xavier is again making a smoothie. It looks like he's already been out for a run. "You are up way too early for me."
"I've got to get my run in before my workout."
Seeing as how no one would ever mistake me for someone who's physically fit, the idea of working out multiple times in a day is confusing. "In theory, I understand those words, but I have no idea what you mean. Aren't you on vacation?"
"I don't have any scheduled team practices, mostly because I don't have a team. But the off-season is critical for my training. I'm currently in my hypertrophy or endurance phase. Lots of runs and endurance workouts." Xavier smiles. "It takes a lot of work to get a body that performs this way."
I reach past him and dump a spoonful of sugar into my coffee that is light with cream. "Same."
"After I shower, do you want to go look at flats? I think that should be a priority. That air mattress is killing my back."
Immediately, I feel guilty. I shouldn't be making him sleep on that $20 Wal-Mart special. His body is a temple and should be treated as such. "I have to work, but you go. I trust you. And why don't you take the bed tonight? I can sleep on the couch."
"I'm not taking your bed from you."
"Yes, but my job isn't based on my physical performance and if you hurt yourself sleeping on the floor, then you can't do your job. I understand you're trying to be chivalrous and stuff, but don't be a stubborn ass and take me to bed." The words are out before I can stop them. "I mean takemybed.My bed. Not me to bed."
