21
Tuesday morning I wake up later than usual. I didn’t set my alarm last night. Once I am up, I text Jess to let her know I'd be in before noon to help with the lunch rush. She promptly replies.
No worries, bossy lady ??
I roll my eyes and start planning my outfit with a little more comfort in mind. We typically see higher sales on Tuesday, because that's when most books are released. I will most likely be on the floor or at the register all day, so I need to be more prepared to be on my feet than I was yesterday.
Beau is still sleeping. I’m not sure what time he got in, but I do wonder where he was all day. I make toast and coffee, before logging on to my computer. I look for any news about Tasha. I find nothing. I am relieved that her death hasn’t turned into the media circus Beau described.
I check the store’s Facebook page to distract myself from my worries. Jude's announcement that the coffee counter will be selling small food items and pastries at the beginning of November has lots of likes and a few comments.
My phone vibrates from an incoming call. The screen lists a number, but no name. So few people have my number, with all that is going on, I am hesitant to answer.
Keeping my voice just above a whisper I say, "Hello?"
"May I speak with Miss West," A man’s voice asks.
"May I ask who's calling?" I end with a little, “Please.”
"This is Detective Cortez."
"Oh yes, sorry. This is she."
"Miss West, I have a few more questions for you. Would you have time today?"
"More questions? Oh, well yes, I suppose. I could make time to see you today. Anything I can do to help."
"Good. The address you gave is to your home, correct?"
"Yes."
"My partner and I should be there before noon."
"Alright, detective"
"Good bye, Miss West. I'll see you soon."
"Bye," I say out of breath.
I hang up the phone and dial the store to let Jess know that I'll be later than I had anticipated. I don't explain why, and she doesn't ask. I'm pretty sure she just assumes it’s because I had another long night with Beau. I don't correct her.
I rush to clean up my breakfast and tidy up in general. I walk over to Beau and stroke my finger along the line of his broad cheek bone, following the curve down to his top lip. He burrows deeper into the pillow without waking.
I giggle, quietly climbing on the bed. He's lying on his stomach, so I throw my leg over his thighs. Settling myself on my knees above him, I run my nose up his back, stopping at his nape. I rub and massage down his spine. He moans.
I lean back to sit on his firm butt as I continue to rub his toned back. He rolls his shoulder, bringing his hand back to cups under the back of my thighs. Beau's hand travels over the curve of my butt, he applies pressure. I lay forward, covering his back. Most of my weight is on my knees so I don't have to worry about crushing him.
I kiss and nip his nape before whispering, "You gotta get up sleepyhead. The detectives from the other day should be here soon. He called saying he had more question for me."
He stills and tenses, "Why?" His voice is pure heaven, all gravely and deep. I can feel it rumble up his chest. I want him to keep talking in that tone.
My fingers dip under his torso, feeling the bunches of muscle beneath his smooth skin. He lifts up, allowing me free range of movement. I feel the short hairs below his belly button.
"I don't know," I finally answer. I move down so I'm straddling his knees and calves. My long hair trails over his warm skin. As goose bumps raise, I lick his lower back, the small birthmark that tempted me becoming too much.
He lifts his hips as my tongue circles the skin. He lets out a groan as my teeth toy at the remaining skin left covered by my comforter.
"When?" he growls, and I can feel his muscles tense as he starts to turn over onto his back. Before he can, I wrap my arms around him, hugging him close to halt the movement.
