twenty-five
It’s true that I’ve loved every morning that I’ve woken up in Wake, but this one is even more beautiful than usual.
The sound of his deep sleep is intoxicating, and I roll over and set my arm over his tanned chest and listen to his breathing. The two nights he’s spent here—one innocent, one not so much—have, I suspect, given us both the best nights of sleep that either of us has slept in years. Alone, we both wake with nightmares. Together, we find peace.
I slip from the bed, pull on a robe over my tank and underwear, and tiptoe out to the bathroom. After I brush my teeth, I turn and catch sight of myself in the full-length mirror. Out of curiosity, I pull my robe open and look at my body. Danny seemed pretty happy with it last night, and I realize that I wasn’t shy. In fact, I was noticeably comfortable with him. It’s been a while since I’ve truly looked at myself, and I can’t say that I’m unhappy. Danny was right when he subtly suggested I could stand to gain some weight because I can see that my breasts are fuller, my ass has shape, my legs have curves, and my collarbone isn’t so prominent. That Californiadon’t eat most thingsdiet I was on truly wasn’t doing me any favors. Now, I am cooking and eating what I want, and it feels fantastic. Gaining a few pounds here and there? A few curves? I don’t mind.
I walk back to the bedroom, and while a small part of me hates to rouse him, I mostly feel no guilt when I do. And he doesn’t seem to mind when I’m straddled on top of him and coaxing him to open his eyes.
“Morning.” The raw, rugged sound of his morning voice turns me on more, and I grind into him.
He’s not himself yet, still bleary, but I’m dying for more of what we both felt last night. And maybe I want to confirm that we didn’t just have a one-night stand.
“You’re . . . okay with what happened between us?” I ask.
“Of course,” Danny murmurs. “And I hope it happens about a billion times over.”
“Same.”
He traces his fingers over my chest. “And just so you know, you are incredible when you come. In all ways. And I want it all again.”
Suddenly, he flips me onto my back and uses one hand to pull down my underwear and spread my legs apart. “Like now.” For almost too long, he plays with me, soft with his touch, waiting until I’m dripping and pleading with him.
“More,” I say with a whimper.
“More?” he asks teasingly and moves a bit. “Like this?”
“Yes,” I finally manage.
“Not a problem.”
When he finally guides two fingers inside me, he doesn’t thrust in and out stupidly and without care, the way most guys do. He wants to know how I feel, what feels good. What he’s doing to me.Forme. He plays around, figuring out what I respond to, moving his touch until he makes me grasp on to him because he’s hitting a spot deep inside that I’ve never felt. It feels almost selfish to accept this much pleasure, but Danny has made me so unguarded.
There’s a moment when I gasp so loudly and when he knows not to stop, and we both feel the deep wave that washes over me. And then he stays with me when that moment lasts longer than I thought it could.
When I’ve calmed down and I’m curled up against him, I manage, “I’ve never felt anything like that.”
“In a good way, I hope.”
“In a perfect way. Seriously, what the fuck did you do to me?” I ask.
“I love hearing you,” Danny says, “feeling you, watching how you move. It’s all so damn sexy.” Danny pulls me in for the best snuggle. “I know we missed the polar-bears part last night, but I think we’ve got the chill part down.”
“Beyond down,” I agree.
Because I’m totally up for some more chill, I start rubbing a hand over his briefs. Even though he’s already more than ready, I want to take my time, the way he has with me.
As I’m about to crawl between his legs and taste him, there is a resounding bellow from downstairs.
“Danny? Where are you? I know you’re here because your truck’s outside. Why are you here so early? Callie?”
We both freeze.
“Fuck,” Danny grumbles. “Paul. What time is it?”
I grab my phone. “Eight fifteen.”
“I didn’t think he’d be here this early.”
