“Both,” I reply with a laugh. “But she doesn’t try that anymore. Now she just comes out and asks for what she wants.”
My stomach rumbles again, and Ronan gives it a little rub. “And what’syourstomach saying?”
I crane my head to look at the clock on the bedside table. It’s seven AM, which means I still have three and a half hours before I need to leave for work. “It’s saying it needs some sustenance after last night. And this morning.”
A satisfied gleam comes to Ronan’s eyes. “Are you saying I gave you a workout?”
“I’m saying we both got a workout,” I retort. Then I smile. “How about if I make us breakfast? I’ve got eggs, bacon, plus I bought ingredients to make cinnamon roll pancakes. Oh, and some fresh fruit to be healthy.”
Ronan stares at me for a moment before kissing the tip of my nose. “That sounds great, Angel. But I have a couple of suggestions.”
“Would you prefer regular pancakes? I can do omelettes, if you’d like. Or if you want something lighter?—”
“What you suggested sounded amazing,” he interrupts. “But I was thinking I could help you cook. So you don’t have to do itall yourself. And then we could eat in bed. And maybe after…” His hand moves between my legs; his fingers trailing along the still-sensitive skin there. “We could go for round three. If you’re not too sore.”
My core clenches. My belly quivers. “I’m not too sore. And I think that’s a great idea.”
It’shard to get my mind back to more practical things.
While I was washing my hair, I drifted off into another fantasy—one where Ronan and I were in the shower together and he had me pressed against the wall while he drove into me in powerful thrusts.
Then, while I was tidying the kitchen, memories of cooking with Ronan distracted me. I could almost feel his hand grazing my butt as he walked by and the jut of his erection as he stood behind me.
For the last fifteen minutes, I’ve been attempting to clean the house. But I keep thinking about Ronan and how incredible our night was.
Not just last night, but this morning, too. Cuddling in bed, cooking, and then the promised third time, which was just as good as the two before.
It was by far the best date I’ve ever had. And I can’t wait to have another.
I won’t ask Hazel to take Haley again soon, even though I know Hazel and Alec wouldn’t mind. But I don’t want to take advantage of them. Or for Haley to feel like I’m trying to push her off so I can spend time alone with Ronan.
But maybe after Christmas…
Maybe once the bustle of the holidays is over, I can arrange for another sleepover. Maybe I could even ask Hazel to take Haley for the entire weekend, and Ronan and I could take a short trip together. Stay at a sweet little bed and breakfast up north, with a soaking tub and a fireplace and room service, or head to New York to visit some of Ronan’s friends.
Although the bed and breakfast might be too expensive—the kind I’m thinking about, at least. I know Ronan’s not hurting for money—he told me saved a lot from the Army, and he gets paid decently at Stowe—but I don’t want to suggest things I can’t contribute to, either. And after Christmas, my budget is going to be extra tight.
Anyway, there’s nothing wrong with staying at home. I could cook something special, we could do massages again, watch a movie, have more sex…
Just as I’m picturing us in the shower again, a buzz sounds from the coffee table, jolting me out of my current fantasy.
Knowing it’s likely Haley, Hazel, or Ronan, I set the throw pillow I’ve been holding back on the couch and turn to grab my phone.
My cheeks flush guiltily when I see Haley’s name on the screen. Logically, I know it’s fine to think about sex and other adult things even though I have a kid. But I’ve spent so many years ignoring my physical needs in favor of being the best mom I can be, it’s tough to adjust to a new perspective.
I’m an adult,I remind myself. Who’s in love with a man for the first time in her life. Who just had sex with him. Three times. It’s okay to think about that, too. It doesn’t mean I’m abdicating my parental responsibilities.
Still. I try to shove the sexy thoughts into a little corner to revisit later as I turn my attention to Haley’s text.
We’re good! We just had breakfast. Now we’re going to play some games. Not computer ones. But the ones like we have at home.
I smile at her response to my earlier message, asking how everything was going. I knew she was fine from the updates Hazel’s been sending me, but it’s still nice to hear that she’s enjoying herself.
Sinking onto the couch, I think for a second before replying.
So glad you’re having fun. I can’t wait to hear all about it. I have to work from eleven to three, but then I’ll pick you up at Hazel’s.
A few moments pass before she responds.
