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OANA, AKA IN NEED OF A ROAD MAP FOR THIS HOTTIE
Ike strips down tohis blue boxers before climbing into bed. I’m dumbfounded at the sight of his inked, muscled body. He doesn’t have any sloppy parts on him. He’s a perfect mix of a hard body and a soft face. Too perfect, really. I should feel awkward next to his perfection.
My lust energizes and shames me. That’s why instead of touching him, I mostly just stare in awe.
The two halves of me fight for dominance. The Trinity Church part insists I cover up and go to sleep before I ruin everything with my sinning ways.
The wild child part claims my lightweight, pale blue nightgown is an obstacle to me rubbing up naked against Ike’s hot body.
“I feel too much pressure tonight,” Ike admits as he rests next to me in bed. “I’m not someone who thrives with responsibility piled onto his back. So tonight, let’s just kiss a little and go to sleep.”
Both relieved and disappointed by his choice, I mumble, “It has been a long day.”
Ike presses his delicious lips against mine. He doesn’t seem upset over not getting to have sex tonight. His wide hand slides across my belly, resting snugly against my hip. I don’t think to touch him. I’m so nervous suddenly, even though he said we’re only planning to sleep.
I shiver under the heat of his affection. This feeling is addictive and inspires me to run my fingers across his chest. My shiver turns to an all-body shudder.
“We could do stuff tonight,” I blurt out.
“No. I need to do right by you. Besides, we have an entire life ahead of us. I want to savor each step instead of rushing.”
Feeling like I should say something less lust-filled, I mumble, “I’m sorry if I’m pressuring you.”
Ike gives me a sexy smile and kisses my throat. “I’m just used to other people running the show. But I plan to do right by you.”
“I can help run the show, too, so you don’t have to do it alone.”
“Eventually, yeah,” Ike murmurs and kisses the spot below my ear. “But you just broke free from that restrictive lifestyle. For now, your decision-making efforts should revolve around easier stuff like picking clothes, food, and music. Once you feel like your own person, we’ll run things together.”
Ike flips off the side table’s light, tugs the blanket over us, and exhales softly as if he’s where he needs to be.
Smiling in the darkness, I’m relieved whenever Ike speaks of the future. The night in the woods seems so long ago, and I’d grown doubtful about the entire event. Even knowing Ike felt what I did then, I still worry I’m dreaming too big.
“Would you like me to leave the music playing on my phone?” Ike asks and slides his hand across my waist again. “That way, in the dark, you’ll know you’re here and not back in your house.”
Ever since that night, I’ve believed Ike was mine. Earlier, I declared my love. However, this is the first moment I’m certain he can love me.
Ike’s so kind and smart. He sensed how I was getting nervous in the dark. Now, music plays on his phone, which doubles as a nightlight.
Ike’s kindness comes in handy after my first nightmare. All night, no matter what I dream, I’m chased by a horde of people. I run and run, never getting ahead. Some of the people are ones I know like my parents and the Trinity Church pastor. Other faces belong to people I saw at the store tonight. The hotel clerk is also there.
In the dreams, I call for Ike, but he remains out of reach. Whenever I wake up, I feel his impossibly warm body next to mine. His voice wraps protectively around me, forcing the bad dreams into the shadows.
He’s such a complicated man. His size and unflinching gaze intimidated everyone we came into contact with tonight. Other men moved aside for him, never the other way around.
However, Ike’s heart is soft and generous. He doesn’t want to hurt me. I saw in his beautiful eyes how guilty he felt for never tracking me down.
I want to be worthy of Ike’s love. I’ve always thought of myself as a wild child. Running off with Ike was certainly a daring move. For most of our first day together, though, I remained scared and passive.
That’s not what Ike wants from me. I can choose my path. The responsibility is all mine. I can grab hold of his wild life and join in, or I can let myself be moved around like a doll. No longer will I be able to blame my lot in life for why my dreams don’t come true.
