“Why are you waxed?”
She looks dazed as a moan escapes from her. “What?” she whimpers.
I pull my thumb away. Her eyes narrow and I feel her nails bite into my shoulders as she pulls away. Standing up, I run my hand through my hair. Unwanted jealousy creeps into me.
“Seriously, Tess, why?”
She grabs her panties from the floor, stepping into them gracefully, her tall thin body glistening. I should shut up. I sound like a lunatic.
“Um, because I like it.”
“What does that mean? It’s not like you were having sex. So, who were you waxing for?”
Not even looking at me, she pulls her pink dress on, straightens it over her hips, then walks right up to me.
“Reed, you asked me to let the past go. So, your behavior right now is sending mixed messages. You want me to shut up and forget about the last couple of years. Well, then I deserve the same.”
She’s right, but visions of guys being anywhere near her pussy make me sick. The irony is not lost on me. She stands in front of me, head held high, hands on hips. Like a queen. I don’t deserve her, but that never stops me.
She sighs. “Stop thinking! I can see your mind whirling. How can you feel threatened when you know you were my first?”
Closing my eyes, I unclench my hands.
“Reed! I started getting waxed years ago with Mom. And I’ve kept it up. It’s like shaving my legs. I just do it.”
Rubbing my hands across my face, I smell her on them. What am I doing?
“I’m sorry. I know you started waxing before you left. I guess I thought…” I shake my head. “Clearly, I’m not rational when it comes to you. I’ll work on it,” I say, kissing her eyes and nose.
She looks up at me. “I think you need sleep if these black circles are any indication.” She lightly traces my eyes.
I nod. “Let’s go check in. You can see the rest tomorrow.”TESSI wake with Reed’s body draped over half of me and the windows dripping with rain outside. Snuggling in tighter, I’ve forgotten this sense of security. I turn my head, bury my nose in his strong neck, and inhale his fresh Reed scent and my own. We checked into a suite at the Saint Regis and collapsed into bed. I woke to Reed’s head in between my legs at around 4:00 a.m. He wasn’t joking when he said he can go all night. I don’t remember when we ultimately drifted back to sleep, but if I can walk today, it will be a miracle.
“You okay? You look far away. What are you thinking about?” His rough morning voice makes my eyes connect with his. I smile up at him.
“Us. Last night.” I bury my head in his warm chest.
He chuckles “I keep telling myself to let you rest. You’re sore, aren’t you?” His full lips kiss my head.
“I’ll be lucky if I can walk! I can feel a pulse down there.”
He rolls on top of me laughing. “Your body will get used to it. I’ll let you rest today. I have plans anyway. Get up and let’s shower. We’re going out.”
I look out the window. The rain seems to have let up, but it’s wet and likely muggy.
“Maybe we should stay in and order room service and watch a movie today.” With a yawn, I snuggle back into his warm spot.
He slaps my ass. “Up! We’re roughing it today.” He chuckles, his dimples teasing me.
“What does that mean?” I say, sitting up. Pushing my hair out of my eyes, I take in the full beauty that is Reed.
“Well, we’re on a budget. That is, after we get a bed.” He stretches, and I can’t help but blush at his thick hard cock. He grabs my face for a kiss.
“I love your blushing. You were never shy with me. What’s changed?”
I want to say everything’s changed. That I’m all in. That if he leaves me, I might shrivel up and die. Instead I pull my knees up.
“I guess I’m not used to being happy.” Not a lie—I’ve been sleepwalking for three years.
He pulls me up as though I weigh nothing. “I know that feeling well. I meant what I said yesterday. This is us, our new life. I’m not going anywhere.” With his full lips, he tries to kiss me, but I turn my head away. “I haven’t brushed my teeth.”
He smiles. “You’re too beautiful to have bad breath. Now kiss me.”
I laugh. “Now I really can’t. That’s way too much pressure.”
Reed kicks open the door to the lavish bathroom and lets me slide down his hard body. He turns on the water for the shower. Completely uncomfortable, I look around. Should I get in with him, or wait?
“Tess? What’s wrong?” There’s amusement in his turquoise eyes.