“Let me help you with that.”
“Jesus, Travis. How could I ever say no to you?”
“You couldn’t even when I was a kid. You’re always the one that would carry me when I’d walked too far, bring me things, read to me.”
Color rose in Dax’s cheeks. “I’d forgotten that.”
“I never could.”
“Back then, I only really read when I had to for school until you told me all about the books you were reading. You got me all interested.”
“And I forced you to read to me.”
“You couldn’t sleep, and I wanted to help.”
My father had gotten into a fight with someone, then come home drunk and ready to take his bad day out on me and Beau. We’d ended up sleeping at Dax’s uncle’s house. Dax had known a story would help me be able to sleep. He always knew how to help me.
My memory was interrupted by Dax’s stomach growling.
“Did you have any dinner? Or is that a stupid question? I guess you don’t eat when you’re… working.”
“Only if it’s part of the torture.”
I studied him for a second, trying to determine whether that was a joke or not. I decided I really didn’t need to know. “Beau, Corbin, and I ordered pizza. There’s some left. Do you want me to heat it up for you?”
“We should get cleaned up first.” Dax rose to his feet, lifting me with him as if I weighed nothing. When we reached the bathroom, he set me on my feet again. I was already naked, so I just watched as he pulled his t-shirt off and pushed down his pants.
Finally, I managed to look away long enough to turn on the shower. Dax motioned for me to step into the shower first, then came in behind me, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me back against his big body.
“Are you ever cold?” I asked.
He chuckled. “On occasion.”
“Your body always feels so warm to me.”
“I just run hot,” he whispered against my ear as he reached for my shampoo.
He sure as hell did. As he washed my hair, he drew noises from me that sounded like those I’d made when we were on the floor with our dicks in each other’s mouths. It felt almost as good too. His strong hands were perfect for giving me a deep scalp massage.
“You’re so fucking sexy. You love being taken care of like this, don’t you?”
All I could do was nod my agreement. He’d relaxed me to the point I couldn’t form words anymore. He turned me around and rinsed the shampoo from my hair, then he tended to the rest of my body. I’d never had anyone wash me before. It was sensual and amazing. I wasn’t sure if I wanted him to fuck me again or tuck me into bed when he was done.
When I was all rinsed off, I reached for the shampoo, intending to give him the same treatment. He shook his head.
“I can take care of myself. Get out, wrap yourself in a towel, and go relax. You deserve it.”
I didn’t want to be separated from him for even a minute. I knew how ridiculous that was, and the depth of my feelings for him scared me. If he changed his mind, if he walked away, I didn’t know if I could put myself back together.
Instead of leaving the bathroom, I levered myself up onto the counter and draped a towel over my shoulders. The steam from the shower made the room warm and cozy. When Dax turned off the water and stepped out, my gaze roamed up and down his sculpted body. “You are just… Wow.”
Dax shook his head. “I have to stay strong to do what I do.”
“Strong and sexy as fuck.”
“Didn’t I tell you to go lie down?”
“I wanted to wait for you, and I told you I’d get you some dinner.”
Once he dried off, he tied his towel around his waist, then he scooped me off the counter and carried me into the bedroom.
“Are you just going to carry me around all the time?” I asked after he set me on the bed.
“Do you want me to?”
“Maybe.”
“Then yes.”
I raised my brows. “What else are you willing to do for me?”
“Anything.” Dax’s phone rang, but he ignored it.
“Shouldn’t you…”
He groaned. “Fuck. Yes, it’s Remington.”
16
Dax
I reluctantly accepted the call from my cousin. “What do you need?”
“Good evening to you too.” I could just see his arched brow and the disapproving look on his face. Remy took himself way too seriously.
“It’s been a long day.”
“I’m sure it has. You’re with Travis?”
I pulled Travis to me and kissed the top of his head. “I am, and I intend to stay here.”
“Lucky for you, that’s where I want you. We found out some more information about LePlatt.”
“Spill it,” I demanded.
“Someday your mouth is going to get you in trouble.”