Holy shit, he was amorous in the morning. It reminded me of Will. Were all men horny the second they woke?
“I thought we were going to take this slow?” I kept my tone gentle, when really, I might freak out if he didn’t get off me.
Derek froze, his hard length pressed against my pelvis. He furrowed his brow and pursed his lips together.
“Sorry. I just got… a little carried away.” Shame flashed in his olive-green eyes. “Sleeping with you in my arms was pure heaven.” He pecked my lips, then rolled off me.
“I slept pretty great too.” I smiled, slipping out of bed quickly, and put on my terry bathrobe over the nightshirt I’d worn. I’d also slipped on panties last night before crawling into bed with Derek.
God, I hoped things didn’t get weird between us. I needed time to figure this mess out, and I didn’t want to lose Derek or Will if I had, in fact, had it all wrong somehow.
“I’m going to make coffee.” My foot hit the threshold just as Derek’s hand grabbed mine.
“Miranda, I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me just now.” He jerked his chin toward the bed. The regret on his face was palpable.
I cupped his cheek with my hand. “It’s okay. I’m just not ready for sex yet.”
“Totally understandable. It’s just been a while since I had a woman in bed with me. A breathtakingly beautiful woman.” He pressed his face into my hand. “I don’t want to ruin what we’ve started here.” His hands snaked around my waist, and he pulled me flush to his body. “Kiss me.”
I swallowed, then I popped up on my toes and our lips met. Derek moved against my mouth in a slow, sensual manner. He was a terrific kisser, and I couldn’t help but part my lips for him. He took my invitation and curled his tongue with mine. I brushed my hand over his cheek and reached for the back of his head to pull him closer. There was definitely something between us. I wanted to discover if we could be more but couldn’t with Will around.
Derek broke the kiss and his hands fell away. “Okay… Wow. You’re amazing. So much so I should go pick up some donuts for breakfast.” He exhaled, adjusting his erection in his boxers.
My cheeks flamed red hot. I should have been more considerate after telling him I wasn’t ready for sex.
“Donuts?” I licked my lips. I was willing to bet my face brightened like a beacon of light.
He smiled and nodded.
“Okay, I’ll make coffee. A chocolate bar with peanuts is my favorite.” I fluttered my lashes.
“You got it.” He winked.
After Derek left, I washed up and brushed my teeth. After the events of yesterday, the almost accident and Will showing up, I called into work. Nina was sweet as ever and told me not to worry about it. Honestly, I wasn’t worried at all about work. I had far more concerning matters to address.
I wasn’t ready to get dressed yet. Today just might be a lazy one.
There was a knock at the door as I entered the living room. The hairs on the nape of my neck flared.
I knew who it was.
“Miranda? I just want to talk. Please,” Will called through the door as he knocked again. “I’ll tell you everything. Please, baby…”
Tell me everything? What did that even mean? My heart led me to the door, but my head stopped me from opening it.
“Please go away.”
“No, M, I love you. Always and forever.”
I covered my mouth with my hand as tears pooled. Why did he have to say “always and forever” with so much sincerity?
“Please, baby…” He knocked again.
I opened the door. “You shouldn’t—” I didn’t get to finish my reprimand as Will pushed through the door and captured my head between his hands and my lips.
He kissed me hard, and I felt his desperation whirl through my body like a funnel cloud, swirling my mixed emotions and making me dizzy. Fear and anger flooded my veins, while love and desire pumped into my heart.
“I’m so sorry, M. For everything,” he said against my mouth. “I never cheated on you. I swear to you on Gram’s grave, I never cheated.” He smothered me with kisses as he backed me up down the hallway. I knew he was taking me to the bedroom. To bed.