Even though Sailor and I split nearly a year ago.
Rachel shakes her head emphatically, her chestnut hair flying. “Just because your ex was a cheater doesn’t mean a damn thing about this guy.”
I finger the charm. “It’s all a lot easier in books.”
“Maybe,” she says with a sympathetic smile. “But sometimes you just want to live your own story, you know?”
What if it’s not about the timing? Maybe I’m the obstacle, my own worries, my mistrust, my fear ofgetting hurt again holding me back. Yes, Drew and I have our challenges. Is the biggest one…me?
“Ugh. Stop being wise.” I shoo her out with a potholder and shut the door. Then I rest against it, thinking over the last few weeks of getting to know Drew.
Something deep and true is happening between us.
He said as much tonight. I’ve been feeling it too. Which seems wild and risky, but also, it’s so real.
I return to the kitchen, checking on the chicken dish as it cools. After I set out utensils and napkins, I settle in at the counter and dive back into my new book, a romance novel that Rachel turned me onto—Top-Notch Boyfriend. The opening hooked me, and I’m eager to dive back in.
But I can’t stay focused on the pages. Even though books have always been my escape, I can’t seem to run from this drumbeat in my heart. It’s loud and insistent, telling me to ask for what I want.
It’s telling me to take a chance.
To ride the wave.
To put myself out there.
Seconds later, the doorbell rings, and I race to the door, ready to blurt out,I want to try.
But Drew’s faster. “Bed. Now. I’m making good on our deal right fucking now, then the next night and the next and the next.”
I blink, then just rasp out ayes.
My normal sex worries swim up once I’m on my back on the bed, but not like they used to. Not as loud. Not as annoying.
“I’ve got you tonight,” Drew whispers as he climbs over me, his voice smoky as he smothers my neck in kisses. My neck is his playground, and he covers it in caresses, gentle kisses, then hungrier nips.
When he presses his lips to the hollow of my throat, my stomach flips. Then he moves down my body, pushes up my skirt, and pulls down my panties.
He groans in appreciation, then he moves back up me, grabs his phone from the mattress and his earbuds too. “I’ve got a sex hack for you. Put these on. I know you like dirty talk, and my mouth is about to be occupied with your sweet pussy.”
It takes a beat to register what he’s done, but then I get it. I smile wickedly as I pop in the earbuds.
A few seconds later, he’s talking to me in my ears as he moves down my body.
Oh.
Wow.
That feels so good.
Then it’s even better when the recording he made of his own sexy voice plays.
You’re so slick and wet. You taste so fucking sweet.
He kisses me.
Rock those hips against my face.
I obey, arching into him. He kisses me ravenously, licking sensual lines up and down.