Aerin smiled. ‘I think he’d be brilliant at it. He’s such a sweet old thing.’
Drake began to unbutton his business shirt. ‘Do you want a shower before bed?’
‘Are you having one?’
His eyes darkened to pitch. ‘Want to join me?’
She walked over to him as if programmed like a robot to do everything he commanded. ‘Sounds like fun.’
He gave a wolfish smile and peeled the clothes from her body, feasting on her naked form. Aerin stood proudly before him, thrilled at the way he found her so desirable. She set to work on his clothes, enjoying the sight of him fully aroused. He took her by the hand and led her to his luxurious bathroom. The shower was one of those open ones that was big enough for a crowd. He turned on the rainwater shower and once the water was the right temperature, they stepped under the spray.
Aerin tilted her head back, enjoying the water pressure but enjoying even more the pressure building in her body at Drake’s closeness. Their wet bodies were locked together under the cascading water, the sensuality of it spine-tingling.
He kissed her firmly, passionately, desperately as if it had been years instead of hours since they last kissed. His hands glided down her wet body, stroking, caressing, stirring her senses into overdrive. He lowered his mouth to each of her breasts, then got on his knees and parted her intimate folds with his fingers, and then caressed her with his lips and tongue.
The orgasm hit her like a crashing wave, pulsing through her so violently she cried out and shook uncontrollably. Drake held her by the hips to stabilise her, the ripples and aftershocks still rumbling through her until finally they dissipated.
Drake straightened and pulled her close to his hardened form, his eyes gleaming in triumph. ‘I love watching you come.’
Aerin was still trying to catch her breath. She placed her hands on his chest, stroking his rock-hard muscles and delighting in the heat and strength of him. She moved down his body as he had done to her, intent on subjecting him to the same intimate caress. She took him in her mouth and drew on him, confident now on how to pleasure him. He buckled at the knees and groaned but she kept going, emboldened by the way he was responding to her. He tensed and then spilled his essence, a low deep groan escaping from his lips and his whole body shuddering in the aftermath.
Aerin straightened and smiled at him. ‘You sounded like you had a good time too.’
Drake gathered her close in a warm hug, his breathing still ragged. ‘The best.’
Aerin was at work the following day with her friends Harper and Ruby. She’d had no choice but to tell them where she was currently staying because Ruby had suggested dropping by her flat that evening after work.
‘You’re staying with Drake Cawthorn?’ Ruby’s eyes almost bulged out of her head. ‘But why?’
Aerin explained about Mr McPhee’s stroke and Mutley needing a temporary home while Mr McPhee was in the rehabilitation centre. ‘And I like being with Drake.’
‘You’re in love with him,’ Harper said.
‘Yes, I think I am.’ Aerin sighed and continued, ‘Strike that. I know I am.’
‘How many boxes does he tick on your checklist?’ Harper asked.
‘Not many.’
‘How many?’ Ruby asked.
Aerin rose from her chair and paced the room. ‘I think I made a mistake writing a checklist. I mean, how many people could tick every box? I know he’s not perfect, but then nor am I. But I can’t imagine life without him now. I love being with him.’
‘Neither of us can tell you what to do,’ Harper said. ‘Ruby and I have been in your situation—in love with a man who we thought could never love us back. But I’m reluctant to say things will work out for you like they did for us because life doesn’t always work out the way we want.’
‘I know and I’m being careful.’
‘But moving in with him?’ Ruby said, frowning. ‘What do your parents and brother think?’
‘They don’t know we’re seeing each other. Anyway, I’m only staying with him until Mr McPhee comes home from rehab and can take Mutley back.’
Harper and Ruby exchanged worried looks.
‘Please stop worrying about me,’ Aerin said. ‘I do enough of that myself. I know this is crazy. I know it but I can’t help myself. I love Drake and I want to be with him.’
‘Have you told him how you feel?’ Harper asked.
‘No.’