Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“Thank you. That hit the spot.”
I take my last bite of pasta and wipe my mouth. “There’s dessert.” I nod toward the container of Rice Krispies treats. He immediately reaches for the container and pulls off the lid. “Oh damn, you’re my favorite person.” He grabs two and shoves half of one into his mouth.
“Those are all yours. You can take the time to chew,” I tease.
He swallows. “Too good. You want one? I might be willing to share.”
“Yeah? What do I have to do to get a treat that I made?”
“You have to watch a movie with me.” His eyes twinkle.
What he doesn’t know is I would have said yes without the promise of a Rice Krispies treat.
“Fine. I’ll watch a movie with you.” I sigh. “Now, hand over the goods.”
Instead of handing me the container, he takes the second Rice Krispies treat in his hand and holds it up to my mouth. His eyes are locked on mine. When he gets close, I open my mouth and accept a bite of the sticky treat.
“Good girl,” he says huskily.
Ruined. My panties are ruined. Needing some space to cool down my hormones, I step back and busy myself cleaning up.
“I’ll do that. You made dinner.”
“You worked way more hours than me this week. Go fire up this movie you cornered me into, and I’ll be right there.”
“Any preference on what we watch?” he asks.
“I’m not picky. I can watch anything.”
“Okay.” He grabs another treat from the container before placing the lid back on. I turn to the sink to rinse the dishes and still when I feel his hard body behind mine. He wraps his arms around my shoulders from behind and kisses my cheek. “Thank you for everything, Court.” He’s gone, taking his heat with him way too soon.
Lines are starting to blur, and for the first time in my life, I’m not going to erase them.
I startle awake when I feel myself moving. It takes me a minute to realize Merrick is carrying me. “Merrick?”
“Shh, go back to sleep, baby.”
“Where are you taking me to? I can walk.”
“I can carry you. We fell asleep,” he says, his voice groggy.
“I should go.”
“It’s late. You should stay here.”
My heart starts to race. I’m an adult; I can spend the night at a guy’s house. It’s fine. Everything is fine. I’ve never had a sleepover. The few very limited sexual experiences I’ve had have been “wham, bam, thank you, ma’am,” and either he or I bailed immediately after. So, sleeping over, that’s new for me.
He pushes open a bedroom door with his foot, and his scent surrounds us. “Is this the spare room?”
“Mine,” he mumbles.
“I can sleep in the spare.”
“No bed in there.”
“The couch was fine.”
“You’re not sleeping on my couch. My bed is huge, and we’re both adults; you’ll sleep with me.”
I’m suddenly wide awake. “Merrick—” I start, but him placing me on the bed stops whatever plea I was about to make. He flips on the small lamp on the nightstand and illuminates the room.
My eyes follow him as he reaches into his dresser and grabs a T-shirt before walking back to where I’m sitting and handing it to me. “You can sleep in this.”
“Really, I can drive home. I’m wide awake now.” It’s not a lie. I’m on high alert.
“I don’t want to worry about you. Come on, get changed, and we’ll get some sleep. I’m taking you to breakfast in the morning. I’d offer to cook, but I need groceries.”
Fight for what you want.
Instead of fighting against what I know others might think is right, I do what I want. My knees shake as I stand with the shirt in my hand. Merrick gives me a sleepy smile and a nod.
“Bathroom. Extra toothbrushes under the sink.”
“Thank you, Merrick.” I don’t stick around for him to reply. My wobbly knees carry me to the bathroom. I close the door softly and twist the lock just in case. Bracing my hands on the counter, I count to ten and do it three more times. Looking up into the mirror, my eyes are bright, and even I can see the happiness in them at the idea of sleeping next to Merrick Kincaid, even if it is platonic.
I know I’m not getting any sleep tonight, but that’s okay. I don’t want to miss a minute of this night. It might very well be my first and last night in his bed, and that’s something not to be missed. For the first time in my life, I’m taking what I want and pushing all thoughts and doubts out of my mind.
When I open the bedroom door, I see Merrick standing at the foot of the bed. “All set?” he asks.
“Yes.” I tug at his T-shirt. It’s big on me, hanging to midthigh. He can’t see anything, but I did remove my bra. Not that he notices. He keeps his eyes locked on mine. Merrick is a good guy. I’m certain his eye placement is for my benefit and to make me feel more comfortable about this. He knows me so well, just after a few weeks.