But I don’t want him to stop. Instead, I arch into him, my body responding to his touch like we’ve been doing this for years instead of hours. The towel finally gives way, falling open beneath me.
His hand slides down my side, over my hip, and I enjoy the roughness of his palm against my skin. “You’re playing dirty,” I breathe out.
“Whatever works.” His mouth travels down my neck to the marks he left last night, brushing over them with a gentleness that contrasts with the hunger in his eyes.
I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him closer. “We don’t have time for games.”
“Who’s playing?” He kisses lower, between my breasts, downmy stomach. “I’m dead serious about keeping you here.”
“Then you’d better hurry up—we’ve got five minutes.”
“I can work with that.”
“Just what every girl wants to hear.” My laugh turns into a moan as his mouth finds its destination. All thoughts of the diner fade away as he proves just how persuasive he can be—the town sure can survive without coffee, but I can’t survive without Jericho’s mouth on me anymore.
Later—much later than five minutes—I’m finally getting dressed, searching for my scattered clothes while Jericho watches from the bed, looking entirely too pleased with himself.
“You know Karina’s going to know exactly why I’m late,” I say, pulling on my jeans.
“Good.” His smugness should be annoying, but I find it oddly endearing. “Maybe she’ll tellNickabout it.”
I throw his shirt at him. “Get dressed. You’re driving me to work.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He catches it one-handed, not bothering to hide his grin. “I hopeNickwill be there too.”
Chuckling to myself about this poor Nick fella who’s apparently been in competition with Jericho without even knowing it, I pull my old clothes on and run to my house to change. Thank goodness Grandma is busy with something in her room so I avoid getting grilled before I’ve even had my coffee.
The drive to the diner is quiet, comfortable. His hand finds mine across the console, and I let him hold it, still marveling at how natural this feels. The morning sun glints off the snow, turning the world into a dazzling landscape of white and gold.
My thighs feel a little itchy. Probably from his beard. My insides are a little sore too from taking such a big person after a long hiatus. But neither bothers me, quite the opposite—it makes me feel oddly alive. My hand goes to my chest to fidget with my protective crystal, but I find the spot empty. Looks like I’ve forgotten to put one on for the first time in years.
When we pull up in front of the diner, I can see Karina through the window, already busy with the morning rush. I’m usually there, battling the grumpy morning people by her side, but today I’m late. For the first time since I’ve taken over.
I hesitate, my hand on the door handle.
“What?” Jericho asks, watching me.
“Nothing. Just—” I turn to face him. “This just feels… not real.”
“What?”
“This.” I gesture between him and me. “Us. Me being with someone.”
His expression softens. “It feels unreal to me too, Nora. Despite my extraordinary abilities, I haven’t had much experience with relationships.”
“Extraordinary, huh?” I ask, watching his smug face—he looks so boyish, so carefree. Like he’s a teenager sneaking out of the house.
His eyes darken. “I’m more than happy to repeat the performance.”
“Right now?”
He leans back and pats his thighs with his big palms. “Get on and find out.”
Seeing this look on his face makes me nearly double over with laughter. “Who is this new, unhinged Jericho?”
His smile drops. “Do you like him?”
The feeling that I might have accidentally spooked him makes my gut turn, so I wiggle in my seat to move closer tohim. Cupping his face with my hands, I lean into him. “Yes, Jericho. I like him a lot. Bring him around more often.”
