“Damn. Sorry. I was going to go shower after working out when Tilly came by.” Smith looked Erin over, taking in the loose navy pants and sweatshirt—pullover. She looked dressed for comfort, not seduction. Simultaneously disappointed he wouldn’t be getting sex and thrilled she’d come by to be with him, he tried to shrug off any feelings of discomfort. She kept staring at his tattoo.
“That’s so cool. Did it hurt?”
He wanted to invite her to trace it with her finger. Then her tongue. He coughed and prayed he could get to the shower before he showed her just how hungry he was. “Ah, I don’t remember. Hey, make yourself at home. In fact, would you mind making us some coffee while I shower? Then you can sit back and relax. I’ll make breakfast.”
“You can cook?”
“Passably. But when it comes to breakfast, I’m a master.” He turned away, glaring down at an erection he could no longer hide. “I won’t be long. I swear.”
He had himself in the bathroom and clean in minutes. Before he could turn the water temperature to cold, to relax his still aroused body, he heard the bathroom door open.
Then a knock. “Smith?”
He pulled the curtain back to peek around it and saw Erin standing there.
Naked.
He couldn’t speak.
“You told me it was up to me.”
“Up to you?” Had his voice ever sounded so deep?Fuck me. She’s naked.And goddamn gorgeous. He couldn’t look away.
“Yes.” Erin walked forward, pulled back the curtain, and stepped into the shower with him. “I’m saying when. Right now.”
Chapter Eleven
Since Smith couldn’t seem to form words, just staring at her and making her more than self-conscious, Erin brazened it out. She’d been going over this moment since last night, when she’d come to the realization that Smith meant more to her than just a friend.
Though Erin would have loved to be able to have a booty call and leave it at that, she didn’t feel comfortable having sex with a stranger. She knew Smith, not as much as she wanted to, but enough to know he protected those he cared about, wasn’t a user, and didn’t like playing emotional games.
And wow, did he like her. She tried not to focus on that monster between his legs, but a woman would have to be unconscious not to notice his size and excitement. She’d already had two orgasms from the man but had yet to see him naked. She could honestly say she’d never seen a better-looking man in all her life.
It wasn’t that he was handsome. He was, but she’d seen prettier and more refined men. It had to do with the way he’d been put together, all muscle and form, and the way he moved.
Well, maybe not right now, because he seemed frozen in the shower.
“Um, you’re blocking all the hot water.”
He continued to stare at her, looking her up and down, his gaze focusing on her breasts and below her belly, where she’d carefully groomed in preparation for today.
It had taken a lot of courage to make the first move. But he’d told her he’d wait for her, and good as his word, he continued to wait.
“So, um, are you interested? In me, I mean?” A stupid question, obviously, but the more he didn’t talk, the more nervous she became. Was it possible she’d misread the whole situation?
Then Smith let loose a barrage of swear words, burning her ears. He moved to the side so she could get some hot water, then he backed her against the cold tile, his hands on her shoulders.
“You… I just…” He looked into her eyes once more, and his strong hands settled on her shoulders. “I could come just looking at you.”
“Aw, you say the sweetest things.” She grinned.
He groaned and closed his eyes. When he opened them, they looked so dark, the green blending with his pupils. “I didn’t think we’d get to this today. Maybe not ever.”
“Really?” She stroked his chest, watching the water trickle down over so much dense muscle. His abs clenched and his cock bobbed. Up close, it was even more impressive. Smith really wanted her. The realization warmed inside and out.
“I mean, I’ve been wanting you from the first. But…” He swallowed. “I thought maybe after our day at the market that I did something wrong.”
“No. It was me, not you.” She traced his ribs, enamored with how he reacted to her touch.
