Words dissolve when she meets me stroke for stroke, hips bucking in frantic sync. She tenses suddenly, her cry sharp against the pillows. "Yes, yes,yes—"
I follow her over the edge seconds later, my own release tearing through me like wildfire. We collapse in a tangle of limbs, hearts hammering against each other’s skin, the only sound filling the room is our ragged breathing.
Discarding the condom, I pull her into my arms. She snuggles against my side, her head finding the perfect spot on my shoulder.
"Fuck—" She leave the word hanging.
"You are amazing," I supply, brushing her hair back from her face.
She smiles, her eyes closing in contentment. "Aren't you glad I won our bet?"
I laugh, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Absolutely I am."
We lie there in comfortable silence for a few moments, allowing our hearts to slow. I trail lazy patterns on her back, enjoying the feel of her skin against mine.
Her fingers trace idle patterns across my sternum. "So. The neck thing." I feel her smirk against my skin.
I grin up at the ceiling. "The neck thing."
"Just so we're clear..." She props herself up on one elbow, eyes gleaming with mischief despite her thoroughly fucked appearance. "I'm still the reigning champion of this mountain."
I capture her wandering hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "Keep telling yourself that, Shortcake."
Chapter thirty-eight
Charlie
I can't stop smiling at my phone like a complete idiot. Bash and I have been texting all morning since I woke up to find him already gone—a note on his pillow saying he had plans with Tyler but would see me tonight.
My phone buzzes again.
Miss you, Shortcake.
Bash
We've been back from Aspen for three days, and somehow being apart still feels strange after spending a week practically glued to each other's sides. I type back quickly.
I miss you. What are you up to?
Tyler's dragging me to the gym. Says I've gone soft from all that holiday food.
Want to join? He says he needs to "assess your fitness level" now that you're dating his best friend
Bash
I snort, tucking my feet under me on the couch. Lily's out with her publishing friends, so I have the apartment to myself. Just me, my coffee, and apparently an invitation to exercise.
Hard pass.
Sorry, I'm allergic to physical activity unless it involves getting naked with you, or winter sports.
That can be arranged. I'll tell Tyler to find another gym buddy.
Bash
DON'T YOU DARE!!! We have dinner plans tonight, remember?
How could I forget? Can't wait to see you.
