“We don’t have to do anything. Whatever you want. I’m content with staying right here for the entire day.”
“Me, too.” It slips out as a whisper.
I turn my head to glance up at Jude and decide I’ll take a chance and drift up to graze his lips and say, “Thank you.”
TWENTY-THREE
JUDE
She’s tipping my world on its head, flipping everything. The glint in her eyes is magnetic and drawing me in closer. I slide my hand to hold her face, feeling the spark of electricity on my skin, and kiss her back. Our lips move together in unison. She reaches up, her fingers threading through my hair as she pulls me closer. I slide my tongue along the seam of her lips, and as they part, our tongues meet in a dance that makes her utterly irresistible.
This kiss is awakening emotions within me I always knew existed but never experienced with such intensity. With each brush of our tongues, my heart feels like it’s bursting out of my chest. My hands itch to explore, to trace the curves of her body and touch those hidden places that bring her pleasure. I resist, choosing instead to savor the moment of being with her.
She pulls away slightly and says, “I need some water.”
In a flash, I crawl over her and reach for the bottle off the nightstand. Once I settle back on the bed, I hand it to her and watch as she lifts it to those luscious, swollen lips. Her neck stretches, each movement pleading for tender kisses. Every time I gaze at her, the thought of holding her close for the rest of the day consumes me. I focus only on ensuring her well-being during her recovery today, and I am here for her.
“Refreshing?” I ask as she puts the water bottle back on the nightstand.
“Yes…”
Through the French doors, sunlight shines, highlighting her form in bed. It’s like a spotlight with an invitation to enjoy every moment with her. I memorize every detail, from the crinkle of her left eye to the purple smudges under her eyes. Her hair stands defiantly on one side while lying flat on the other. It doesn’t matter. She remains as stunning as ever.
“Yeah, it was.” Moving my lips to kiss her ear, I whisper, “I love the way you feel in my arms and on my lips.”
This is a daring move, but I’m committed. I want her to see that our connection is like no other, and we need to capture this moment. My heart pounds so hard and fast it might explode out of my chest. The electric charge between us is unmatched.
We shift to our sides, facing one another. I wrap my arms around her body and lift her so she rests her head on my chest. It’s exactly where I want her to be, and the thought of her being mine again plays in my mind.
“It’s great that you’re feeling better. Watching you last night was tough, and I couldn’t do anything to ease your symptoms.” My chest constricts with the thought.
“It was awful, but having you here was comforting,” she says with one hand on my chest.
“I’m happy to have been at the right place at the right time last night.” I kiss her forehead and say, “You’re beautiful.”
The words pour out of me. I’m consumed by my feelings for her, torn between the desire for a second chance and the fear of rejection. I hope she might consider it, but doubt lingers in the back of my mind.
“And you’re handsome.” She leans up and presses a kiss to my cheek. “How did you end up at my door last night? I assume Kendall.”
“She saw me walking by the pool and asked if I could bring you the waters. She told me you weren’t feeling well. I was more than happy to bring them to you.” I brush my fingers through her hair and rub her head.
The moan that escapes her lips has my dick on high alert. Stand down, not now. I’m certain she can feel it as she rests against me with her leg just close enough to feel it.
She moves slightly. “I’m going to take a quick shower. I feel disgusting from sweating all night.” Then, she lifts herself out of bed and makes her way to the bathroom.
“Alright, while you’re doing that, I’ll order some food. Any special requests?” I pick up the menu from that table.
From over her shoulder, she says, “Fruit, eggs, and toast. Please and thank you.”
“Okay, no problem.” It feels comfortable to be in her presence—it’s easy.
While she showers, I order room service and pick up the empty water bottles and packets and throw them in the trash. When she gets out of the shower, I want her to relax.
I hear her call from the bathroom. “Jude, do you mind grabbing me that purple dress on the hanger?”
“No problem,” I say, as I walk over to the closest to grab the dress she requested and bring it to the bathroom door. It is ajar with her hand sticking out. “Here you go. Need something else?”
“Nope, I’m good. Just give me a few minutes, and I’ll be out,” she says as the door closes.
