Chapter Twenty-Two
Joel
I wokeup with a jolt and my heart racing out of my chest. I realized very quickly that I was alone in bed because since I’d started sleeping with David, I’d always woken up wrapped around him like a vine. I reached for his side and was happy that it was still warm, which meant he hadn’t been gone that long. I shifted over so I was lying on his warm spot.
His pillow smelled of him, which took me back to last night. It had been hands down the best night of my life. I smiled to myself at the thought. It seemed as though each night with David now topped any of the previous nights.
During our lovemaking, I nearly blurted out that I loved him, and it was only my mind-blowing orgasm that stopped me from doing so by rendering me speechless. I hadn’t missed David’s declaration either. He’d said he was falling for me. I took a deep breath to take in his scent and burrowed further into the cozy sheets.
David came back shortly after with two mugs of coffee and two custard tarts. I sat up and tapped on my side of the bed for David to join me. My mind still struggled to believe I was lucky enough to have this man to myself, but I wasn’t going to complain.
“You can bring me coffee in bed any day you want, but we’ll have to talk about your choice of breakfast,” I teased but still devoured my tart in three bites.
Apart from the walking we’d done on vacation and, of course, all the sex, I couldn’t say I’d been very active. My legs were itching for some exercise, so I suggested we both go to the beach for a run once we finished our coffees.
I was glad it wasn’t as hot today as it had been in the last few weeks, and there were even a few clouds in the sky. They were due to clear in the afternoon, but it made the run a whole lot more comfortable.
“Let’s do a sprint to that lifeguard station over there,” David said once we’d jogged a mile to warm up.
“Loser cooks dinner tonight,” I said, sprinting immediately ahead.
My muscles were feeling the sudden strain, but I enjoyed the burn before the muscles acclimatized to the push. I got to the lifeguard station first and turned around to brag but found David not even trying to win.
“You didn’t even try, and it was your idea.”
I poked him in the ribs.
“I was going to try, but then your ass, those shorts.” He shrugged. “Suddenly, winning from the back felt like the best idea ever.”
I laughed. “Besides, you know you’re cooking dinner anyway.”
We ran for another few miles and then turned back.
“Hey, let's stop by Pedro’s for a drink,” he said.
“Okay.”
Pedro was in his usual good mood and seemed happy to see us again. He asked what we’d been up to, so we told him about the trip.
When Pedro had to go back to serve other customers, we were left on our own, enjoying the cold drinks while looking out to the sea.
I wanted to tell David about Max coming to stay with me for the next week, but every time I thought about it, I chickened out. In the beginning, I didn’t want to mention it because we were still getting our friendship back on track but, but after, it just felt like I’d be bursting our bubble. Now that Max was due to arrive in two days, I didn’t have a choice.
“David, there’s something I have to tell you.”
“What’s that?” he asked. His expression was so open as though there was no chance of me saying anything that could hurt him.
“You remember I told you about my friend, Max? Well, after my parents died and we read the will, we decided to come together. He’s been my best friend for years, David, and I needed him to be here with me.”
I knew I was rambling, but I just couldn’t stop myself, and David hadn’t stopped me either, so I carried on. “He couldn’t take much time off work, but he secured a week off, so that’s why he’s only coming for a week. Yeah, it’s um… only a week he’s here, and he’s staying with me, in the apartment. He arrives the day after tomorrow.”
David laughed, and I did a double take.
“What?” I was confused. Why was he laughing?
“How long have you been putting off telling me your friend is coming?”
“A while? I wasn’t sure how you’d react at first, and then there wasn’t a good time. You know, with us jumping each other’s bones at every chance?” I whispered, trying to avoid prying ears.
