He wriggled out of me and disposed of the condom, and we took a shower together. I poured the rich body wash over Roe, allowing the steamy scent of orange and cinnamon to soak into us. “I need to buy this for my place.”
He soaped me up, massaging my ass, and my cock stirred and hardened.
Surprised, I trembled. “Uhh, we can’t.” But I swayed toward him.
His grin shone white and decidedly wicked when his soapy-slick hand rubbed me up and down a few times. “Okay, then we won’t. Have to save something for later tonight.” One final squeeze and he stepped away from me, finished rinsing off, and left me standing under the hot spray of water.
Several deep breaths later, I shut off the water, dried myself off, and stormed into the bedroom, to find the bastard already dressed and grinning.
“You think you’re funny, don’t you?” Naked, I stood before him, and his gaze drifted to my semihard cock.
“I might.” He handed me my clothes. “Here you go. I texted my mother to tell her we’re coming over in a little while. That’ll give you time to settle down.”
Eyes narrowed, I slipped on my clothes. “Good, because I can’t go to your family with a hard-on. Let me dry my hair. Do you have any product I can use?” I combed my fingers through the damp strands.
Lips twitching, he rolled his eyes. “Oh God, that could take forever. And no. Do I look like the type of person who has hair product? What is that, even?”
“Stick with me, and I’ll teach you.” I patted his cheek and gave him a kiss before returning to the bathroom. “You know, the sexy professor is a hot look now. I bet I could get you some modeling jobs if you wanted. You behind a desk, in a pair of dark-rimmed glasses, wearing white or black underwear.” My mind raced. “Or maybe in front of a classroom, lecturing. That would be crazy hot.” The funny thing was, I could see it. And I could see Roe as the model. He had a seriously sexy vibe.
“Because a professor in his underwear in front of a lecture hall full of students is so real-life. You’re deranged.” He snorted and pulled on a pair of socks.
“We aren’t selling reality, Roe. We’re selling hopes and dreams.”
“Believe me, no one ever dreamed they wanted to look like me.”
My smile faded. “Are you kidding me? Do you know how sexy you are?”
A flush of red stained his cheeks. “You’re demented. Go ahead and finish making yourself pretty.”
Shaking my head in frustration, I left him to dry my hair, and when I returned to the bedroom, I discovered he’d disappeared. It made no sense to me that Roe would think he wasn’t desirable and sexy, but as his lover, it was my job to banish those thoughts from his mind.
I found him deep in thought on the living-room couch, where he had one sneaker on and held the other in his hand.
“A penny for them.” I dropped down next to him. “Or these days probably more like a dollar.”
Startled, he gazed at me, and I tensed. I knew that look, and it wasn’t one I wanted to see with my body still humming from our earlier lovemaking. Instead of waiting for his response, I initiated and kissed him, cupping his cheek with my palm.
“Stop overthinking everything. I don’t know why you feel you’re not gorgeous and sexy enough to be a model, but I’m not looking for that in a lover, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I don’t want to be a disappointment. I’m not the type to hang out at chic parties like that time we saw each other at the restaurant opening. It was fun, but I don’t belong in that world. I have nothing to say to those people.”
“You’re being a little judgmental, don’t you think?” I said mildly, struggling not to feel stung by the broad, critical brush he drew. “First of all, they don’t happen that often, and I would never force you to go. But instead of automatically dismissing it, why not go with an open mind. You might enjoy it.” I rubbed my cheek with his, happy when he nudged me back and put his arms around me. “We’d be together. I would enjoy going to one of your lectures or discussions, even though I wouldn’t know what the hell anyone was saying.”
His mouth curved in a generous smile. “Okay, yeah, I get it. It’s like my best friend, Carmen, and her wife, Amy.”
“Right. The couple I met at the restaurant.” I pushed my feet into my loafers. “They were very nice. I liked them.”
“Yeah. Carmen’s a prominent psychologist—in fact, she’s one of the nation’s leading educators on the physical, mental, and social impact of forced separation between children and parents.” Last month Carmen had testified before a Senate subcommittee on the issue, and my heart had swelled with pride when I watched her on C-SPAN. “And Amy’s an artist and sometimes a yoga teacher. They’re miles apart education-wise, but no one has a stronger emotional connection than they do. They have a great marriage because they respect each other.” He skated the pad of his thumb over my cheek. “I’m sorry if I sounded snooty. I guess what you’re saying is, we can share our differences and learn about each other, from each other.”
“Beautyandbrains.” I brushed a kiss over his lips. “I knew you had it all.”
“I do have it all, now that I have you.”
My heart might’ve done a swoony dip at his words. No one had ever said something remotely as romantic to me.
“Ready to face the family?” He finished tying his sneaker, and I took his hand.
“They’re going to be so happy.” Walking down the hallway, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever have the chance to do this with my parents.
