On the days Gina worked, or rather slept, the hours passed by slowly until he knew it was late enough to text her. Afraid of disturbing her rest, Matt rarely sent a message before three. He’d think of her curled up on her bed alone in the attic bedroom, shades drawn to block out the sun. Did she dream of him as he did of her?
You should be here with me, bunny.
If she were, he’d take care of her and make sure she got enough sleep.
She rarely did.
Of that, he was certain.
Just this past Wednesday, the morning dawned stormy, thunder cracking so loudly it woke him. Not wanting Gina to get caught in the rain, he went to the hospital to give her a ride home. Exhausted after her sixth twelve-hour shift in a row, she passed out beside him before he could make the right turn onto Halsted Street from Wellington.
There was something about this girl, and it fueled a desire within him to protect and provide for her. So, instead of taking Gina to the townhouse on Willow Street, Matt brought her home to Park Place. He wrapped her in a blanket, carried her in his arms, ran through the rain, and laid her on his bed.
And through all of it, she slept.
Gina didn’t wake until ten hours later, when she sat up in his bed, rubbing her eyes. “Where am I?”
“Home.” And he kissed her, sleepy breath and all.
Now that Tony and her parents were aware of their relationship, Gina spent most of her time off with him. She even brought some clothes and personal items to keep there. He couldn’t help but smile every time he stepped into the bathroom and saw her shampoo in the shower and her perfume by the sink. They went grocery shopping together, weeded the flower beds, and picked out a tree to plant. Japanese cherry, because according to the salesperson at the garden center, it represents the sweetness of love and new beginnings.
“I can’t wait to smell the blossoms in spring,” she said, her hands sliding down inside the seat of his jeans as she held him against her.
Matt didn’t have the heart to tell her it would be a year or two before she saw them, so he kissed her instead.
“Can we plant peonies in the fall?” Gina held onto his shoulders, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “They’re my favorite.”
“Whatever you want, bunny.”
She smiled. “Some hostas, too, I think.”
He’d do anything, buy her the moon if she asked for it, just to see that smile.
A gentle breeze blew onto the balcony where they’d spent the night watching the rain and making love on the outdoor bed. It would heat up later, but for now, in this hour before sunrise, the July air was comfortably cool. Matt watched her as she slept. Wisps of dark hair fluttering about her face. The even rise and fall of her chest.
He hated to wake her, but it was a long drive up to the lake house, and with the holiday traffic, they’d have to leave early ifthey wanted to get there before noon. His fingertips skimmed the curve of her hip while he leaned over to kiss the tender skin beneath her ear. “Time to wake up, baby.”
“Nooo.” Gina rolled over with a groan, her hand reaching for his dick. She held it against her belly, cuddling the stiffening organ like a security blanket. “I’m not ready to get up yet.”
“Is that why you’re getting me up?” He placed his hand over hers. “You wanna fuck, bunny?”
“You never have to ask.” And her sweet lips swept across his. “I always want you.”
“Oh, but I do.” Staring into those hazel eyes that changed color, Matt brushed the hair back from her face. “See, I need to hear you say it.”
“I want you.”
That’s my girl.
Her appetite was as insatiable as his own. Gina could keep up with him and still cry for more. Matt pushed two fingers into her hot, wet hole, the swollen, well-fucked tissue clamping down on them. “Does it hurt?”
“Ah,” she moaned, holding his wrist between her legs. “Please don’t stop.”
He gazed at the marks left behind on her skin. His fingerprints at her throat. On her hips. Had he taken things too far, too fast, last night? She was such a delicate flower, but it made him crazy to be inside her.
“And don’t hold back.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
