“The truth. Always,” I replied without hesitation.
The truth, no matter how raw or unsettling, was always better than a pretty lie.
His eyes darkened. “I stroked myself in the shower, thinking of you, but it wasn’t enough. When I tried to sleep, all I could hear was that little sound you made when I kissed you today. So I fucked my hand again, but it didn’t help—because somehow, you’ve embedded yourself in my mind.”
I swallowed hard, closing my eyes. His breath was so close, his hands grazed my skin, igniting it immediately.
“I, uh, well, I’m glad the fresh cold air helped then.”
That was silly. Why did I say that? No, what I really wanted to say was that I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I, too, couldn’tsleep because all that was on my mind was the way he consumed the space in my house.
He frowned as I pressed a bag of pecans and a rolling pin against his chest. “Could you crush these for me?”
“Sure,” he replied, shaking his head slightly as he moved to the other side of the island, laying the pecans out and beginning to roll the pin over them.
“I . . .”
“Yeah?”
“I thought we agreed to be roommates. Getting... physical would definitely blur that line.”
He nodded, eyes focused on the task as he continued to smash the pecans.
I turned to the mixer, adding baking powder, salt, vanilla, and flour before flicking it on, trying to keep my focus on the recipe.
“It would blur the line,” Austin murmured, pausing his movements. “But what if I told you I had an idea?”
I switched off the mixer and met his gaze. “Then I’d say I’m open to hearing it.”
He set down the rolling pin and walked over to me, opening the bag of crushed pecans and dumping them into the bowl. He grabbed the bag of chocolate chips, reaching across me to pour them in, and suddenly, I was pinned between his body and the granite, my chest smashed against his. I expected him to pull back, but instead, he leaned down, his breath warm against my ear.
“I think I have a way to fix the problem we’re having.”
My pulse quickened. “What problem?”
“The one where I want so badly to worship every step you take... if you’d let me.”
I tried to laugh, but it came out rougher than I intended, betraying the effect he had on me.
“We’re married. We aren’t seeing anyone else.”
“Mhmm.” It was all I could muster as he turned on the mixer, and I watched as the dough came together.
“We’re two adults with needs,” Austin murmured. “I can keep things separate—physical and emotional. Friends... with benefits.”
“Friends with benefits?”
The idea was foreign, thrilling; I’d never had a one-night stand, never crossed that line.
“There has to be something like this on your list. Tell me.”
I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of him so close. The sixth list item flashed in my mind.“I wanted to have a one-night stand with someone,” I whispered.
“Well, Mrs. Honey,” he purred, fingers tracing my jaw, “it might not bejustone night, but I promise—I can keep the physical separate from the emotional.”
“You swear?” I whispered, almost pleading. “It can’t get messy. It’s already starting to?—”
“Shhh.” He shook his head, his curls brushing my forehead as he leaned down, his hands strong on my waist. “No, that’s where you’re wrong. There’s no mess here. You’re my wife. Let me worship every inch of you.”
