Nothing is rushed about it. It isn’t intense or hot or passionate. It feels intimate.Too intimate.Like I really amtelling him what’s on my mind, but I’m not all too sure if it will be enough for him.
His thumb lands on my clit, increasing the pressure until I convulse around his cock. He picks up his pace, finding his release quickly after mine before lying there for what feels like an eternity.
I cling to him like he’s my lifeline as he picks us both up from the bathtub.Water drips off us as he sets me down on the toweled floor. A shiver wracks me at the sudden loss of heat, but it quickly dissipates as something warm, fuzzy, and white drapes over my shoulders.
With another, Nate squeezes the water out of my hair before drying off the rest of my body. He works his way back up my arms and legs, circling to leave a chaste kiss on my lips.
Then another.
And another.
Like a drug addict wanting to quit but still looking for his fix.
Before I know it, he leaves the bathroom and comes back in with a set of his own clothes. “I couldn’t find your pjs, so I hope this works instead.”
Nate walks out without another word, and a bittersweet smile makes its way onto my face.
He couldn’t find them because there were none.
I thought we were going to be wrapped up in the sheets all weekend. No need for clothes when I had him to keep me warm. But things don’t always turn out the way you expect.I’ve learned that lesson countless times before, but I guess I needed the reminder.
I make my way out of the bathroom to find Nate in a similar state of dressed, holding a manila envelope and staring as though it’s his greatest downfall.
His eyebrows perk up in shock at my presence, and he quickly hides the thing behind his back. But not before I catch a glimpse of the words scribbled in black Sharpie on its front.
Thought I’d do you a favor.
“What was that?” I ask, curiosity getting the best of me. There’s something somber about it, ominous—like the favor was the opposite of what it claimed it to be.
“Nothing to worry about.” Nate carries on casually. “It’s just a work thing.”
The words are unspoken—don’t approach—and as nosy as I was, I respected Nate enough to abide by his wishes. Still, it made no sense. Why would a work thing follow him tomychemistry conference? Across an ocean, no less.
“We’ve got an early flight tomorrow morning. We should probably head to sleep.” He shifts the subject.
I nod in agreement, not liking where our night has taken us.
Despite the newfound tension, there’s no arguing over who’s taking the bed or the couch. Still, that doesn’t stop him from staying at the very edge—his back turned in my direction.
I follow suit, staring in the opposite direction for what feels like an eternity.The silence stretches on until I roll again, andstare at the ceiling in a daze, wondering how we wound up here.
Nate might be far away, but his presence was still so large, so imposing.
From afar, I could see how someone could mistake Nate as scary, but deep down inside, he’s one big, protective softy. With a heart of gold and arms so warm, I could happily die in them.
Falling asleep next to him was always easier. Mornings seemed brighter whenever he was around. Even bad days felt manageable when he offered a smile. Somewhere along the way, I became co-dependent on hispresence. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d have to go without it.
“Hey, Nate,” I say low enough to test if he's still awake.
“Yes, Vivienne?” he answers almost right away.
The use of my full name doesn’t go unnoticed, and that breaks something deep within me.
“Could you hold me until I fall asleep?”
He breathes in sharply, his chest freezing mid-rise. I’m convinced he’s going to turn me down until therustling of sheets erupts, and he turns, arms open for me.
I weasel my way toward him, letting him spoon me. Tender fingers run through my wet hair till I’m dizzy and tired, but I’m conscious enough to be aware of what’s happening.
