Personally, I enjoy this position.A lot.It’s one of my favorites.But there are better options for a woman with fresh stitches in her behind.
I stand up, pull the blankets across her body, and lift her from the couch.
“No, Evander!I don’t want to stop!”
I laugh as I look down at the pretty woman in my arms.Her face is smooth and innocent, but now I know better.Just a moment ago, her eyes were glazed over with sexual desire.She was panting and flushed.I had the pleasure of watching her go from zero to sixty in just seconds.
I like that in a non-virgin.
“We’re not stopping, just recalibrating.”I place a nice kiss on her mouth.Even after I pull my lips from hers, her eyes remain closed, like she’s savoring the sensation.I see those adorable freckles.I notice the faint smile on those pillowy pink lips.
And as I study her, something in my chest twists.Expands.And takes up residence.
Phoebe said she doesn’t expect anything from me once we’re home.
Yeah, well, fuck that.
BecauseI expect something from myself.I’m a SEAL.A MacLaine.I’ve known this woman since we were kids.Whatever this is, it doesn’t fall into the “quick-hook-up” column for either of us.
Maybe what I told Melissa yesterday about not being interested in starting a relationship—was that justyesterday?—maybe that was a lie.Just more of my usual bullshit.A reflex.
I’ve said it enough over the years that it’s automatic.
But here’s the truth: I didn’t want a relationship withher.
Phoebe’s eyes open and she looks up at me.I smile at her.
Maybe I’ve always had my own just-in-case clause, even if I didn’t realize it.
And she’s in my arms right now.
So what do I expect from myself?I expect that I’ll do my best to get to know Phoebe.I’ll make sure she understands how special she is to me.I’ll be man enough to explore what might be possible between us.
Maybe it’s time.Maybe I’m ready for a truly good woman.
I don’t know what to call my feelings for Phoebe, but I do know they go far beyond any insurance salesman slogan.
Which is a first for me.I don’t know what to do with that.
“Where are we going, Evander?”
I realize I’ve been standing still with Phoebe in my arms.The fire is dying down.The wind hasn’t let up and I hear the ongoing creaks and groans of this building.A thin layer of old clapboard is the only thing protecting us from what’s going on outside.
I’d forgotten where I was.All I saw was Phoebe.
“Hey,” I say.“I’ll change your bandage and make sure everything’s good.”
“I’m fine.Nothing’s popped.Just some pulling.”
“I still need to check.”
I lower her to the floor and position her on her side.I put two more logs on the fire and check out our wood supply with some concern.I’d say we have one more day of fuel at the most, and that’s it.I’ll have to start cannibalizing the outhouse for wood after that.
Not looking forward to operating a chainsaw in these conditions.
“Do you want me on my stomach?”
I snicker.Yep, I sure as hell do.But not the first time.
