“I am.” His tone turned seductive and his heated expression made my stomach flutter. “It hasn’t been ten days yet, but have you thought about our kiss, Blue Bell?”
“I’m human. So yes,” I squeaked out. His grin grew wider and I fought my own. “Have you?”
He laughed. “Uh, yeah. More than I should be.”
“What does that mean?” I frowned, not liking what his comment meant. Like I wasn’t worthy of thinking about in that way? Or that he regretted it?
“My life is in a weird place and I shouldn’t have distractions, BB, and you are the perfect distraction. Your kiss… Mm. I want more when I get back.” He ran a hand over his jawline, and it entranced me.
“I liked how your beard rubbed against my face,” I blurted out, feeling silly and somehow irresponsible to admit something big. It was too personal and telling. “You know, because it’s rough.”
Sure, that makes it better.
His expression turned more seductive that I could’ve asked for when he smiled. “Imagine how it would feel in other places.”
My answering squeal was embarrassing.
“You’re bright red and, fuck, it’s cute.” He shifted his position against the headboard. “Are you thinking about it between your thighs?”
“Brigham,” I said, holding up my hand as though that would stop the thoughts overtaking my brain. Dirty thoughts. “Brigham.”
“Answer the question, BB.”
“Yes, okay? Yes. And on my face. You’re my first.”
“First…what?” He sat up straighter and a line appeared between his eyebrows—which was not a good sign. We were talking sexy and concern took over. “Sarah, I need you to respond.”
“Uh.” I hesitated.Shit. He’ll lose interest.“You are the first man I’ve kissed with a beard.” I took a breath and found the courage I’d buried deep. “And you would be the first to ever…you know.”
“Go down on you? Fuck you?” he said, the serious look in his eyes changing to curiosity. “Feel free to be as explicit as you want.”
“Okay. Yes to all of it. I’m a virgin, okay? It may or may not be a surprise to you, but it’s true, and I’m getting another call so I have to go.”
“No, you’re not. Don’t run away, Blue.” He spoke with a softness that hadn’t been there before. He was always kind and a little bit too flirty for his own good, but the softness made me feel…special?
Or pathetic? Like he’s handling me with kid gloves?
God, I was all over the place. I groaned and set the phone on the table, letting him see the pleasant view of the ceiling fan rather than my face. Megan and Ethan would tell me to take charge, demand he help me out in that department, but they’d been born with the confidence needed to make those requests.
I was not.
I loved myself, but not my lack of sexual experience. It was a weird pickle to be in.
“Sarah, I want to see your face.”
I picked up the device and made a bleak expression. “There. Happy?”
“Yes. I really am when I talk to you.” His hazel eyes warmed. “I might be going about this the wrong way.”
“What do you mean?”
“Taking my time with you. You said I make you nervous. Can you tell me why?”
“Uh, besides the fact your looks are startling? And you ooze sexual prowess? And you have arms that I want to bite into?” I rambled and hated my lack of filter. If I could purchase one to wear inside my brain, I’d one-click that shit instantly. “You’re also really nice and thoughtful. It’s mixed messages.”
“How is it mixed? All of your reasons sound okay to me.”
“You would say that, since they are all compliments!” I spat out, sweaty and wishing he were here while also being glad he wasn’t. I needed to get my hormones in order. “Look. Why don’t we just talk when you get back?”
