“No, not mad.” He took a sip of wine, avoiding her gaze. “I don’t even know what I’m feeling, to be honest.”
“Are you jealous of my loser ex-boyfriend?”
“Yeah, maybe.” He sank into the chair. “I kind of feel like punching him in the head.”Join the club.“And, for what it’s worth, his band is terrible.”
“I love you, Cary.” She stood from the couch and walked over to the desk. “Not him.”
“I know, babe.” He swiveled the chair and tugged her onto his lap. She laughed, light and surprised, just before his lips found hers. The kiss was soft but lingering, his tongue tasting faintly of something fruity—definitely not Penfolds Grange, but something similar.
“I want you,” he whispered, sliding down her bra strap. He touched her bare breast with one hand while the other hand skirted up her sundress. She stopped him mid-thigh and shook her head. “What’s wrong? I know I acted like a jerk, but please let me make it up to you.”
“I got my period a few hours ago,” she said, almost apologizing. “But we can do other stuff.”
“Are you not feeling well?”
“No, I feel fine.” She brushed her hand over the front of his jeans and his zipper almost busted open. “Let me take care of you.”
“I want you,” he said again, his hand sliding up her thigh until his fingers grazed the cotton between her legs. “You should really consider wearing dresses more often.”
“Lousy timing,” she said.
He lifted her head until their eyes met. “I still want you.”
“What about . . . you know?”
“Your period?” He shook his head. “I don’t care if you don’t.”
“Really?” she asked. “I’ve never—”
“You’ve never had period sex?”
She bit her lip, cheeks flushing. “I mean, I’ve wanted to.”
“Didn’t you live with that asshole for, what, five years?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
He leaned in, eyes gleaming. “Then let’s change that.” He scooped her up and headed for the bedroom. “I kinda like the idea of being your first.”
“I just need to freshen up,” she said as he set her down.
“You mean take out your tampon?”
“If you must know, I use a menstrual cup.”
He smirked. “Of course you do. You and your cups.”
“Don’t judge. Just give me a minute.”
He winked. “Hurry up, period-sex virgin.”
She laughed, shaking her head as she disappeared into the bathroom. “Be gentle with me.”
“No promises.”
She stepped out of the bathroom wearing only the hotel robe, the belt cinched loosely at her waist. A towel was clutched to her chest like armor. “Is this okay?” she asked, her voice softer than usual.
He was already stretched across the bed, propped up on his elbows. “It’s perfect.”
