We collapsed onto the bed, our hearts pounding in tandem, our breathing ragged. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt so alive, so complete. Nathan's arms around me felt like home. A sanctuary I never knew I needed.
He shifted so that we were spooning, his chest pressed against my back, his warmth enveloping me. I could have fallen asleep like that, but Nathan had other plans. "I won't be able to stop thinking about you now," he whispered.
I turned to face him, a smile tugging at my lips. "Good, because I don't plan on letting you.
He grinned at me. “Shower?”
“Sure.”
Before I could get up, Nathan lifted me into his arms. He carried me into the bathroom, where he lowered me to my feet. Then he turned on the shower. Moments later, steam billowed around us as we stepped under the hot spray. Nathan's hands were everywhere, igniting my skin and stoking the fire within me.
Before I knew it, I was pressed against the cool tiles with my legs wrapping around his waist as he entered me in one smooth thrust. The contrast between the cold wall and his hot body ignited the wildfire inside me even more. We moved together, the water cascading over us, our moans echoing in the smallspace.
The intensity built quickly, our bodies already primed from our previous lovemaking. With a few more deep strokes, we both tumbled over the edge, our cries of ecstasy intermingling with the sound of the rushing water.
We took our time washing each other, savoring the intimacy of the moment. But eventually, the water turned tepid, and we knew our time was up. Nathan stepped out first, drying off and getting dressed while I slipped into my comfy pajamas.
I walked him to the door, a bittersweet feeling settling in my chest. I didn't want him to leave, but I knew he had to. We shared one last kiss, pouring all our unspoken emotions into it.
"Goodnight, Rissa," he whispered against my lips.
"Goodnight, Nathan," I replied, my voice thick with emotion.
The door clicked shut behind him. I leaned against it for a moment, closing my eyes and replaying the night's events in my mind. A smile crept onto my face. This was actually working.
Chapter 23
Rissa
Sunlight piercedthrough the curtains as my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I stretched, joints popping, and grabbed it. A text from Krystal blinked on the screen.
We're picking you up in 30. Be ready.
I groaned, exhaustion heavy in my bones as I hauled myself out of bed. Last night had been draining, emotionally and physically. But today was important. Elle needed a dress for her first dance. I couldn't let her down, no matter how much I wanted to curl back up under the covers.
Heading to the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face, wincingat my reflection. Dark circles rimmed my eyes, leftover smudged makeup from the night before.
I changed quickly into jeans and an oversized sweater, pulling my hair into a messy bun. Comfort was key for a day of shopping. Glancing at the clock, I had just enough time to make a quick cup of coffee before Krystal arrived. The rich scent filled the room as I sipped the life-giving elixir.
Maybe today would be okay after all. Seeing Elle's excitement always lifted my spirits. I couldn't help but smile, picturing her bouncing in the car, eagerly awaiting our shopping adventure. That girl deserved all the happiness in the world. It was worth pushing through my exhaustion if I could give her even a tiny piece of that.
My phone chimed again.
Come on, woman! We’re out here!
I grabbed my purse and keys, took one last fortifying sip of coffee, and headed out to face the day. For Elle.
Krystal's SUV idled at the curb as I locked the front door. Elle's face was practically pressed against the back window, her grin visible even from a distance. I chuckled as I made my way over.
"Lookwho finally decided to wake up," Tavi teased from the passenger seat as I opened the rear door.
"Barely," I muttered, sliding in next to Elle. Bryce sat on her other side, clearly less enthused about our outing. Poor kid. Shopping wasn't really his thing.
Nathan had insisted we take an enforcer along, just to be safe. Caleb, a relatively new addition to the pack, was stuffed in the third row. "Morning, ladies," he said, his deep voice calm and pleasant. I wasn’t exactly sure how he’d be able to protect us from back there, but no doubt he’d elected not to go against Krystal first thing in the morning. Probably very smart.
"Isn't this exciting?” Elle chirped. “My first real dance,"
"Very exciting," Caleb agreed with a small smile. I turned to smile at him, and he nodded once. I returned the gesture, silently thanking him for playing along with Elle's enthusiasm.
