Page 109 of Delicate Hope


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She’s staring at me, her entire face filling the screen, and I grin widely, flipping the buckle of my belt and take the end, sliding it through the loops. I drop it onto the chair in the corner and flip the button of my jeans. There’s most definitely mud on them, and normally I would have showered and changed already, but I didn’t have time between making dinner and getting ready for Rebekah to come over.

I watch her face as I take a few steps closer to the phone. Her lips part and her eyes go soft.

She’s seen my naked chest before, but that’s it. I was more focused on her last time, but that doesn’t mean I can’t tease her.

My fingers grab the zipper lazily, dragging it down my fly, and I watch her eyes move down with my hand.

“See something you like, stubborn?”

I push my jeans down, leaving me in my boxers, and the corner of her mouth tips up.

“If I do, what are you going to do about it?”

I snort and grab the phone, keeping it on my face. “I have some ideas, but I think I’ll keep them to myself for now.”

Visions of watching her moan and tremble fill my mind, and I need to remember I have a seven-year-old across the hall from me. Now is not the time nor the place.

“Tease,” she grumbles.

“Hey, I said I’d keepmyideas to myself. No one said you had to keepyours.”

She rubs her lips and looks away, evidently feeling the same way I am. Hunger is all over her face, and I want to consume every inch of her.

Setting the phone down, I go back to the bathroom to shower. “I need to take a quick shower. Do you still want to stay on?” I ask.

“I get a show too?” she asks.

I chuckle. “I think you’re supposed to buy me dinner first.” I tease.

She giggles and shakes her head. “I can stay on,” she says.

I set the phone on the counter and shower as fast as I can.

When I’m done, I wrap a towel around my waist and get back to my room, quietly closing the door behind me.

“You still there?” I call. Her phone is facing up to the ceiling. She could have fallen asleep for all I know.

“Still here,” she says breathlessly.

I smile and look at her carefully.

“You okay?” I ask her.

She frowns and pouts her lips. “You know I’m not,” she grumbles.

I huff. “If it makes you feel better, I’m equally as frustrated.”

Mae bites her lower lip and averts her eyes. I put my boxers and shorts on and slide into bed.

I watch her do the same and settle back on her pillows.

“What now?” she says.

I stare at her. I know exactly what I want to say, but again … seven-year-old.

“Read any good books lately?” I blurt.

Mae grins and looks away, thinking about her answer. “I read the update to the latest tax law a couple of days ago. It was quite thrilling. What about you?”