This made me think of Malone and his “Ladies First” philosophy of life.
“She’s blushing again,” Salcedo stage-whispered.
“You’ll understand soon enough,” Havisham said.
Our younger compatriot rolled her eyes. “Please.”
Chapter 32
The next evening we learned that my dining room table was the perfect height for sex. Sturdier than the price tag might’ve suggested. After a frenetic coupling, Malone and I were both coming down. My legs still wound around his waist, my arms around his neck. I wanted to live in this particular moment forever.
“God bless Swedish furniture engineering,” I muttered.
His laughter rumbled through me, and he kissed the spot where my neck met my shoulder. “I take it you missed me as much as I missed you.”
“I missed you more.”
“Unlikely.” Even as he said the word, he wandered down the hall to take care of the condom. I sat there, the air now cool on my naked body. I made the mistake of looking down. The harsh apartment lights showed every stretch mark, blemish, roll of fat.
“What are you doing?” Malone asked as he approached.
“Nothing,” I said.
He cocked his head to one side. “No, you were frowning. Something’s bugging you.”
“I think I’ve peaked.”
He grinned. “Yeah, you did.”
“No, I don’t meanthat. I mean I’ve peaked in terms of physical appearance.”
He walked closer and wrapped his arms around me. “If that is what you are thinking, then I obviously didn’t do my job properly.”
“Oh, that’s not it. I’m recommending a raise at your next performance review, but—”
He reached underneath me, picking me up so quickly I squealed. “Come on, Malone. I’m too heavy for this!”
“I lift weights so I can carry beautiful women around,” he said as he carried me—my legs around his waist, my arms around his neck, and his forearms under my ass—in the direction of my bedroom. Impressive, really.
“I’ve got to up my cardio,” I said. “I’m exhausted on your behalf.”
But he showed no signs of exertion as he lightly tossed me on the bed. Then he took my hand and started kissing up my arm.
“What are you doing?”
“I would think that would be obvious,” he said as he bent over to trail kisses across my collarbone.
“I’m serious, Malone,” I said. “You’re over here aging like a fine wine and ...”
He continued kissing.
“I’ll say the salty fish word.”
With a deep sigh, he sat back on his heels. “Fine. What is your ridiculous complaint about your sumptuous body?”
“To be honest, I never used to worry about it. I mean, other than the usual concerns that any woman might have. At age twelve or so, the puberty fairy delivers a mental checklist for every girl to study, so there’s always beensomethingI would like to change—”
“Sacrilege.”
