He’d tasted me and I trembled all over. When he entered me, it was exquisite. Each slow, powerful stroke made me cry out, not with pain but pleasure. I was on the brink from the first thrust and when his release came, I came with him, our bodies and minds in perfect accord. Shaking even when it was over, he kissed my cheek and jaw.
“What am I going to do with you, Lizzie?” He nuzzled my neck and kissed its nape.
He sounded less sad.
“Whatever you want.” I flipped over and kissed him again. We fell into an exhausted sleep, tangled together in the middle.
. . .
We woke early the next morning. I would have liked to linger in bed, marveling at Christopher’s hard muscles and how nice it was to touch him, but we had to get back on the road in order to make dinner with my family. It seemed odd to be up so early when we didn’t have work. The sky was a sea of orange and pink clouds through the window.
At breakfast, I said, “Will you come to Sunday dinner?”In the light of day, I was back to texting instead of talking. Whispers in the dark were progress. Dr. Maeve would have been encouraged.
At his hesitation, I said,“They invited you before. I promised to go. I need to pick up Ember.”He adored my kitten, so mentioning her was a dirty trick.
“What do they know?” He looked down.
“That you backed off because of your brother. I told them about the ring. You’re honorable, not mean. They don’t know how hard it’s been.”I looked down at the table. Tears pricked at the back of my eyes, but I willed them away.
“You shouldn’t shut them out,” he said. “You have family, they care.”
I nodded. I didn’t want to hurt them and push them away. They deserved better. I was trying to be better than before, but it was difficult when I couldn’t tell them the whole truth.
“Maybe Andrew can help investigate. He has contacts. We can ask about Brandon’s work and about the men from the hospital.”
“It might be dangerous. Should we involve anyone else?”
“He’s the police. His job is already dangerous.”
Christopher nodded. “What about us? How should I act? Like a friend? Or can I hold your hand around your family?” He traced circles on the back of my hand.
“Be yourself. We’re together now. They won’t judge.”
“Like hell. They will, but I don’t want to keep my hands off you or pretend we’re not together. Now that I’ve started, I can’t stop. I’ve wasted three months of groping.”
I laughed and took a last swig of my tea, grimacing at the taste of bitter hotel tea. Christopher had turned up his nose at their coffee, saying he’d get one on the road.
“I understand, you know. I want to touch you all the time, too.”
“I know. You’re as bad as I am, but I have to admit, it impressed me how well you shut me out. I couldn’t feel you at work. Less than ever before. I don’t want to see those damn bricks again. I hated them, but I was proud of you.”
My hand tingled where he touched it, and I leaned forward to kiss him.
“Will you stay with me tonight?”
His thumb stroked my bottom lip, and I trembled. “You couldn’t make me leave.”
He stood up. “Let’s get better coffee and tea and hit the road. We need to leave now to make it in time for family dinner. If we don’t check out, I’ll have to take you back to bed.”
I got up to follow, feeling warm inside at his words.
The car ride felt faster on the return trip, though I stayed awake. Christopher talked about his favorite movies and I communicated with head shakes and hand signals, except when we stopped for lunch. I rated movies with my fingers. The Princess Bride was a ten. We agreed The Empire Strikes Back was also practically perfect. We liked many of the same movies and decided we needed to have a Star Wars marathon. Making plans was exciting.
It was just after five when we pulled in at my dad’s house. I’d texted Dad and Meghan in advance to let them know to expect Christopher.
Meghan had replied,“I hope you know what you’re doing.”
When we got to the door, I hesitated, about to knock. I hadn’t brought someone to Sunday dinner in years. Eric hadn’t wanted to come. Neither had Brandon, though he hadn’t minded when I came alone. Maybe I should just go in. Before my hand touched the door, Meghan solved my dilemma by flinging the door open.
