While Avery wasin the bathroom getting herself ready for bed, I gathered the clothes and bags, setting them in the corner of my room. If the one little outfit she put on tonight was a testament to what the rest of these clothes could look like on her, I’d be keeping them for next time.
Next time.The thought lingered in my mind.
I’d give her the option to take what she wanted, but deep down, I hoped she’d leave it all behind. That way, she knew she had something to come back to.
Before getting in bed, I was tempted to take my clothes off, leaving just my boxer briefs on—how I’d normally sleep.
Based on how our first kiss went, I wouldn’t last a second if I didn’t keep my sweatpants on.
As I waited for Avery to make her grand entrance into my bed for the first time, I busied myself, mindlessly scrolling through my phone. I tried to appear uninterested, but in reality, my mind was racing and my heart pounded at the thought of her sliding into my bed.
Finally, the door creaked open, and I glanced up in her direction. Her face was free of makeup, and it dawned on me that this was the first time I’d seen her in her natural state.
Fucking beautiful.
“Join me.” I moved the sheets aside, inviting her in.
Climbing into the bed, she looked timid. Avery pulled the comforter up to her waist and tucked her arm under her head before saying, “So, now what?” The most adorable shy expression lingered on her features.
Inching closer to her, I combed her hair back, clearing it away from her face before I leaned in to kiss her forehead. “Now, I hold you and we talk all night until you can’t stand the sound of my voice anymore.” I pulled back and winked.
“Impossible.” Turning her body so her back was facing me, she scooted back until she was pressed up against me, completely surrounded by my embrace.
It wasn’t until I leaned over and flipped the switch, that I could feel her nerves fading away with the light. There was something so intimate about feeling her held against my body and the stillness that surrounded us. Nothing about the way she leaned into me felt temporary.
“What are you doing tomorrow, Avery?” I nuzzled my nose into her hair, taking a whiff of her cherry scent, memorizing it for later.
“After breakfast with you, I have a shift at the pool and … a client booked for tomorrow evening.” Her voice was hesitant with her last few words.
“I don’t want this night to end.” It was the only thing I could think to say that wasn’t,“Don’t take your client tomorrow.”Not one part of it was a lie. Once this night ended, I knew I wanted to see her again. But she’d made it clear that she couldn’t entertain a relationship of any kind. Even if it was casual.
One night was fun. Two nights or more was a commitment.
“I don’t either, Spencer,” she whispered, almost like she was trying to hide her confession from me.
Fuck it.
“Cancel your appointment tomorrow and spend another night with me,” I asked selfishly.
“I … I can’t do that.”
My stomach pinched with disappointment.
“But, what about the next night? Are you free then?” she asked.
My eyes lit up.
“I’d like that.” Pulling her closer to me, my disappointment faded away momentarily. That was until I realized she’d be with someone else tomorrow night.
“You know, normally, my nights off are spent with my girls and espresso martinis.” Her fingers brushed against mine that were wrapped around her.
“I can’t do anything about your friends, but I can arrange to have espresso martinis and dinner prepared. Would that work for you?”
“Depends. Are you cooking for me?”
“If that’s what you want, I’d be happy to do that for you.” Slipping her hair off her shoulder, I pressed a light kiss over a small heart tattoo.
“Steak. Medium rare. A creamy baked potato with all the fixings. Sautéed broccolini and mushrooms. Can you make that happen?”
