Page 75 of Rush

His lips find mine, softly kissing me. “You okay?”

“Is that a trick question?” I reply, and he chuckles. “It was…wow, Ares…just…wow. Three orgasms. I didn’t even know that was possible. Seems sober sex is the best sex. Or maybe it’s just sex with you.”

He brushes my hair back from my face, staring into my eyes. “I’d say both. I’m pretty fucking awesome in the sack.”

I can’t even argue with him on that. So, I just pinch his ass instead, making him chuckle.

“But, seriously,” he adds, “I’m really fucking glad that it was me you chose to be with the first time…since getting sober.”

I lift my head and press my mouth to his. “Me, too.”

We’re lying in bed after getting cleaned up. Both naked, wrapped up together. How the hell I’m ever going to sleep with him next to me, I’ll never know.

“I’m glad you’re here.” I press a kiss to his chest.

“I’m glad I’m here, too. And, just to warn you, it’s highly likely that I’ll wake up during the night, horny, and want to bang you again.”

“Who needs sleep?” I shrug, and he laughs, giving my ass a squeeze.

I lay my head on his chest, listening to the gentle thrum of his heart, running my fingers through the hairs on his chest.

I can’t believe I’m here…that we’re here.

Especially after the way we started. Hate at first sight—on his part anyway.

“Can I ask you something?” I lift my head and rest my chin on my hand.

“You can ask me anything.”

“When did you…change your mind about me? I mean, when did you start to see me in a different light?”

“You mean, when did I realize that I was into you?”

“Yeah.”

“In a way, I always knew. The first time I saw you, I swear, I thought I’d won the fucking lottery. Here was this half-naked chick, soaking wet and bent over, in the locker room—total fantasy moment right there, babe—and then you turned around and knocked me on my ass. You were so the opposite of what I usually went for, but I thought you were the hottest chick I’d ever seen.”

“Sure you did.” I roll my eyes.

He grasps my chin in his hand. “Believe it.” Then, he firmly kisses me before letting me go. “You’re hot, Ari. Even when I was being an asshole, I always thought that. I can’t tell you how many times I jerked off in the shower over you.”

“I can’t believe you just said that.” I laugh. Although the thought of him getting off to me in the shower is totally hot.

“It’s true. Even when I was telling myself I hated you, I was still tugging one out over you. There were all kinds of hate-sex scenarios going on up here.” He taps a finger to his head.

“We should totally try them out.”

“Role-play hate sex? I’m down for that.” He grins.

“So, when did things change for you? Your feelings…about me. I know how you feel about alcoholics…and I’m still one. I guess I just can’t figure out what changed.”

His expression turns serious. “It was never about you. I was projecting my shit onto you. I hate that I did that.” He runs a hand over his face. “Full disclosure?”

“Always.”

“My dad’s an alcoholic. Currently sober. It’s the longest he’s lasted. But, after his multiple rehab attempts, I’m not holding my breath.”

“I figured that you’d been around a drinker. I’m sorry that it’s your dad. That’s…gotta be hard.”