Page 43 of Be My Summer

“Yessss. Yesss. Yesssss.”

“That’s it– that’s it, baby. That’s my girl. Take this dick.”

From behind, Saul claimed me. He emptied my well again.

Again.

Again.

And, again.

I explored his living room, bedroom, and kitchen counter on my back. By the time the fire from the candles burned out, so did the one between my legs. I fell asleep in his arms, prepared to spend every summer, fall, winter, and spring right there.

I stirred awake at the realization I was alone in the California King bed. The smell of peppers and turkey of some kind led me to the bathroom in the slippers Saul had purchased and placed near his bedside just for me. I emptied my bladder, brushed my teeth, cleaned my face, and stared back at my reflection in the mirror that ran from one side of the bathroom to the other.

Saul’s home was beautiful. The gray accents gave it a cool, yet cozy feeling that easily made me forget my troubles. The place had a woman’s touch. He revealed his mother had helped him pick out some of the pieces. I wasn’t surprised.

“You look like crap,” I confessed, shoving my hair into a ponytail.

I used the hair tie on my wrist to keep it in place.

But, for good reason. I smiled, turning away from the mirror to exit.

My presence echoed throughout the spacious condo. When I approached Saul, he was already waiting for me. His arms were spread wide. So were his lips, showing his teeth. I walked right into his embrace.

“Good morning,” I rasped.

“Good morning. How’d you sleep?”

He kissed my forehead.

Then my lips.

Then my neck.

I pulled away, feeling the heat of the stove and the heat he produced. Together, they threatened to set me ablaze.

“Like a baby.”

“I’ve been wanting to wake you for the last two hours.”

“Two? What time is it?”

There were clocks all over his place. In almost every room. Still, I didn’t avert my gaze. I searched for answers through Saul because I knew he had them.

“How long have I been asleep?”

“All morning, baby. It’s noon.”

My eyes grew twice their size as I extended my neck in disbelief.

“I never sleep past seven.”

“You needed the rest. Your body needed the rest.”

“Gosh,” I scoffed, running a hand through my hair until my finger got caught near my ponytail. “Maybe I did.”

“Have a seat. Breakfast is almost ready.”