Page 48 of Never Till Now

“Maybe one day. I’m still adjusting to seeing this.” I giggle, feeling my cheeks tingle. The downside of drinking for the second time in my life is that it hits quick. “I hope this photo inspires others to go for a hike up there.”

“Or find love.” Grayson smiles as someone calls his name.

“Whatever they’re into.” I extend my hand and let Grayson kiss my cheek once more. “It was nice to see you, and thanks for inviting us.”

He walks off and I make my way out of the building. Adam is trailing my back without a word. I know his eyes are burning holes through me. I don’t know what made me attempt to make him jealous. It was innocent, just like his flirting was earlier. It was also a quick self-reminder that I’m not serious about a guy the way Lloyd wants me to experience.

The cool breeze pebbles my skin and I shimmy with the chill in an attempt to get warm. Adam’s large hand grabs my upper arm to spin me around. My back pushes up against the building and I move my arm out of his grasp. Irritation with society’s view of needing to find love is getting the best of me.

“What the hell is going on?” Desperation laces his voice catching me off guard.

“I’m leaving. I saw all of his work and thanked him.” He doesn’t stop me as I continue walking.

“Did I do something?”

I turn around and take a deep breath. “No.” I hear my voice waver as new emotion takes over. “You flirting with those girls didn’t bug me.” I’m not feeling hurt over this, am I?

“Okay, let’s say I believe that.” I know he doesn’t. “Why were you so hostile at the gym?” Adam runs a hand through his hair.

“I don’t have to give you an explanation.”

“Fair enough. But I don’t play games or do drama.” His face turns serious. “I like whatever it is we have going on. But if you have something to say, then say it. I’m not going to keep prying and guessing why you’re all of a sudden pissed.”

“I’m just tired.” Which isn’t a lie. “We all have something that keeps us up.” I am sick of my internal five a.m. wake-up call.

“I know you don’t want to get personal, but know that I’m here to listen if you ever need to talk.” His hands cup my face and he places a small kiss on my lips. “Ready to head back?”

I nod and my head starts to pound from the alcohol taking over.

I spend the next two days curled up by my large window with a tub of ice cream. Cramps are in full swing and I write off why I was an emotional mess. My menstrual cycle has never been consistent, but I refuse to take a pill that alters my emotions even more than I already know how to deal with them. The heat of the sun is calling my name through the window. My skin beckons to absorb its vitamins and feel the sea breeze on my face. I should go for a walk and talk to someone other than my houseplants and fictional TV characters. Adam has left me alone since the night of the gallery.

Me: Care to go for a walk if you’re not busy?

Charmer: I can head out in thirty minutes.

Me: I’ll see you soon ☺

That gives me enough time to pop an Advil and have a shower. When I don’t see him in front of my place, I make my way to his. Adam stands next to his dad in what seems to be a serious conversation. I turn around to exit the lobby, planning to wait outside unnoticed, when George calls my name. I freeze, scrunching up my face as if I’ve been caught doing something I shouldn’t.

“Adam is free to go.” His father nods curtly and disappears down the hall.

“You sure you’re free to go?” My voice goes an octave higher than I wanted.

“Yeah, we don’t normally have a Saturday afternoon meeting.” He clears his throat and starts to roll up the sleeves of his dress shirt. “Let’s head out.”

“Breathe.” I place my hand on his strong forearm admiring the width. “As sexy as you look in this suit, I’m sure you’d rather walk downtown in something else. I’m in no rush.”

“I’ll be upstairs for a few minutes. Want to come with me?” He reaches for my hand and walks me to the elevator.

We step into the elevator and Adam catches me off guard with his lips. His kiss is slow after entering his elevator code and we start to move. His arms snake around my waist, pulling me flush against him. I moan, wanting more than I can take, and he picks me up. One hand grips the back of my neck as his other hand holds me gently. It’s a contrast to his tender kiss with the possessive grab of my neck. It’s been too long since we’ve had sex and my body is melting against his with the need for him to touch my bare skin.

His hand tangles through my damp hair as we enter his place. Adam carries me directly to his bathroom without the kiss breaking. Dark-charcoal slate encompasses us as we enter the walk-in shower. A large two-foot rectangular showerhead hangs in the center. I’m speechless, counting the side jets on the wall. This bathroom screams masculinity and luxury. A wooden bench the length of the shower catches me off guard. Why does someone need this big of a shower? A small window lets a stream of light through.

My feet hit the floor as his hands begin to unbutton his shirt.

“I just had a shower.” I point at my wet hair.

“So?” He drops his pants and his throbbing dick begs to be released from his boxers.