Page 35 of Mountain Trial

He let out a frustrated breath, returning the washcloth to her. At first, she thought he wasn’t going to look at her, but then he raised his head. In the glimmer of the bathroom light, his eyes were glistening.

“I would have liked to do that for you,” he said quietly. “But it’s obviously less efficient for me to do certain things.”

“Just because I grabbed the washcloth, doesn’t mean you can’t help wipe me down,” she said.

He smiled. “Come here, then,” he said, running the cloth gently against her thighs and between her legs. His touch was gentle, loving, and she arched into his touch even though the washcloth had gone cold.

“Can I ask you something?” she said.

“You can ask me anything.”

“What’s it like, coming without ejaculating? Does it feel the same? Does it feel good?”

He finished wiping her skin before responding. “Not the same. But it felt pretty fucking fantastic just then.”

“I’m glad,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. “It felt the same for me.”

His hand lightly stroked her hair―one finger kept getting tangled in her curls. She felt sleep pulling at her, but something nagged at her. There was some reason she couldn’t allow herself to fall asleep.

Suddenly, she remembered. She brought her head up. “I should leave,” she said.

“Why?”

“You have a big day tomorrow.”

“Back to that already? Go to sleep, Kat,” Luc said, pulling her closer to him until their bodies were tucked against each other.

She felt so right, in his arms, she told herself maybe she could afford a small nap.

Chapter 15

Luc

Luc woke up at five, just like he did every morning. He usually did an hour of stretching and yoga before starting his day. It helped keep his muscles active.

Today, however, he lay in bed a little longer, watching Kat sleep, the weight of her head on his shoulder a reminder that everything was different this morning.

Her red curls spread out against his pillow, just like he’d imagined they would. Asleep, she seemed younger―but then, most people did, most likely.

Luc realized he’d assumed she was in her early thirties, like him, but he’d never thought to ask. Even though they’d explored each other’s bodies so intimately, even though he’d shared so much of his own body’s limitations and ruin with her, there was so much he still didn’t know about her.

And some things I’m finding out.

Like the fact that she snores.

Her snoring was a light, shuffling sound―one he didn’t get tired of listening to.

Finally, he disentangled himself, gently placing her head on the pillow, and transferred himself to his chair. He wheeled himself quietly to the bathroom, where he took care of morning business and pulled his tracksuit bottoms back on.

Back in the bedroom, Luc locked his wheelchair in place and dropped to the floor, beginning his morning exercise routine.

He was almost done when he looked up and saw Kat looking at him. He was glad he was wearing his tracksuit bottoms. In the morning light, his legs weren’t a pretty sight.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked.

She nodded, looking slightly guilty. “How about you? I meant to leave last night, so you could rest.”

“Best night’s sleep I’ve had in years,” he said truthfully. “I’m glad you stayed. Give me a minute, and I’ll make us some coffee.”