Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
But I digress.
No amount of distracting thoughts and deep breathing can help me. I am this close to panting. My breasts are heavy and my nipples hard. Something the silk of my halter-neck top does nothing to disguise. Turns out my fit is a fashion disaster when it comes to keeping these things on the down low. Then there’s the rush of heat in my neck and face. Due either to embarrassment or horniness. It’s a wonder I haven’t spilled my drink. And still, the man keeps pawing at me like a maniac.
“Almost got it.”
“It’s a pebble,” I blurt out. “From the beach. I picked it up the other day. Just a normal little pebble, nothing special at all. I forgot it was even in there.”
Connor stops and says nothing. But the knowledge is suddenly there in his eyes. In the way his gaze takes in my flushed cheeks and the state of my nipples. I imagine someone stepping on a land mine would have a similar expression. Because the oh fuck on his face is obvious. Let me just die of embarrassment. Right here and now is fine. I’ve had a good run.
Sad to say, Connor is the only man in the family who knows how to keep his mouth shut. Because his brother doesn’t hesitate at all. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s great to see you enjoying yourself. But should you two really be doing that in public?”
Shit.
He has a point. We have an audience. A woman hastily covers the eyes of a child. Shanti is grinning. Harold’s mouth hangs open. And Ava’s eyes are as wide as twin moons. We’ve managed to shock her.
“We should go,” I say, oh so carefully disengaging from my date.
Connor’s gaze darts around the room. “Yeah.”
“Such a great party,” I say to the room at large. “Thank you for inviting us.”
Ava blinks.
“We had a really good time.”
“That much is obvious,” mutters someone nearby. Damn comedian.
Connor reaches for my hand and, yes please, support would be great. The crowd parts to create a path to the door. Guess they think we’re in a rush to hit the nearest mattress. Or they just want us out of here.
Over on the stage, Nicole starts singing a new song. I think it’s Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye. But we’re moving and out on the street in the cooler evening air, a light misty rain coming down, before I can be sure. Got to hand it to her, she really does have music for every occasion.
My date leads me across the street during a break in traffic. We don’t stop until we reach the portico over the front door of my apartment building.
Talk about awkward. It would be best if I said something first. Just dealt with the issue like an adult. “So…that was another thing that happened. I am honestly not sure if its better or worse than the chili fiasco from the other night.”
Nothing from him. He stares at the ground like it holds the mysteries of the universe.
“I’m so sorry, Connor.”
Now he shakes his head and presses the side of his hand to his mouth. Like he’s trying to hold things inside. What sort of things, is the question. Though it doesn’t remain a mystery for long. In no time at all, he loses it completely. We’re talking bent over double, dry heaving with delight, while he laughs his ass off.
Welp, what a night. He has a great laugh. It’s deep and heartfelt, like he’s feeling the mirth where it matters. A drop of water traces a path over the sharp cut of his cheekbone. More soon follow.
“Are you laughing so hard you’re crying or is that from the rain?” I ask. “I honestly can’t tell.”
He shoves a hand through his damp hair and smooths it back. “Riley. Shit. That was funny as fuck.”
“We put on a sex show in the local bar.”
“It wasn’t that bad.”
“Eh.” I blow out a breath. “Hope no one caught it on camera.”
He cocks his head. “I didn’t notice anyone with a cell in hand. Are you really worried about that?”
I think it over. Then I think it over some more. “At least no one will doubt we’re together now.”
“No,” he agrees. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”
“I don’t know. It was just…you were happy and…I thought I had it under control, you know?”
He stares down at me with some unnamed emotion in his eyes. Something warm and appreciative. Something that makes me feel seen. Then he reaches out and tucks a soggy strand of blue hair behind my ear. It’s like it’s all happening in slow motion. The gentle touch of his hand and the feel of his skin on mine. Shivers slide down my spine. With no sign of any lurking church officials, it would seem the sweet, tender gesture is just for me.