Page 52 of Paths
I kiss her, feeling her relax in my arms. I dip my hand under her sweatshirt, and the touch of her warm skin under my hand makes my dick twitch. When I slip my tongue in her mouth, she melts into me further, so I move my hand up her back to find it bare. Fighting my urge to yank off her sweatshirt, I press in between her shoulder blades, making her arch into me.
Fuck.
I deepen my kiss, wanting nothing more than to learn every contour of her body with my touch, and then, my tongue.
But for some reason, I stop. It doesn’t matter how she responds, this isn’t the time. I have no idea why it’s not. I want to bury myself in her more than I’ve wanted anything, but it’s not right. If for no other reason, I just took her on her second first date, and knowing who gave her the first, gives me all the determination in the world to be everything he wasn’t. This alone is all the willpower I need to pull away. But I’m no saint, and press my cock into her stomach first.
When I drag my lips away from hers, her face is flushed, and she’s catching her breath. Gripping my shoulders, she holds on tight, looking confused as to why I pulled away.
“You should go to bed,” I mutter, still holding her tight, not wanting to let go of her bare skin. Getting a hold of my voice, I go on, “You’ve got to get up early.”
As tired as she looked before, there’s a hint of disappointment on her face, and I can’t lie, it makes me fucking ecstatic. This also gives me more resolve that now’s not the time, after a long day, even though it feels fucking good to know she wants it.
I kiss her one more time before making myself let go. “Go to bed.”
“You’re staying again?”
“I am.” I step back and start to unbutton my shirt as I turn to my bag.
She closes herself in the bathroom for what seems like forever. When she finally comes out, I’ve changed into a pair of sweatpants and am ready to settle in for another long night of little sleep that has nothing to do with her miniature size sofa.
Standing at the door to her bedroom, she leans into the door jamb looking at me and calls softly, “Goodnight.”
I don’t get up and go to her. If I touch her, kiss her, or feel her melt into me again, I’ll lose my resolve.
“Sleep well,” I answer, wishing I could expect the same for myself.
She says nothing more, but nods before turning to her room and I lose sight of her. Her light flips off and I’m swallowed by darkness. I turn to my phone to check messages, thinking when we get back from Buffalo, it’ll be time to get back to work.
When I open my email, not only do I find updates on the recruits, but a forwarded one with the subject matter of Weston MacLachlan. I read through and sigh, relieved for now, but wondering what next week will bring in Buffalo.
Asa’s FBI contact confirms Maya’s ex and his friend have been home for almost a day. They know nothing more than that, but at least I know he’s not in Virginia. Not that I’m taking a chance they won’t send someone else for her. If she’s not at work in the tasting room, I’ll be with her. She’d probably be fine here in her little house by herself, but I’m not leaving for the sheer fact I can’t stand to be away from her.
I hear the bed move again and her roaming about. I look up to see her shadow standing in the door frame. She’s got on the same pants, but is wearing another thin tank.
“Grady?” Her voice comes at me hesitant and small.
“Yeah?”
Accustomed to working in the dark, it’s easy to see her fingers grip the woodwork she’s leaning against.
“Well, I feel bad you’re out here. You’ve got to be uncomfortable.”
“I’m good.”
She stands up straight, quickly gesturing in back of her and her voice is shaky. “You could come in with me. You know, to sleep … and stretch out, and be comfortable.”
I feel my mouth tip on one side. “Are you inviting me into your bed, baby?”
I see her eyes narrow and she turns defensive. “Fine, get a backache. I was only worried about your shoulder.”
I set my feet down from where they were propped on her coffee table and stand, tossing my cell to the sofa. It takes me four strides to close the distance, and when I do, she shifts to make room for me. Looking at her, I lightly drag my fingertips down her bare arm, and I swear she shivers.
Lowering my voice, I murmur, “I think I’d really enjoy being in your bed, but I'm trusting you not to take advantage of me, Maya. Don't disappoint me."
Fuck me, she bites her lip again as she shakes her head.
It’s my turn to narrow my eyes.
