Page 78 of Paths
“Please move,” I almost beg. “I need to clean up.”
He leans down to kiss me one more time, then finally rolls off. I scurry from the bed, not even noticing Grady getting up to follow me.
When I finish, I open the door and there he is. He’s leaning against the vanity with his arms and feet crossed waiting on me. He’s also still naked.
Naked and beautiful.
Even though I am too, I can’t help but stop and take him in. After being his physical therapist, I now have a whole new appreciation for his body.
His arms fall to his side and he holds a hand out low for me. “Come here.”
Feeling self-conscious for the first time, I go to him fast so I’m not standing here bare. Pressing myself to him, his arms come around me and I bury my face in his neck.
I feel his lips at the side of my head. “I’ll use a condom next time.”
I sigh, but melt into him, resigned. “What’s done is done.”
I feel him shrug. “Okay, then, I won’t use a condom next time.”
I look up at him quickly and shake my head. “No, no. You’ll use a condom.”
He smirks, reaches for my hand, and plays with the diamond on my finger. “Like I said, I didn’t mean for that to happen, but I told you I’m good.”
I gesture to the ring. “Seriously, does this mean we’re officially engaged? Because as much as I want you and you want me, you have to know this is more than a little crazy.”
He drops my hand and wraps me up tight. “Leave it on. Let’s just see how it feels.”
I sigh. “You keep saying that.”
He leans in close, but doesn’t kiss me. Against my lips, he murmurs, “We’ll take it day-to-day. Now, let’s go to bed. I’ll bring a condom this time.”
“Grady.” I shake my head and give him a small smile. “You’re practically impossible to resist.”
He smiles back, proving he’s irresistible. “Good for me.”
Chapter 21 – I’ll Bring the Condoms
Grady –
As I stand in the big-ass kitchen, across from the big-ass family room, in the big-ass house Maya grew up in, I pop the last bite of my fourth blueberry muffin in my mouth. I was starving when we woke up since the drama last night interrupted dinner.
But I’d fast for a month if it meant having Maya, especially for the first time. I never meant to take her bare, I have never gone without a condom in my life. But I also didn’t lie when I said I was good with whatever happens.
I look across the room as Maya laughs with her brother, spending their last hours together before we have to leave. She looks happy, not at all stressed like she was last night.
We did go straight to bed, and just like I said I would, I relaxed her. I made her mine again, but with a condom.
When we woke up this morning, she seemed quiet, but explained it was about dealing with her mom before we left. She told me as much as she’s enjoyed the time with her brother, she couldn’t wait to get home.
It made me feel really fucking good she doesn’t consider this monstrosity her home anymore.
Sensing something from my side, I turn as he’s heading into the kitchen—Clint Augustine.
“Good morning,” he greets.
“Morning,” I reply and watch him head straight to the coffee, reaching for a mug in the cabinet above.
Talking to me as he pours himself a cup, he goes on. “You’re leaving today?”
