When blood starts pumping to my brain again, I stroke my hand down her back, and she snuggles closer.
Dread seeps into me as I wait for the claustrophobia that always overpowers me after sex. Where the walls seem to close in. Where I have to kick her out of my bed so I can breathe again. It’s why I never have overnight guests.
I swallow as I scramble to figure out what I’ll say. Already, I hate myself because I know it’ll hurt her feelings. We should’ve had that talk before. I should’ve explained what would happen. That I always need space.
I wait.
And wait.
But the feeling never comes.
Instead, I get the craziest urge to wrap myself around this woman. To sleep, of all things.
I tangle my hands into her hair, and she gives me a sleepy, sated smile that fucking wrecks me. Needing her close, I graze my lips over hers.
“I’ll be right back.”
After taking care of the condom in the bathroom, I find her snuggled in my comforter, sound asleep.
Taking care not to wake her, I slide in behind her and pull her to me, my chest to her back, but she turns in my arms and splays out half on top of me and falls asleep.
Her warmth, the way she fits against me, how her hair falls over us—it’s one of the best things I’ve ever felt.
And right here, right now, I somehow know nothing will ever be the same again.
36
GABBY
A huge,calloused hand rests on my right breast. Warm breath heats my shoulder. And one oversized quarterback hugs me from behind.
That’s not the only thing hugging me from behind.
I squint into the sunlight streaming through the window, hating how my head pounds. How much did I drink last night? Just a few beers. And a shot or two. Ugh, never again. I never knew I was such a lightweight.
Blinking, I try to make out the small square of torn foil next to my face.
A condom wrapper.
Holy shit, I had sex with Rider. Twice.
You’d think the large naked man plastered to me would be the clue.
Or the giant erection pressing against my ass.
Squinting again, I spot my glasses on the nightstand next to his alarm clock. It’s still early, which is good because we promised Sienna we’d be home to watch Poppy in time for her to go to brunch.
As great as last night was, I’m guessing Rider is going to be weird about me still being in his bed.
I assume awkward morning-after conversations are always better dressed. With that thought in mind, I attempt to scoot out of bed. Except that arm tightens and scoops me right back to him.
I chuckle and try to make a joke, but my voice is hoarse from screaming.
Girl, good thing the music was pounding last night or the whole neighborhood would know you were getting plowed.
I can safely say I’ve never screamed during sex before last night. There’s now a line in the sand of my life—before sex with Rider Kingston and after.
I clear my throat. “If you try to drill me again with that weapon, I won’t be able to walk for a week.”
