Chapter Twenty-Two
Rin berated herself for being suspicious and paranoid. Hadn’t she just recently worked herself up into a fine tizzy simply because of some cash in a drawer? And hadn’t the explanation been laughably simple? She needed to stop this ridiculous notion that everyone was a criminal and not to be trusted. Mike was a good male and they had a good thing going; letting doubts and suspicions creep in was nothing more than a surefire way to sabotage her happiness.
As soon as Tim left, Mike approached Rin from behind and wrapped his arms around her while he burrowed his face into her hair with a little mm of pleasure. Her lips lifted in a content smile as she felt Mike’s lips caressing the side of her neck. They definitely had a good thing.
She felt a tug at her wrist and looked down to see Mike unlacing her gloves. “Want to share a shower with me?” He whispered against her skin, his warm breath making goosebumps spread down her back and she shivered despite her overheated body. “I’ll even give you a massage.”
As if the shower hadn’t been enough inducement, the added bonus of having Mike’s hands on her body, kneading her tight muscles? Hell, yes! Where did she sign up? With an excited grin, Rin broke from Mike’s hold, shook the now loosened gloves off her hands and shouted “Race you!” as she took off for the door.
Mike let out a playful howl and readily took off after her. Within moments, he had caught her, let out a victory whoop, scooped her into his arms, and sealed their mouths in a kiss before climbing the stairs to the loft.
Showering with Mike was definitely an erotic experience. Not only did she get to see and touch all of that fine, muscular body, slick with water and soap, but he insisted on washing every inch of her himself, and then kissing every inch of her as well. The water had gone downright icy before they finally shut it off. Somehow they managed to dry their bodies between more nips and kisses and laughter.
True to his word, Mike also treated Rin to a massage before making love to her so thoroughly that the aftermath left her limbs feeling like jelly. Now as they lay tangled together in Mike’s bed, content and more than a little drowsy, Rin’s mind started to wander and once again she found herself fixating on that payout that Tim had mentioned. Just what kind of odd jobs was Mike doing? She considered asking him, but a wide yawn broke loose and Mike’s arms tightened around her in response. She felt the kiss he dropped on the top of her head and then heard his whispered words that warmed her heart: “I love you, Rin. Sweet dreams.”
Tomorrow. She would ask him to explain tomorrow. With a sigh of contentment, Rin curled deeper into Mike’s embrace and was asleep within moments.
The next morning, she didn’t get the opportunity to discuss much of anything with Mike. They woke late and Rin had to scramble to get back to the bed and breakfast, shower, and get ready for work. She ate lunch at the office since Mike was busy with repairs at the garage, though he did take a moment to IM her just to let her know he was thinking of her, which of course, had her once again grinning like a loon. Then, that evening, Mike arrived at the office to pick her up, looking boyishly eager with the promise of a surprise, which sent all thoughts of asking him about Tim and his big payout right out of her head.
When they arrived at Mike’s loft, he stopped her from going in with a grin, a quick kiss, and a promise that he’d be right back. What she discovered moments later when Mike ushered her through the now open door was that he had outdone himself creating a romantic atmosphere. Flameless LED candles glowed softly from seemingly every available surface, while a multitude of floral bouquets perfumed the air with their heady aroma, and coming from the speakers... Taylor Swift crooning one of her most popular ballads.
Rin sniffled and she had to blink rapidly to keep herself from crying. The effort he’d put into this, the expense… and it wasn’t even her birthday or a special occasion. He’d done this just because, and no one had ever done anything so sweet for her. Through her watery gaze she could see Mike standing before her, his face eager, but perhaps a little nervous as well, before he piped up with an “Oh!” and came over to help her remove her coat.
With her outerwear shed, Mike stood before her and took her hand in his, his voice husky with emotion he asked, “Dance with me?”
Without hesitation, Rin stepped into his arms and placed her head against his shoulder as they swayed together to the music. “You hate Taylor Swift.” Rin couldn’t resist pointing out.
Mike didn’t deny it, he kissed the top of her head and then whispered against her ear, “But I love you.”
This moment… This moment she would cherish forever.
