Page 62 of Enticed
“Good morning,” I said, smiling down at her. The moment the fog lifted and she remembered what happened last night, a contented smile played across her lips.
“Good morning,” she said, her voice scratchy from sleep.
I pulled her to me and tucked her head beneath my chin. “How did you sleep?”
“Like the dead. I’m pretty sure I passed out from hyperorgasmemia.”
I barked out a laugh, and my shoulders shook so hard Jasmine drew back to keep her cheek from bouncing against my chest. “That’s not a word,” I wheezed out through my guffaws.
“It is now.” She smirked, and I couldn’t help myself. I leaned forward to kiss it off her face.
“I need a shower and coffee,” she announced as she sat up to stretch. The sheet fell away, exposing her breasts.
“No shower,” I growled. She tilted her head and eyed me questioningly. I curved my hand around the back of her neck possessively and pulled her mouth to mine. “I’m not ready for you to wash me off you yet,” I said against her lips.
She rolled her eyes, but not before I saw them flare with heat. “I probably smell like sunscreen and sweat.”
“I like the way you smell,” I replied, my voice low and husky. The hint of vanilla that always clung to her skin was now mixed with my earthy leather scent. She smelled likemine.
“Fine,” she acquiesced, “but I’m getting a shower after my race. I don’t want to add eau de equine to my scent.”
“Deal,” I agreed, “but you have to let me join you.”
She chortled. “There’s no way we can both fit in that shower.”
“I think we can,” I argued. If there was enough room for her dad, who was a mountain of a man, then there was room for the two of us.
A zing of guilt flashed across my conscience, but I shook it away. We were going to have to tell him eventually, but I didn’t want to think about it right now, and I certainly didn’t want to bring it up to Jasmine and ruin her day or make her think I was having second thoughts about us.
Instead, I cleared my throat and shrugged. “If not, I can stand guard and watch, you know, to keep you safe.”
“Right,” she drew out skeptically, but the corners of her lips tipped up. “How selfless of you.”
“It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.” I pulled her in for one last kiss before letting her up to get ready for her race. She rose from the bed gloriously naked except for the panties she’d slipped on last night so she had something to secure her pump to when she restarted the infusion. I reveled at the sight as she gathered her clothes and slipped away to the bathroom. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was, especially after being such a stubborn fool for so long.
I dressed quickly and started the coffee pot. Jasmine and I would both need the caffeine to counteract the fatigue from our late night extracurricular activities. Every second we’d stayed up too long had been worth it. Jasmine was finally mine, and I was finally done being a coward.
We would eventually have to tell her family, but we needed time to adjust to our new reality. I wanted the chance to enjoy her without their judgment and disapproval hanging over our heads. This needed time to solidify and grow roots. We wouldn’t be able to hide our relationship for long, though, and when the time came to face her family, we would do it together.
“I’d really liketo stay an extra day if you can spare us both for that long,” Jasmine said, chewing on the corner of her lip nervously. We both stared at her phone, waiting for her father’s reply. “I only get down here once a year and don’t have much time to enjoy it,” she added when he hesitated.
“Did you even run this by Gabe, Spunk? He might not want to stay. The beach really isn’t his scene,” he said with a chuckle. Jasmine looked at me with wide, pleading eyes, and it became glaringly obvious why her dad never told her “no.”
“Hey, Woody. We talked about it, and I’m fine with staying an extra day or two,” I interjected, holding Jasmine’s stare. “Jasmine’s been working so hard. I think she deserves a little vacation.” It was the truth. She worked her ass off training and practicing. She ensured her horse was in tip-top shape, and she threw her all into each competition. And she’d won every race this weekend. That in itself was cause for celebration, but we had more to celebrate than just that. We were finally together. We hadn’t put a label on it, but she was mine and I was hers. She and I were exclusive. We were committed. Nothing and no one would come between us anymore.
“I suppose that’d be alright,” he replied after mulling it over. “By my account, you both have been working hard and deserve a break.” Jasmine’s shoulders sagged in relief, and my bodyhummed with anticipation. I couldn’t wait to have an entire day with her all to myself. “Jasmine,” Woody began, cutting into my thoughts. His voice was like a bucket of ice water being dumped directly on my dick. “Your momma and I are real proud of you. You’re doing amazing. Keep up the good work.”
“Thanks, Pops,” Jasmine replied, a soft look of affection settling over her features.
“Gabe, I appreciate you taking good care of my baby girl. I know I don’t say it enough, but thank you. I’m glad you finally came home,” Woody said, and the guilt I’d held at bay bowled me over. The weight of it was nearly suffocating.
I swallowed thickly, clearing my throat before responding. “Of course. I’d do anything for ya. You’re like family to me.” We said our goodbyes, and I scrubbed a hand over my face as Jasmine ended the call.
She took a tentative step toward me like she thought I might bolt or push her away. Her hesitancy sent a pang through my chest.
“Gabe,” she whispered, lifting her hand slowly to me. Then she paused, thinking better of it. I gripped her wrist and pulled her to me, not giving her a chance to retreat. Wrapping my arms around her, I tucked her head against my chest and held her tight.
“I’m not going to pull away again,” I promised. “I’m in this, one hundred percent. It sucks knowing he’s going to feel betrayed, but I can live with that. It’s you I can’t live without anymore.”
