Page 49 of Scrubbing In
Do I have a praise kink? I’ve read about them in romance books, but never felt particularly overwhelmed by the description in a sexual way. Never fantasized about it. Although, I have always enjoyed when a boss or surgeon has complimented my work or requested me specifically to work with them. The recognition was flattering and welcomed.
So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that with Julian, the praise does cause a strong reaction. I might even crave it from him.
“With you, I just might.”
With a smug puff of his chest, he lays down beside me and throws an arm over my waist, pulling me to him. Resting his head on the pillow, he watches me. It’s strangely comforting being the sole focus of his stormy gaze. My eyes begin drooping, and I yawn again. Maneuvering, he pulls the covers out from under us and tucks us in.
Comfortable in his arms, I drift off to sleep with a gentle press of his lips to my forehead and a whispered, “Good night.”
No idea how much later,a chill nipping my exposed back wakes me. I snuggle deeper into the warmth along the front of my body. The large hand on my thigh draped over Julian’s waist clenches briefly with my movements before relaxing.Delicately lifting my head, my eyes wander over his peaceful face. A lock of hair has fallen over his forehead, lids twitching in sleep, mouth slightly parted.
Smiling, I lay my head back down on his chest, luxuriating in how deliciously sore and thoroughly rested I feel until I can no longer ignore my bladder screaming for relief.
I reluctantly untangle myself from Julian’s body and slip out of bed. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I make a half-hearted attempt at wrangling my curls that are completely wrecked after not pulling my hair back or sleeping with my bonnet to protect them. A huff of defeat falls from my lips at the crazy, curly sight. I gather it all up into a bun and tip-toe back into the bedroom and straight to my dresser to put on a pajama set. Gathering our clothes from the floor, I empty Julian’s pockets. Place his phone, wallet, and keys on the nightstand beside him before quietly leaving my room, shutting the door with a slow snick.
A load of laundry started, I quietly rummage around in the guestroom dresser for a pair of my brother’s basketball shorts. I’m sure I washed and put them away after he left them here when I hosted a family dinner months ago. He had come straight from the gym, showered, and changed here.
Stepping into the hallway, Charlie jumps out of the bathroom across the hall, landing in a crouch and roars. Gasping, I fall back into the wall, arms swinging.
“Goddamn it, Charlie! I hate when you do that.” I slump back into the wall, breathing heavily, and holding a hand to my racing heart.
Cackling, she falls into me with a hug. “It will never get old how jumpy you are!”
Standing, I push her away with huff and stick my tongue out at her over my shoulder.
“How long you planning to hide your man away in your room?”
Stopping in my tracks, I turn back to my best friend. Smiling sheepishly, I say, “He’s sleeping.”
Coming to my side, she leans against the wall. “Wore him out, huh?” she quips with a teasing arch of her brow.
“Charlie,” I admonish her with a side-eye.
“Hey, taking out all that suppressed sexual frustration would wipe anyone out. I’m surprised you’re not passed out with all the moaning and bed squeaking I heard last night. Had to put my noise cancelling headphones on soIcould sleep.”
“Oh my god, stop,” I laugh out. Hooking my arm in her elbow, I slide down the wall, pulling her with me.
“Admit it. It feels good to give into your feelings instead of running, right?”
I hum in agreement, leaning into her side and resting my head on her shoulder. After a moment of silence, a dreamy sigh flutters free.
Charlie jostles her shoulder. “You’re thinking about his dick, aren’t you?”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to stop. Not that I want to.” I shoot her a look with my lips rolled between my teeth.
“I expect all the dirty, horny deets.” Squinting one eye, she follows up with a muffled, “I may not be able to look him in the eye after . . .”
“I love you, Mama, but I am not sorry.” An unrestrained laugh bubbles out of me as I squeeze her arm.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Leena
Noiselessly twisting the knob,I gently push my door open and peek in. Coming to a stop, I see Julian look over at me. Glancing over my shoulder to make sure Charlie isn’t behind me, I quickly shut the door and turn to see him swing his legs over the side of the bed. Suddenly nervous, I look down at my toes, tracing a pattern in the wood grain.
“I wondered if you ran off and left me here to fend for myself.” There is a teasing quality in his voice, but I can still hear the note of anxiety in the words.
My throat tightens with guilt because I’ve made him feel this way—feel insecure about my sincerity. Despite me running repeatedly from him, he’s still shown up, been present, and chased me at a pace I was comfortable with.
