Page 69 of Weathering The Storm

I don’t know why it surprises me to see him naked. It’s not like we have anything left to be modest about, but there’s something indulgent about looking at him when there’s no rush. When our time belongs only to us.

I could spend the rest of the night appreciating the toned lines of his body. The trail of brown hair that splits the V of his hips, leading from his navel to his groin, where his cock hangs thick and heavy between his legs. The fishing scars—some I was there to witness, but most I wish I knew the stories behind. His fading tan lines from the summer.

Three weeks of growth has his hair reaching his chin, curled strands tangling with his short beard. And his eyes are so warm, so inviting. The same color as the logs beginning to glow in the wood stove, and just as radiant.

I should focus on those eyes. Nothing else.

But the eye contact is dangerous too. Seth can say a lot of damn things without saying a word.

I clear my throat. “Where do you keep your towels?”

“Cabinet across from the sink. Have to shut the door to get in.” As if he could tell what I was thinking earlier, he adds, “Water heater here is badass. You won’t run out—take as long as you need.”

Which, if I continue staring at him, is going to be alongtime.

I step into the bathroom and undress inside, letting out a breath that escapes a little too rough. I hope he can’t hear me through the walls.

Scalding water rains down directly on my face as I wash off. Trying to think wholesome thoughts about the wholesome family dinner we had.

When none of that is enough to take my mind off the fact that I’m in Seth’s room and he’s right outside without a stitch of fabric on—I take my cock in my hand and chase relief. Holding my breath to stifle the noises.

My hand just doesn’t fucking do it for me anymore, though. Not when he’s there, and I know howhishands feel.

Small as the bathroom is, the steam quickly becomes suffocating as I stand in front of the fully opaque mirror and brush my teeth. Waiting for my erection to settle enough to not tent the towel.

That lasts for all of three seconds before I step back out into the room and see Seth sprawled on the fur rug in front of thefire. One knee propped up, the other splayed on the ground. Flaunting the fact that he hasn’t made use of any of the clothes he laid out.

“It’s a perfect fire.” He pats the ground beside him, where he’s tossed a few blankets and pillows. “Come enjoy it with me.”

I follow.

Of course I do. I’ll go anywhere he wants.

He hooks a finger into the towel and rids me of it before I can sit down. His eyes rake over my body, lips curling as my cock jumps at his appraisal.

I settle beside him. Ineffectually willing my body to calm down.

It is a perfect fire. I’m burning up.

“You’ve been quiet tonight. Quieter than usual.”

“It’s just… been a long couple of days.” I shudder a sigh as his fingers comb through my hair and press against my scalp. Rubbing in circles from my nape to my hairline.

Seth murmurs a sound of agreement. “Lay on your stomach.”

I hesitate before rolling face-down and scooping a pillow beneath my head, my body sinking into soft fur.

His hands run up the backs of my legs, squeezing my thighs, and I tense involuntarily as he straddles them.

“I promise I’ll be good.” He chuckles. A soft, throaty sound that lets me know I could make no such promise in return. “Thereare other ways I can take care of you besides sex. You know that, right?”

Somewhere in my head, I do know that. Ido. He’s been taking care of me long before sex was ever a part of the equation. Making sure I got enough sleep, that I ate dinner, that I had those little coffee breaks to keep me going. Paying attention to me so well that he knew exactly when I needed to talk, or when I simply needed himthere.For five more minutes.

I know, I mean to tell him.

Simple.

But I open my mouth, and regret oozes out. Ink-black and tarry.