Page 106 of Now and Then

“That’s it, babe,” he murmurs.

My eyelids flutter open, the last bit of my control disappearing at his encouragement. His head rests along the tub’s rim, sweat dotting his forehead, hair curling at the ends from the steam. When his gaze latches onto mine, it refuses to let go. I lean closer, one hand braced on his chest and the other gripping the porcelain edge.

“Hunter.” My voice trembles with need and relief all at once.

His hand brushes a stray strand of wet hair from my face, thumb tracing the line of my jaw.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve pictured you like this,” he says, his voice low and raw.

Every word, every glance, every brush of his skin against mine sends electricity zipping through my body. I press closer, feeling the warmth, the strength of him, and I don’t hold back. When Hunter reaches down and brushes his fingers against my electrified flesh, I gasp.

“Does that feel good?” He presses a knuckle into me.

“Yes.”

His lips twitch in a slow smile.

I melt into him.

His touch finds me exactly where I need him. My body responds without hesitation.

“You’re close,” he says matter-of-factly.

“Hunt—” I lose my breath as my orgasm cascades through my body. My stomach trembles and my face flushes. The sensation is so delicious I can’t even keep my eyes open.

“You’re fucking stunning,” he says as the waves of pleasure subside and my eyelids flutter open.

“I—wow, that was . . .” I smile shyly at him, at a loss for words.

“It was,” he growls, reaching around to palm the flesh of my backside. “And we’re just getting started.”

My stomach drops at his declaration. He’s got to be crazy to think I’ll orgasm again so soon.

Hunter rolls his eyes. “I can hear you thinking.”

I slap his shoulder. “Oh, shut up, I was just—”

“What did I say before?” His eyes narrow in silent command. “Stop worrying. Stop thinking. I’ve got you.”

“Okay, okay, I know you do.” A soft smile tugs at my lips. “But isn’t there research about refractory periods?”

He presses closer. “We’re going to finish this bath, which gives you plenty of time to recoup, so I can have all of you next.”

We take turns washing each other’s bodies. It feels like a torturous game each time his hands caress the sensitive parts of my body. Refractory period my ass. I’ve never wanted or been more ready for a man than I am for Hunter.

The water turns lukewarm before either of us moves to get out of the tub, the quiet patter of rain against windows wrapping around us like everything outside this room has been pushed away. I reach for the plush towels hanging nearby as he pulls the plug. Hunter dries first, slinging the towel loosely around his hips. His nipples are hard, and I can’t help myself. I gently run my fingers over the turgid peaks. He grunts, stomach clenching, jaw clenching slightly.

“Hmm . . .” I muse as he pulls away and wraps a towel around my shoulders. I follow Hunter like a moth to a flame, my bare feet padding softly against the floor as he steps into the dimly lit bedroom.

Twilight filters through the window, washing the room in dusky purples and golds. The soft hum of the rain surrounds us, but all I can focus on is him. The boy I fell in love with as a teenager and the man who has always been my rock seems to glow against the dark backdrop.

I drop my towel and perch myself on the end of the king-sized bed. Hunter drops his towel, exposing his rigid length. Hunter is impossible to look away from. I lick my lips and turn my gaze to his. His eyes are an inferno.

“Is this what you want?” His voice is low and intense.

“Yes,” I say, my skin buzzing with excitement, heart racing.

He steps closer, eyes searching mine. “Yes, what?”