Page 40 of From the Embers

We’re both heaving, our breaths in sync as he wraps his arms around me and holds me tight.

Holy shit.

That was a rollercoaster ride with several unexpected delights.

“Y-you really know how to move,” I pant.

“Your body does wild things to me, what can I say?” He peppers kisses down my jaw and all over my neck. “I came so hard.”

I can’t believe I just slept with Denver, my crush from all those years ago. The man who saved me from a burning building.

He pulls out, then gives my ass a small slap as I turn and collapse on the bed. I watch him discard the condom, then he waltzes to the bathroom and I marvel at his gorgeous butt.

Is everything about this man literally perfect? Surely he must have some flaws.

I hear the basin run, then a few moments later, he’s bringing back a wash cloth. I mean, he used a condom—which he’s discarded—but the man is still bringing a wash cloth for me. Granted, I’ve had more orgasms than I’ve ever had before, so it’s thoughtful and sweet.

He smirks. “Allow me?”

I blink in surprise. “You really are the whole nine yards, aren’t you, D?”

His smirk turns into a grin as he slowly wipes between my legs and thighs. I’m still a mess, and my heart swells at how endearing he’s being.

“Do you do this for all of your conquests?” I joke.

His eyes lift. “You’re not that, Adi.”

My eyebrows rise in surprise. “Aw, am I special?” I say it mockingly, saving face because I want to hear it, but also not wanting to show him all my cards in one night.

He pinches my chin. “You know you are.” He presses a kiss to my lips.

When he’s done taking care of me, he returns to the bathroom to discard the washcloth, then he slides back onto the bed. “We can shower if you want?”

We.

Holy shit.

“You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”

He kisses me chastely. “I like taking care of you.”

“You don’t just mean my needs, do you?”

I’m bewildered when he pulls me to him, my back to his front so we’re spooning. He pulls the duvet over us. “Let’s snuggle first.”

I almost stammer my next words. “Snuggle?”

“Nothing wrong with a good snuggle, Red Robin. Plus, you kinda smell like me now.”

I laugh. “Uh oh. I’m gonna smell even more like you if I use your shower products.”

“I think I like that idea.” He clears his throat, his arms wrapping around me as I yawn. I’m so spent after that marathon. “Do you want to stay here tonight?”

He’s giving me the option to leave?

“Do you want me to stay?”

“Of course. I just don’t want you to feel obligated. I can Uber home with you, that’s if you want to go home?”