Page 239 of Cross Check

Warm, thick cum covers me at the same time my fumbling fingers stroke my clit, an explosion of color bursting in my vision as I get to the finish line.

I’m vaguely aware of the things happening around me: Grant’s chest molding into my back. The kisses he peppers to my shoulder and spine. It’s overwhelming in the best way, and when he finally climbs off me, I realize I’ve drooled on the pillows.

“I made a mess,” I say.

“I made one too, and it’s all over you. Stay there. Let me get something to clean you up,” he says.

The mattress sinks and dips under his shifting weight. His footsteps shuffle over the rug, the bathroom door opens, the faucet begins to run. I don’t lift a finger, hypnotic and blissed-out in the most delirious way.

When Grant returns, he runs a damp washcloth over my ass. He’s slow with his movements, a low hum of appreciation reverberating against my sternum when he eases me on my stomach and rests his arm over my waist.

“Hi,” I whisper, cracking open an eye. He’s next to me, his skin golden and his hair pushed back from his face with sweat and exertion. The prettiest smile sits on his mouth—soft and sated with swollen lips—and pride blooms in me. I did that. “Did you get it all?”

“I did, but I think you took my rationality with it. I don’t even know my name right now.”

“Grant Everett. Very good fuck.” It takes all my energy to say it, but it’s worth it to hear his booming laugh. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too. And you are…”

“Thoroughly depleted.”

“An honor. I’ve heard so many things about you.”

“Hopefully all good.”

“The best,” he says, drawing me to him. He buries his face in the crook of my neck and kisses my throat. “All of this because of your earrings and necklace. Totally reprehensible of them to incite such vulgar behavior on my part.”

“We should be blaming your shirt.” I spin in his hold, my hand on his chest and the damp fabric sticking to his skin. I push his glasses up his nose for him, and I’m awarded another smile. “I can’t help myself around slutty little crop tops.”

“Totally slutty. They get me in all kinds of trouble.” Grant kisses my cheek. “Can I tell you my secret of the day?”

“I can’t wait to hear,” I say.

“This is my favorite part of the day,” he says. “Not the sex. Not the texting. I like those, obviously, but just existing with you in my arms is enough for me. I spent so long thinking I couldn’t have you like this, so when I get a moment like right now, I don’t want to let go.”

“It’s the best part of my day too,” I whisper. “I have to be so many things to so many people all of the time, but when I’m in here, I can just be me. It’s hard to describe what it’s like when I’m with you—I’m hopeful and earnest and good enough.”

“More than good enough.” A kiss to my nose. “You’re perfect.” A kiss to my forehead. “Exquisite.” Another kiss on my cheek. “Mine.”

It’s promising and etched with wonder. It’s deeply romantic after the things we just did on these sheets, but so right. The closest form to an I love you we’ve ever been, and if he said it to me right this very second, I wonder how I’d respond.

I don’t have to think too long, because my heart already knows.

SEVENTY-FIVE

GRANT

APRIL, ONE SEASON AGO

I wake up to a kiss on my shoulder.

I smile into my pillow when a hand traces down the line of my spine. Delicate fingers touch the dimples on my back before resting on the curve of my ass.

“See something you’re interested in?” I slur, half awake and totally sleep-deprived.

“Is that something you’re interested in?” Lia asks.

“I have no clue if it’s something I’m interested in. We can try it out and see.” I yawn and turn on my side so I can look at her. “Morning.”