Page 32 of The Encounter
Jace reached out to take her clenched hand, but she pulled back. “I’ve got it on my hand.”
He nodded in understanding and moved his hand to the small of her back instead.
This was just great. He was finally going to kiss her and it gets ruined by the bird, and then he’s finally about to hold her hand and she has bird crap on it. She sighed, defeated. She just wanted to go home and go to bed. Wash this day away.
They arrived at his place and he ushered her inside. She immediately went to the bathroom, while Jace took care of their picnic disaster.
Maddie looked in the mirror and frowned. She tried to avoid wearing a lot of makeup, but the outline of where he had wiped at her forehead with the towel was clearly visible, leaving no makeup in that spot. White splotches dotted her hair above her hairline. She looked around for a washcloth to use, but hated to ruin any of his expensive linens. Defeated, she walked back out of the bathroom and down the hall to the living room, where he sat on the couch with Roxy at his feet.
“Do you have a washcloth or something I could use to wipe this out of my hair?”
“Of course.” He walked down the hallway and she followed, only this time he led her to the master bathroom. She had seen this part of his house when he gave her a tour last time, but somehow this time felt different.
He opened up a cupboard near the door inside the bathroom and pulled out a plush white towel. “You’re welcome to take a shower if you’d like.”
“Are you sure?” That sounded incredible. She definitely wanted to wash everything off, but didn’t want to impose.
He hung the towel up on a hook near the shower and took a step closer to her, smiling. He pulled her into his arms and held her close. “I want you to feel comfortable here. Make yourself at home.”
Her skin prickled with excitement at the words. She smiled up at him and wished the bird hadn’t interrupted them in the park. But now that she knew he wanted to kiss her as much as she wanted him to, she wouldn’t hesitate.
She stood on her tippy toes and pressed her lips to his. His arms immediately tightened around her and he pressed his mouth harder to her. He tasted like chocolate from their dessert.
“Join me,” she said against his lips.
His only response was grabbing the hem of her shirt and pulling it over her head. Their fingers worked fast on each other’s clothing until they were stepping into the shower, still locked together. He turned the stream of water on and pulled her underneath it with him, letting the water cascade around them.
A barrage of emotions hit her. Was she crazy? Clearly this would lead to more than a shower. But they had already moved past first base the night they met. She knew she liked him, and he had proven to be a decent man. There’s no way he would be anything like Brad.
When his hand skirted her hip, all hesitation fled. Her body ached for him. A need had tightly coiled around her, and she wanted nothing more than to ease it.
First thing was first, she had to deal with the bird crap. She scrubbed at her head to rid herself of any poop and Jace squirted some of his shampoo into his palm, holding it out to her.
“Sorry, this is all I have.”
It was a brand she hadn’t heard of and likely expensive, but it smelled like a man. It smelled like him, andthatshe didn’t mind.
“That’s okay.” She smiled up at him as water streamed down her face.
He tugged her out of the water and took care to massage the shampoo into her hair. She leaned into his touch, while his fingers worked over her scalp, the need in her belly growing stronger.
“Mmm, that feels so good,” she said, softly—a moan following.
She kept her eyes closed as he continued until her hair was completely lathered.
“Rinse,” he said.
She stepped back under the stream of water as it engulfed her, rinsing her hair with little effort on her part.
“Your shower is amazing,” she said, when she finally emerged.
He stood back, watching her, and she suddenly felt shy. She covered herself with her hands and turned away, but he stepped forward and pulled her to him. This was the first time they had been completely bared to one another. It hadn’t crossed her mind when they were caught up in the moment, but he hadn’t seen her completely naked before.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
His lips came to her neck, and he pressed a kiss to it, lingering there. While he peppered her skin with kisses, she tilted her head to the side to allow him better access.
