Marshall: The Manny

Chapter 8

8

M arshall

11:55 PM

My head shook at the sound of the side door bell. I knew Demi would come home tonight but I was hoping she’d stay in Atlanta and rest. Earlier, she sent me information for two flights and said she’d let me know which she’d be on. I hadn’t heard from her since, and now, she was walking through the damn door.

Not bothering to put on house shoes or a shirt, I headed down the hall in my boxers. Her movements stopped and she eyed me.

“What’re you doing here?” I asked as she dropped her bag onto the floor.

“I wanted to come home,” she said innocently, rubbing her sleepy eyes as she yawned. “You don’t have on any clothes.”

Ignoring her, I picked her up and her bag. I carried her to her room and started the shower for her. After grabbing her robe that hung on the bathroom door, I found her in her room, on the edge of the bed, fast asleep. It tickled me because her and Denver had that honest. When they were truly tired, they’d fall asleep sitting up with ease.

“Demi,” I called quietly, not wanting to startle her.

“Hmm?” she answered, groggily opening her eyes.

“Stand up.” She did. As I held the robe up, I told her, “Undress.”

Demi giggled when I closed my eyes. As much as I wanted to look at her beautiful body, this wasn’t about that. I wanted to take care of her—nothing more. That didn’t mean I wasn’t aroused by the thought of her undressing though. My feelings for her grew as each day passed. As hard as it was, I fought the battle of professional versus personal.

“Okay, I’m naked.”

“Mm.” I groaned, and she giggled again. Opening the robe, I held my breath as she slipped her arms inside. Once she had it on, I took a step back. “Go shower. I’ll massage your feet when you get out.”

“That’s all you’re going to massage, Marshall?”

Was she flirting with me?

Our eyes locked as she gave me a sexy smile. She walked toward the bathroom, and I was so speechless, I couldn’t even respond. The whole time she showered, I battled with if I wanted to address what she said or not. Maybe she was tired and delirious and hadn’t even realized what she’d said.

When she was done, she climbed into bed, eyes even lower as she yawned.

“How was the dinner?” I asked, taking the jojoba oil in her hand.

“It was definitely just a meeting. He ordered two drinks and we talked, which was actually fine. I didn’t want to eat with someone I didn’t know anyway.”

“Were you two able to come to an agreement?” I asked, rubbing the oil into my palms.

“Ye—mmm… oh my God, Marshall. That feels so good.”

I eyed her intently as her body relaxed in bed. The pleasure that covered her face made me wish I was touching more than just her feet. Hardening the pressure, I swallowed back my desire as she moaned again.

“Congratulations, Demi. I knew you could do it.”

“T-than—”

Her eyes fluttered as she fell asleep. I continued to massage her feet until she was in a deep sleep. Then, I pulled her sheets and comforter over her body. After giving her a forehead kiss, I snapped a picture of her sleeping peacefully, then left.