One Weekend in Seattle

3. Chapter Three

Chapter Three

S awyer loved the way Gabby enjoyed food. He’d make sure they would have a feast for breakfast tomorrow. He might be getting ahead of himself here, but he wanted Gabby in his bed tonight. They’d been flirting all day, and she wasn’t immune to him.

While he’d never slept with a woman on the first date, Gabby made him want to break all his rules. She’d shown him how much today meant to her with her words and actions. No expectations that he should buy her things and even objecting to him spending so much on the tours he’d arranged.

“This must have cost a fortune,” she said after the waiter removed their plates.

Was she reading his mind? “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

“But…”

“No buts.” He squeezed her shoulder and leaned closer. “The happiness on your face is worth it.”

“Sawyer, that’s so nice. It’s just…” She waved her hand in the air. “Today has been wonderful, and I know there is more to come.”

“There is. So put all thoughts about cost out of your head.”

“It’s hard.”

“Why?” He was curious why she was constantly worried about money.

“It was the way I was brought up. We didn’t have a lot, but we paid our own way.”

“I understand. It can make it hard to accept letting someone else pay, but I want to do this.” He’d never had to worry when he was growing up about where the next meal was coming from, or if his shoes needed replacing, or anything like that.

“My parents made it work, but there wasn’t a lot for extra treats. I started working when I was fifteen to help out.”

Sawyer frowned. “That’s early.” While he knew young people started working early, he hated it had happened to her.

“Even then, I knew I wanted to be a chef.”

“What was your first job?”

“Washing dishes.” She sighed. “It was a thankless job. While there were dishwasher machines, some of the pots had to be scrubbed by hand. But I learned a lot.”

“I bet.”

“The junior chef took pity on me and began showing me how to cook. That was fun.” She grinned. “I learned a lot of swear words in that kitchen.”

Sawyer almost spit out the water he’d sipped. “They taught you to swear?”

“Not really. There were some older male chefs, and they didn’t always hold back when something went wrong or if customers sent their food back.”

“I bet.”

“Anyway, by the time I graduated college, I knew I wanted to be a chef. I was promoted to an assistant chef at the restaurant, and I went to culinary school.”

“I bet that was expensive.” He glanced up as Tony returned with their next course. The lobster rolls and Dungeness crab cakes were placed on the table, along with a new wine.

“The wine is a white burgundy that goes well with the lobster and crab,” Tony said as he poured them each a glass. “Please enjoy.”

“Lobster and crab?” Gabby stared at the plate.

“I figured it might be a good choice since you’re from the Bay Area. Dungeness crab have a completely different taste than red or brown rock crab.”

“I can’t wait.” She cut a piece of crab cake and ate it. “Goodness. These are delicious. The Old Bay seasoning isn’t overwhelming, and the crab is so fresh.”

Sawyer’s pleasure skyrocketed at her words. He was ecstatic that she was happy and savoring the food. He took a bite of his own food. “It’s perfect.”

“Yes, it is. Anyway, back to your question. Culinary school was expensive, but I was lucky. I was able to get a couple grants, which covered most of the cost. The other chefs at the restaurant also chipped in by gifting me with little things.”

“What kinds of little things?” He hated the idea that she might have struggled.

“The owner gave me a chef coat, apron, and hat. The executive chef gifted me with knives made for me and a sharpener. The rest of the staff chipped in and bought me basic utensils, a backpack, and a knife roll.”

“That was generous of them.”

“They were a good group. I worked with most of them throughout my schooling.”

“How long did it take you?”

“About six years to get my bachelor’s degree. I could only go to school part-time, but it did help that I was already working in a restaurant for my hands-on training.” She took a bite of the lobster roll and let out a moan.

His dick hardened at the sound. Would she moan when they made love? He’d make sure of it. Sawyer took a sip of wine, willing his cock to calm down. The night was still young.

“How did you become a manager of a nightclub?”

Good question. “I was bored with my job in tech, so I was looking around for something new and found The Vault.”

“You said you have an engineering degree, does that mean you also have some sort of technical degree?”

“Guilty.”

“Heavy duty degrees.”

“I was lucky. My parents were able to pay for my college.” And then some. But he didn’t add his thoughts. It wasn’t time yet. He knew he’d have to tell her sooner or later, and it was selfish to wait, but he enjoyed being anonymous with Gabby and didn’t want to ruin her night.

“Do you enjoy being a nightclub manager?”

“Most days.” They’d finished their second course. The waiter cleared away the plates. “I like being around people and seeing that they’re having fun. The paperwork, not so much.”

“I hear you. Don’t you have to work tonight?”

“The advantage…” He almost said, the advantage of being the owner. “Advantage of having another manager who can work so I could have the night off to spend with you.”

Gabby gave him a small smile before she glanced out the window. “The view is beautiful.”

The sun had begun to set, and the water gleamed as the lights around the city snapped on, making the city come alive. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

“I am.” She turned to him. Her eyes grew serious. “I don’t like the idea of how much money you’re spending on me.”

They were back to that. “Gabby.” He slipped closer as he squeezed her shoulder. “I wanted to do this. I’m not spending more than I can afford.” Guilt filled him once again for hiding part of himself from her.

“Are you sure?” She sighed. “The tour this morning, this afternoon, lunch. Now this dinner and view.” She waved her hand. “I’m sure a meal at the Space Needle isn’t cheap.”

“You’re worth it.” Her eyes widened at his words. “Has no one told you that before?”

She shook her head.

“Well, how short sighted of them. You are more than worth this dinner.” He shifted in his seat. “I watched you today. In each store, you were respectful to the employees, patiently waited when you needed to. On the food tour, you always let the older couple go in front of us, and I saw you block that young couple from jumping in front of them at one point.”

“That couple was rude. Always trying to be first.” Her voice held a note of dislike.

“I noticed.”

“I think others did, too, but I wasn’t about to let them get away with it.” She glanced at him. “Courtesy has become a lost art.”

“I won’t argue with that.” There were fights at least once a week outside the club when the lines got too long, and it was obvious not everyone was going to get in. They’d taken to cutting the line off.

“I wish people would be better.”

“You’re an optimist.” It was the first word that popped into his mind.

Gabby laughed. “Not always.”

“No one is one hundred percent of something.” He angled his head. “You can make me laugh and smile and not many people can do that.” It was rare that anyone but Eric could do that.

“You’ve been around the wrong people.”

Her words punched him in the gut. Outside of Eric, she was right. He rarely trusted anyone outside of his business partner, especially not a woman. With Gabby, it wasn’t that way. He instinctively trusted her. He wasn’t sure if that was good or not. “Maybe you’re right.”

The waiter returned with their main course. “Wagyu beef with potatoes and mixed vegetables.” He placed the plates in front of them. “The wine pairing is a French Bordeaux.” After pouring the wine, the server left.

“This beef smells heavenly,” Gabby commented.

“It does.” They ate without talking much. Sawyer’s mind played with the possibilities of how tonight would end. Hopefully, in his apartment and bed, but he wouldn’t push Gabby. It would be her choice.

By the time dessert was served, the sun had set. The lights of Seattle twinkled out the windows, making them seem like they were alone in the sky.

“Oh goodness.” Gabby’s voice was quiet.

The server had their dessert. A special one. Well, it was a pretty simple dessert, in his opinion. There was a big bowl filled with dry ice, and the dessert was sitting on top of the ice. When the waiter poured water over the dry ice, white smoke fanned out.

The first dessert was placed in front of her, then him. “Anything to drink?” the waiter asked.

“Coffee, please,” Sawyer said.

“That sounds good.” Gabby’s eyes were fixed on the dessert, watching the smoke dissipate to reveal the contents of the dessert.

“Very good.” The server walked away.

“I love how they did that.” She picked up her spoon.

“I thought you might.” Gabby might be a little burned out with her job, but she still enjoyed food and how it was presented.

By the time they finished dessert and their coffee, it was almost ten. Sawyer texted his driver, and they made their way downstairs. Gabby shivered as they walked outside. After sunset, the air had turned cooler.

“I left my jacket in the car,” she said.

“I should have reminded you to grab it, but I’ll keep you warm.” He gathered her into his arms. “Better?”

“Yes.” She snuggled against his chest. “This has been a wonderful day. I don’t want it to end.”

“It doesn’t have to,” he said softly. Gabby tilted her head back and looked up at him. No risk, no gain. “Come back to my place.”

“I…” Her voice trailed off.

“No pressure. You don’t have to.”

“I know. You’ve been fantastic all day.” She paused. “It isn’t that I don’t want to spend more time with you.”

“Too soon.”

“Maybe.”

***

The second the word maybe left her lips, Gabby knew she wasn’t telling the truth. She wanted to spend the night with Sawyer, but something held her back: Her own fear. Was she enough for a man like Sawyer? Her ex certainly didn’t think she was much of a woman.

Rolling her eyes, she pushed all thoughts of her ex out of her mind and pushed out a breath. Here in Sawyer’s arms, she felt safe. How often had that happened to her? Not since she was a child.

Lindsay’s insistence to “let go” and “have fun” spun around in her mind. Three years of responsibility fell away. She wanted one night for herself. She wanted to be totally selfish and only think about herself.

“Let’s go to your place.”

His face registered surprise. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“If you want to go home, all you have to do is tell me.”

“I will, but I’d like to see where you live.”

His face froze.

“Unless you don’t want to share with me?” She wouldn’t push him.

“No, it’s not that.” The car pulled up, and Sawyer opened the door for her. He told the driver to go to home.

“I want to show you.” Sawyer leaned down. “Again, no pressure. But I won’t lie; I want to spend the night with you.”

“I’d like that too.” For once, Gabby was going to let go of all her fears, her worries, everything, and spend the night with this man who’d captured her attention. Hell, it probably wouldn’t take much to capture her heart.

“I’m glad.” He brushed a kiss over her lips. “I’ll take this as slow or as fast as you want it.”

“I appreciate that.” She did. They’d only had soft, short kisses and light touches. Lord, this was so not like her. But she was attracted to Sawyer. Actually, it was more than attraction, maybe she was in lust with him.

Gabby wasn’t thrilled with being in lust, yet she couldn’t say she wasn’t. Sawyer made her feel special, like a woman deserving of his attention. Several minutes later, they pulled up to a high-rise building.

“This is close to your club,” she said, noting the neighborhood.

“Yes. I can walk to work.” He helped her from the car, told the driver good night, and keeping his arm around her waist, guided her inside the building.

The lobby was tastefully decorated with sofas and chairs scattered around. There was a big reception desk with two men in uniforms seated behind it.

“Good evening, Mr. York,” one of the men said.

“Good evening.” He guided her to the elevators. Once inside, he slipped a card key into the slot and the pressed the button for the twenty-fifth floor.

“Security guards.” She’d heard about buildings that had them but had never been in one.

“Yes. It’s part of the amenities.”

“And what are the other amenities?”

“Gym, roof top area for parties and other gatherings, conference rooms, housekeeping, things like that.”

The casual way he said it made her wonder if Sawyer was used to this type of living. Maybe they needed to talk a bit more before she slept with him. Gabby inhaled sharply. Was she going to have sex with Sawyer? It was a possibility; otherwise, she wouldn’t have come to his place.

The elevator doors opened into a nice foyer, with a door in front of them. She glanced around. Sawyer opened the only door and gestured for her to go in. Gabby froze inside the doorway. This wasn’t any apartment or condo, but a penthouse.

“How do you afford this?”

“It’s a perk from the owner of the club.”

Gabby breathed a little easier. In her marriage, she’d seen how money inequity could change a person, and she didn’t want to go through that again.

Sawyer took off his shoes and placed them in the wooden shoe rack. Gabby followed his lead, and he urged her forward into the living room.

The floor to ceiling windows framed the views of the waterfront and the Puget Sound. She automatically moved to them and stared. This place was high enough to have almost an unrestricted view.

“Would you like something to drink?” Sawyer moved across the room. “I have wine, beer, water, soda, coffee, or tea.”

Her nerves danced beneath her skin. “Do you have a Riesling or Moscato?”

“Riesling, it is.” He moved behind the bar.

Gabby tried to calm her nerves. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been with a man before, she had, just not in a while.

“Here you go.” He held out a glass of wine to her.

“Thanks.”

“Come sit down and relax.” He gestured to the light gray sectional.

“What makes you think I’m not relaxed?” She made her way across the room and sat before she stared at him.

“Your muscles are tense.” Sawyer took a seat but left room between their bodies. “Nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen. I promise.”

She released the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “It’s been a while for me.”

“I mean what I said, Gabby. The night is in your hands.”

“Okay.” She forced herself to sit back against the sofa cushions. “Tell me more about how your boss gave you this penthouse as a perk.”

***

Sawyer almost grimaced at Gabby’s request. He hated lying to her, and he would stick to the truth as much as he could. “My boss has investment property all around Washington. He likes having his employees close and offered it to me.” Partially the truth. He did have a lot of investment property.

“It’s a great place.”

“Where are my manners, do you want a tour?”

“I’m good.” She sipped her wine. “Do you like living here?”

“Yes.” He set his wine down. “The place has everything a person could want.”

“What about companionship?”

“That is something they would have a hard time providing.”

Gabby set her wine glass down and slid closer to him. “Maybe we can do something about that.”

Sawyer slipped his arm around her shoulders, and she rested her head against him. “Are you lonely, Gabby?” He kept his voice soft.

“No…Yes...Probably.” She laughed. “I want to be honest. I haven’t been with a man since my ex.”

He tensed up in shock, and immediately tried to relax so as not to alarm Gabby.

“Shocking, I know,” she said.

Okay, he didn’t manage to hide his surprise. “Why not? You were separated.” He was curious.

“It didn’t seem right.” She shrugged. “I mean, my parents may not have had money, but they had each other. They supported each other no matter what.”

“They sound like loving parents.” While he knew his parents loved him, they weren’t very demonstrative about it.

“They are. They’re proud of what I’ve become.”

“Lucky you.” His father looked down at him for owning a nightclub, telling him he needed to go back to tech. Sawyer had been more than glad to get out of that corporate cutthroat world. “Tell me more about the executive chef world. How competitive is it?”

“It depends.”

She snuggled deeper against his side, a good sign in his book.

“I was lucky. While the restaurant I work at is fairly elite, the staff are pretty down to earth.”

“Did you have to fight for your job?” After all she’d gone to school for, it didn’t seem fair if she had.

“Not really. The head chef liked me. Actually, all of the back of house, as I told you, was very supportive.”

“Was there an executive chef?”

“Yes.” She tilted her head back and grinned. “Carson was a great guy, an older gentleman who’d worked in the restaurant from day one. When I finished up my schooling and started moving my way up, he took me aside and told me he was retiring, and he wanted me to become executive chef.”

“Was the head chef upset?” Sawyer had done a tiny bit of research so he’d understand how his kitchen would be run.

“No. He didn’t want to be executive chef and told me to go for it. I understand more now.”

“In what way?” Minute by minute, Gabby was melting against him. Talking was a good thing, especially since the topic wasn’t him.

“Like I told you last night, the job requires a sixteen-hour day, almost seven days a week. While the pay is good, I’m starting to burn out.”

“I get that.” Wasn’t that why he sold his tech company? Burnout and all the backstabbing.

“I enjoy being a chef and some of the aspects of my job.”

“What else would you do?” He wanted to know about her dreams.

“Not sure. I’ve been thinking maybe a personal chef or maybe open a small café that didn’t require a big staff. It’s all up in the air.”

“You’ll figure it out.”

“You sound so sure.”

“I am.” He was. In his short time with Gabby, he could tell she had drive and integrity. “You’re a special woman.”

Gabby leaned up and kissed his cheek. “You’re special, too, Sawyer.”

Unable to help himself, he turned his head, and their lips met. The kiss started off soft, his lips touching hers, backing away only to go back. She shifted, and her lips parted. Sawyer deepened the kiss.

The slow kiss turned into a passionate embrace. His tongue tangled with hers. He shifted, and Gabby was half lying down on the sofa with him over her. The kiss continued, and her hands slid around his neck, fingers playing with his hair.

Sawyer drew back and gazed down at Gabby. Her face was slightly flushed, her breathing rapid. Her green eyes were bright with desire. He lowered his head. He had no idea how much time they’d spent kissing and touching on the sofa.

“Shall we move this into the bedroom?” he asked, noticing her shirt was off, as was his.

“Yes.”

He grinned as he stood, and swooped her into his arms.

“Sawyer!” She grabbed his shoulder.

“I won’t drop you.”

“I didn’t think you would. It just startled me.”

He strode down the hall to his bedroom. Thank goodness he’d left the lamp on so the room wasn’t completely dark.

“This is a huge room.” Her head moved from side to side, taking in the space.

“More room to ravish you.” Sawyer placed her gently on her feet. While she continued to look around, he pulled back the covers.

“This is a nice bedroom, not too masculine but not too feminine.”

“Bathroom’s over there.” He pointed to the half open door across the room as he stepped up to Gabby and ran his finger over her lace covered breasts.

“When did I lose my shirt?” Her gaze settled on his bare chest. “When did you lose yours?”

“I think we got carried away on the sofa.” He traced the upper curve of her breasts.

“Somehow I don’t mind.” Her warm palms pressed against his pecs, and Sawyer could swear heat seared his skin.

“I’m glad.” His fingers skimmed down to the fastening of her pants. Their gazes caught. “May I?” He tapped the material.

He caught the desire in her gaze as he followed the movement of her throat when she swallowed. “Yes, please.”

His ego and his cock swelled. Even as the lust coursed though him, it brought with it a fierce need to take care of her for all time.

Sawyer undid the snap and lowered the zipper on her jeans. He cupped her hips before he slid the fabric down her toned legs. A shiver shook her as he stroked her calves with the lightest touch.

“Hold on to my shoulders,” he said. When she complied, he lifted her right foot, pulled the jeans and her sock off, and did the same with the left. He pushed them aside and rose. “Beautiful.”

A flush worked its way from her chest to her face. “I’m okay.”

Sawyer tapped her lips with his finger. “Beautiful.”

Gabby didn’t say anything. “Your turn.” Her fingers dipped inside his pants.

His cock was pressing against the fabric.

“Someone is…” She glanced up at him, her expression filled with mischief. “Big.”

His laughter filled the room. Sawyer couldn’t help himself. That wasn’t what he’d expected her to say. She lowered the zipper, her movements slow and deliberate, and slid his trousers down. He stepped out of them.

He helped Gabby stand, pulled her into his arms, and took her lips with his. She leaned into him and kissed him with passion that took his breath away. His hands roamed over her back, to her ass, cupped it, and pulled her against his cock.

Her fingers dug into his shoulders as he continued to kiss her. He couldn’t get enough of this woman. When they broke apart, their harsh breathing filled the air.

“I’m going to finish undressing you now.”

She nodded.

Within a minute, she was naked in front of him. His eyes took in her full breasts, curvy hips, and long, toned legs. He lifted her and placed her on the bed. He couldn’t wait to taste her. Climbing on the mattress, he pushed her legs apart.

“Sawyer.” Uncertainty tinged her voice.

He lifted his gaze. “What is it, my sweet?”

She shifted. “Ummm...” Her flush deepened. “What are you doing?”

Shock went through him. “Sweetie, have you never had a man go down on you before?”

She shook her head.

“That ex of yours was an idiot.” Sawyer couldn’t believe her ex had never taken care of her this way. “Just relax.”

“But…”

He tapped her mound with two fingers, not hard, but enough to get her attention. “There is no but. I’m going to take care of you now.” Pushing her legs farther apart, he wiggled until his shoulders held her legs open.

Sawyer parted her labia. Her sweet scent filled him as he inhaled. “Pretty pussy.” He ran his tongue over her.

Gabby squirmed.

“Stop moving.”

“You have to be kidding.”

He grinned before he licked her again.

***

Gabby wanted to fly off the bed. No man had ever gone down on her before. Sawyer’s shock at that was surprising. Did men really like to do that to women? Not in her experience. But damn, Sawyer ran his tongue over her slit like he was licking an ice cream cone.

She had no idea how to react. It was hard to hold still and not squirm. Did she smell down there? She’d taken a shower this morning, but they’d walked around all day. Her nerves kicked up a notch.

“You’re so tense.”

“No kidding.”

“Hey, what’s going on?” He maneuvered his body until he was lying on his side next to her, with his head propped up on his hand.

How did she explain it? Gabby closed her eyes. “I…” The words wouldn’t come.

“Sweetheart.” He caressed her cheek with a tender touch, and she opened her eyes. Sawyer was staring down at her with concern and worry in his eyes.

Her heart tightened. “It’s not you.” Those words sounded lame.

“What is it?” He leaned over and kissed her collarbone. “Did you not like me tasting you?”

She wanted to say yes but couldn’t. “That didn’t bother me.”

“Is it because no man has ever licked you before?”

“Partially.” Lord, this was embarrassing. Why couldn’t Sawyer be more like her ex and just do a quickie?

“Talk to me, please.”

The please tugged at her heart. “It’s going to sound silly.”

He nipped at her chin before staring into her eyes. “Nothing sounds silly.”

Taking a shaky breath, she gathered her courage. “I was worried about how I smelled down there.”

Sawyer blinked. “You smell delicious.”

He didn’t think she was silly or crazy or anything else. “I do?”

“Gabby, women have their own unique scent. Yours to me is…” He paused. “I’m trying to find the right words. You smell like summer, fresh, clean, and ready to play.”

Her heart lightened. “Really?”

“Yes. I don’t lie.” His mouth brushed against her. “Maybe we leave that for later.”

His palm covered her left breast and squeezed.

Gabby’s breath rushed out of her when he did the same to the right.

“At least I know I turn you on.”

“Any more on and I’d light up Seattle.”

Sawyer chuckled. “Let me see if we can do that.”

He leaned over and licked one nipple and then the other. Gabby moaned as tingles flowed through her body. How had she not known how this would feel?

Her fingers curved around his shoulders. Sawyer was so strong yet so gentle with her. Not that she minded his gentleness, but she wanted more.

“More,” she whispered.

Sawyer’s gaze burned into her as his hand wandered over her stomach to her mound. One finger parted her pussy lips. “Don’t you like foreplay?”

“I’ve never had an opportunity to find out.”

He shook his head. “Let me show you.”

Gabby thought she would die from pleasure as Sawyer explored every inch of her body with his hands, lips, and tongue. “Please.”

Sawyer paused; the heat in his gaze had her squirming on the bed. He reached over, grabbed a condom, and slipped it on. His eyes locked with hers, and he pushed into her pussy.

A groan escaped Gabby as he filled her. It had been a while, and Sawyer wasn’t a small man. But the slight burn and stretching sensation brought her to life. She hadn’t felt this way in a long time, if ever.

“Sweetheart, I’m not going to last long if you keep clenching my dick.”

“Feels so good.”

“It should.” He slid out and back in, slowly building the pace.

Gabby’s nails dug into his back as he made love to her. Slow and steady until she was ready to cry out in frustration. He finally picked up the pace, and she loved it. He felt so good inside her.

Her toes tingled, and her stomach quivered. She wasn’t going to last long, but it didn’t matter to her. This man took her to the brink of a climax.

Her body shuddered. “I’m…” She never got the words out. Her body exploded like a pressure cooker. Her pussy clenched around his cock, and tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. Sawyer continued to thrust, finally giving one last thrust, and his cock pulsed.

He kept his weight off of her as her body stopped shaking. His lips captured hers, but she had to break away to breathe.

“Gabby?” His voice was soft and gentle. “Sweetheart, did I hurt you?”

“No,” she whispered as she sniffled, her eyes tightly closed. She couldn’t look at him. How could she possibly explain? It all had to do with Sawyer. This man pampered her today, listened to her, and made sure she was happy. She’d never known happiness like this.

“You’re crying.” He pulled back, and she heard him moving before his arms came around her, and he pulled her against him. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” No matter what she did, she couldn’t stop the tears.

“There must be something.” His arms tightened around her.

Her head rested on his chest, and her tears continued. How could she explain it to him? She had to find a way. “You did nothing wrong.”

“The jury is out on that.” Soft tissues touched her face.

Gabby lifted her head and opened her eyes. Sawyer’s face was filled with concern, and that almost started more tears. He lifted his hand and wiped the tears away from her face with a gentle touch.

“I got you wet.” Her voice was a bit wobbly.

“I’ll dry.” He tossed the used tissues on the nightstand.

“I meant what I said, Sawyer. You did nothing wrong. I was overwhelmed by emotion.” His features softened. “I’ve never…what I’m trying to say is, it’s rare that a man can make me climax without playing with my clit.” There, she said it. She only hoped he didn’t think she was defective.

“Oh, Gabby.” His palm cupped her cheek. “Not all women can climax from penetration. I’m glad I could do that for you.”

She blinked. “Who are you?” He understood and didn’t get upset. How had she found a man like him?

Sawyer laughed. “I’ll admit I’m not your average man, but I do understand a woman’s body.”

“Thank god for that.” Gabby laid her head back on his damp chest. They laid there in a comfortable silence.

***

Sawyer barely stopped himself from swearing out loud. Gabby’s ex was an ass. Sawyer was sure he was the one who’d made Gabby doubt herself. She’d opened herself to him and been brave enough to tell him something so personal. This woman kept surprising him.

He held her close to his body as she continued to come down from her climax but also to absorb her feelings and calm down himself. He’d jumped to the wrong conclusion when Gabby started crying, thinking he was at fault. After she’d explained, he’d relaxed, body and soul.

He’d give her time to recover, and he’d show her again how she should be worshipped. Right now, he was happy with her in his arms.