Chapter 16
Stella
I’d made it through the day, but damn was I tired. Stepping off the elevator, I kicked off my shoes, set my bag down, and walked into the kitchen.
“How was your day?” Dora smiled, wiping down the island.
“It was good. I’m going to enjoy these last two classes.”
“You look tired, Stella. Can I make you some tea?”
“That would be great, Dora. Do we have any peppermint tea?”
“Yes.” She smiled.
She made me some tea and set it down before me at the island. Holding the warm cup between my hands, I took a soothing sip.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“Just feeling a little under the weather today.”
“I made dinner for you and Miles. It’s in the warming oven.” She grabbed her purse.
“Thanks. I’ll make sure his stays in there because God knows what time he’ll be home.”
“I just want you to know that I don’t agree with this little arrangement the two of you have. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“It’s too late for that.” I sipped my tea.
She walked over and placed her hand on my shoulder. “Get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”
I gave her a smile, got up from the stool, grabbed my bag and laptop, and sat down on the couch. When I heard the elevator ding, I looked at the time; it was five-thirty.
“You never responded to my text message,” Miles said, strolling into the living room.
“Why are you home so early?” I asked.
“Is there a rule that says I can’t come home at five-thirty?”
“No. It’s just you’re never home this early.”
“As I said, you never responded to my text.”
“Sorry. I forgot.”
“You forgot?” His brow arched.
“I was in the middle of class when you texted me, and I forgot.”
“Well, don’t forget next time. I had to call Sean to make sure you were okay.”
“I’m sorry. It’s been a long day. Dora made dinner. It’s in the warming oven.”
“Did you eat yet?” he asked.
“No. I’ve been doing homework.” I looked up at him.
“I’m going to my bedroom to change. We can eat, and you can tell me about your new classes.”
“Okay. I’ll go pull it from the oven.” I set my laptop to the side and got up from the couch.
I silently smiled as I strolled into the kitchen. We were having dinner together for the first time in over two weeks. I pulled our dinner from the warming oven, plated it, and set it on the table. Grabbing a bottle of water from the refrigerator, I sat down.
“No wine tonight?” Miles asked, walking into the kitchen.
“Not tonight. My stomach has been bothering me all day.”
“Are you sick?” he asked, sitting across from me.
“I don’t know.” I picked up my fork. “I know there’s a virus going around, so maybe.”
“I’m sure you’ll feel better tomorrow. So, tell me about your day.” A small smile crossed his lips.
“It was good to attend classes in person. It’s been a while.” I smiled. “I like my professors.”
“I’m happy to hear that. Levi dropped by the office today with some news.”
“Oh yeah?” I took a bite of chicken and wanted to vomit.
“He proposed to Laurel and asked me to be his best man. They haven’t set a date yet, though.”
“That’s great. But you don’t do weddings. How are you going to be his best man?” A smirk crossed my lips.
“He’s my best friend. I have no choice.”
“I’m your wife, and you wouldn’t attend my friend’s wedding with me.” My brow arched.
His eyes stared into mine momentarily. “I’m sorry about that. I probably should have gone with you.”
“Easy to say now that it’s over with.” I threw my napkin on the table and stood up.
“Where are you going? You barely ate.”
“To my room to do homework.” I walked out of the kitchen.
* * *
Miles
What the hell was her problem? Something was obviously bothering her, and I wanted to know what it was. After cleaning up dinner, I went into her room and heard the water running from the bathroom. Opening the door, I stepped in and saw Stella lying in the bubbly-filled tub.
“What the hell, Miles?”
I took a seat on the toilet.
“What is wrong with you? Are you really mad that I didn’t attend your friend’s wedding with you?”
“I’m just tired.”
This was the first time I’d seen her like this since I’d met her.
“Enjoy your bath,” I said as I walked out of the bathroom.
Taking a seat on her bed, I picked up one of her psychology books and looked at it. As I was reading a few pages, Stella walked into the bedroom wrapped in a towel and looked at me.
“What are you doing?”
“I”m just looking at your books.” I smiled, shutting the book and setting it to the side. “Come here and lay down on your stomach.”
“Why?” Her brows furrowed. “I’m not in the mood tonight.”
“I wasn’t talking about sex, Stella. I’m giving you a nice massage to help you relax.” A smile crossed my lips.
“The towel stays on, Miles.”
“I know. Come on. Lie down.”
She climbed onto the bed, laid on her stomach, and I began massaging her, starting with her shoulders.
“Oh, God. That feels so good,” she moaned.
As much as I tried to control my cock from getting hard, I couldn’t. Massaging her excited me, especially how much I knew she enjoyed it. I reached around, undid her towel, and moved it down, covering her beautiful ass. I needed access to her entire back. My hands moved across her back as my fingers massaged every inch. I stared at her as her eyes closed, and she fell asleep. Grabbing a blanket, I covered her with it, walked out of the room, and took care of my hard cock that ached for her.
I poured myself a bourbon and took it to the rooftop, where I could stare out at the brightly lit city. Thoughts about Stella swirled around in my head. I cared about her, maybe a little too much, which concerned me.