Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
Shelby
Curling my hand into a fist, I starfish my body and stretch. Then I roll onto my back and let out a loud groan.
My muscles pull tight before my limbs drop back to the mattress. I feel achy and sated.
My eyes pop open.
Achy, sated, and sore.
Shoving my hand beneath the sheet, I dip my fingers under the band of my pajamas and between my legs.
Wetness greets me.
He was here!
Pulling my hand out, I curse. “Shit!” We didn’t use a condom. No way Doc will give me Plan B again. Groaning, I roll my eyes. I didn’t think I needed to have them yet, not until next Halloween.
I took Plan B yesterday, so it’ll be okay, right?
Craning my neck, I peer over at the bedside clock. 9:30. How long ago did he leave?
Sitting up quickly, I snatch my cell off the table and scrabble across the bed. Darting from room to room, I search for him, but no one’s here. I knew he wouldn’t be, but a girl can hope.
I can feel the ache of him deep inside as I walk to the front door on steady feet, no dizziness in sight.
Locked, just like I left it.
How the fuck does he get in? I shrug the thought off quickly, because the truth is, I don’t care.
He came for me, again.
Is this the end of our yearly visits? Will he come again tonight? God, I hope so.
My pulse pounds, and my inner muscles squeeze in anticipation, making me hiss. I’ve been sore before, but not like this.
I know what we do is rough, or at least I think so. Once a year, I wake up bone tired with an equal amount of contentment.
But with no time between his visits, my body isn’t used to it. I’ve never felt better.
Turning the lock, I yank the front door open. Messy hair and in pajamas, I look like a crazy lady. I know I do, but that doesn’t stop me from stepping out.
Left and right, I look up and down the quiet street, but no one is in sight. My shoulders drop. I know I shouldn’t be disappointed, but I am.
Who is he?
Suddenly very aware of the wetness between my legs, I squirm. I have a man’s semen leaking out of me, and I don’t even know his name. Shame burns my face.
Maybe I should text Sam. My best friend won’t judge me, right?
Remembering the call she had with Kaleb, I form a plan.
Wiping my thumb across the screen of my cell, I send her a text.
You, me, and a bottle of wine, mine tonight.
Her reply comes before I can take more than three steps back toward the house.
Make it two.
Smiling, I agree.
It’s a date!
Although it’s probably not the best idea I’ve ever had. After a full bottle of wine, it won’t take much for me to confess my biggest secret to my best friend.
A part of me begs to tell her, but “oh, by the way, a random man has been sneaking into my house and fucking me on Halloween for the past four years” isn’t really the type of thing to drop into a conversation.
Plus, what if he stops? Would he call it off if everyone knew? Is he married?
My smile starts to slip, my stomach twisting.
Why can’t I know who he is?
“Shelby!”
I spin, tripping over the step. Staggering, I reach out to steady myself on the wall.
Large, warm hands envelop my waist.
Straightening, I come face-to-face with my neighbor.
“Thanks,” I breathe.
“What had you so preoccupied?” Leo asks.
Rolling my eyes, I lift the hand holding my cell. “Just making a date.”
Something dark flashes over his face.
“With Sam,” I rush to add.
“Oh good.” He nods.
Our awkward silence is interrupted when a small body wedges between ours. Wrapping her little arms around my legs, Riley grins up at me. “Hi, Shelby.”
“Hi, muffin.” I chuckle.
Scrunching my face, I check the time. “Shouldn’t you be in school?”
“We’re running late,” Doc says sheepishly.
“Daddy was late,” Riley snitches.
“I had a late night.” Her dad shrugs.
“We’d best get going. Is Samantha staying the night?”
Wiggling Riley’s braid, I smirk. “With how much I plan on drinking, probably.”
Doc tilts his head, his look disapproving. “Drink water before bed, not apple juice.”
Something in his tone makes me nod.
“I mean it,” he doubles down.
“Okay,” I whisper. I shouldn’t like him being so bossy.
I can’t believe he remembers that I drink juice before bed.
“Daddy, I’m telling Miss Lucy that it’s your fault we’re late.”
Leo rolls his eyes. “I’ll tell her you had a doctor’s appointment.”
I laugh, slapping a hand over my mouth.
When he raises a brow, I quip, “Don’t roll your eyes, it’s rude.”
Leonard narrows his eyes and points a finger at me. “Drink water.” We watch Riley open the car door and climb in. “No one likes a tattletale,” he grumbles lowly before following his daughter.