Chapter 18
Tuesday
I wasn’t dreaming. This actually happened. Waking in Alex’s arms felt similar to the last time. Yet there was no trepidation this time. He held me tight, his morning wood buried between my ass cheeks, kissing the nape of my neck as he stirred.
It was as if I could finally exhale. And thank god. Because how do you have sex like that and ever think you can walk away?
Last night was overwhelming. I had no idea anything could feel that way. Between my euphoria, utter exhaustion, and fear that I’d wake up today and it’d all be over, I couldn’t risk any meaningful conversation.
I’m far too sore to give morning sex consideration. Alex seemed to anticipate this as he brought me some Ibuprofen and a tall glass of water before jumping in the shower and heading to Ricky’s to gather my things.
Grace squealed so loud in the phone at the news we were giving this relationship thing a go I thought my eardrum might’ve ruptured. When I thanked her again for finding Gavin to stir the pot, she said, “Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday. No, like, for real.” I guess one day, I’ll have to learn more about how she found him.
Once Alex returned, he made us breakfast, and we spent the remainder of the day watching Netflix, cuddled up on his couch. I hated the idea of returning home, but he had to report for work at six in the morning, and I had classes and work at Cygnature Blooms tomorrow. Besides, I’m fully aware I needed to take it slow with him. Neither of us had ever been in a long-term relationship. We’ll have to pace ourselves if we don’t want this blaze to fizzle out too quickly.
* * *
“I hope you enjoy that beautiful poinsettia, Mr. Roberts.”
“Oh, I will, Tuesday. My wife is going to love it.”
As the kind regular to our shop exits the front door, he lingers to hold it wide for a well-bundled Grace, who’s carrying two coffee cups. “Holy cow. It’s so cold.”
“Christmas is in the air.” I laugh.
“I’m thinking I’d prefer to feel Christmas in the air on a sunny island in the Caribbean.”
I can’t help but recall the cruise and that incredible night with Alex. I’d definitely like to make cruising to all sorts of destinations happen. Especially the tropical ones. “Do you have any plans for the holidays?” Unlike our home, where every single year is the same, Grace’s family seems to alternate where the celebrations will occur.
“I’m not jazzed about going this year, to be honest. It’s at my Aunt Kittie’s house. She has this big dog that’s obsessed with me whenever I visit. There could be a house full of people, but that dog insists on following me around everywhere with his nose in my crotch.”
A chuckle escapes. “He must like what you’ve got going on downtown.”
“It’s embarrassing. I stopped wearing dresses because it’d look like I peed myself when it was his damn wet nose.”
Looking at the coffee cups Grace has deposited on the counter, I ask, “Did you make a coffee run?”
“No. It’s hot chocolate.” She rubs her hands together in excitement. “They were selling it at Fancy Nosh.”
“Oh, yum. Thank you. Were you getting lunch there?”
“I’m actually applying for a job─”
Grace’s words are interrupted by shrill sirens coming close to our shop. “Are we on fire?” She laughs.
We both make our way to the front window and watch as Hanover’s finest pull into the parking lot, stopping next to a lone red BMW. The boys jump down from the bright red engine and head to the driver’s door. Within minutes, another set of sirens is audible, and an ambulance arrives on the scene.
“What do you think’s going on?” Grace asks.
“Looks like maybe the driver is having some sort of medical event.”
“Why would they send a fire truck for that?” I’m surprised as much time as Grace spends with my EMT and firefighter friends, she hasn’t learned more about how they operate.
“Fire is always dispatched on any medical call because there are more fire stations than volunteer rescue squads in the area. Basically, they can get there quicker and get care started until the ambulance arrives. It’s particularly helpful if someone is in cardiac arrest, has a stroke, or has a heart attack. Time is precious.”
“Oh. I never thought about that.”
It suddenly hits me that Alex is on duty today, and our shopping center is in his immediate area. This thought is confirmed as my handsome secret boyfriend walks around the back of the engine to return to the driver’s seat once EMS is on scene.
Alex is wearing his full turnout gear, likely because it’s so cold. As if he’s got mental telepathy, he removes his helmet, runs his hand through his wavy dark locks, looks directly at our shop, and gives me a wink.
“Um, Tues?”
“Yeah?”
“Is it considered cheating if your boyfriend just gave me an orgasm?”
Smacking her on the arm, I can’t help but laugh out loud.
Yeah, my boyfriend is one hot tamale.