Chapter 15
Fifteen
Claire
Not only does he deliver earth-shattering orgasms, but he also brings coffee. How is this man single? It makes no sense to me.
The heat has tried to kick on since we’ve been back in bed, but it only runs for a minute before turning off—likely not having enough power to really make a difference.
I’m cursing the lacy lingerie I packed because this isn’t the time for it.
My hands hold the mug like it’s precious, not only for the jolt of caffeine but also for keeping my fingers from turning into icicles.
“Come on, I know you want to get closer,” Seth teases, an arm open.
I slide over, careful with my mug, and sink into him, warmth radiating from his body.
The memories from last night hit me and bring a flush to my cheeks. Hey, a little morning embarrassment may be perfect when you’re trying to get warm. I’m quiet as I mentally run through it again.
Why am I embarrassed? I shouldn’t be. We’re two consenting adults…
who feasted on each other like there was nothing else to eat.
I fucking woke this man up in the middle of the night because I couldn’t stop thinking about him in my mouth.
This feeling of not being able to get enough is new for me.
Typically, I can hook up with someone and it’s sometimes so mediocre I’m thinking about something else during the act.
Sort of thought that’s how most of these things went. Until last night.
Plus, he started it.
And by the look of what’s happening outside, and what I’ve read from the news outlet, the one bed rule might be in play for another day.
What a shame, I think, and immediately start laughing to myself.
Surprised that my anxiety isn’t skyrocketing, thinking about my plans being derailed another day.
Luckily, I have nothing scheduled that can’t be moved.
Willow already texted me when she noticed my location was somewhere in North Carolina, not back in the city.
She asked me to send her photos of outside because she didn’t believe it. The snow dances as it falls, pretty against the mountain and trees in the background. The sun is starting to show through, making the flakes look like glitter that’s trickling from the sky.
I move, a little sore from last night’s festivities, and start to giggle. It’s like there’s this secret between us and I wonder if one of us will break first. Will we talk about it? Or will we move around each other like he didn’t come in my mouth and then ask me to show it to him?
“What’s so funny?” Seth asks just as my stomach starts to growl. “Okay, food next.” He closes his eyes and sits back against his pillows.
I do the same, the heaviness of the blankets making it hard to think of getting up, even for food.
The way we can simply be together, the quiet swirling around us, is remarkable.
I’m the type of person who reads menus before going to a restaurant, plans out where to park or be dropped off if I’ve never been somewhere before, or gets into a hole of reading reviews of a place before finally booking.
I like to know what’s coming next and be mentally prepared.
This is the opposite of that.
Well, I did immediately look at the weather and come to terms with the fact that we’re not getting on a plane today, and I’m certainly not ready to get into a car with the roads like this. No. No way. I’m good. At least for now.
Seth is in the kitchen, making us breakfast, when Jess finds me sitting at the table.
She’s holding something as she says, “I heard you say you were stuck from Florida. I found these in storage.” She unfolds a crewneck sweatshirt with the inn’s logo on the front.
“I guessed on sizes, but if you’re interested, they’re yours. ”
I reach for the smaller size, the fabric plush and soft underneath my fingers—this is a good sweatshirt, especially when I’m wearing one of Seth’s long sleeves and my dress pants.
“Thanks. You can charge them to the card we used at check in,” I suggest while folding the two sweatshirts up and stacking them on the table.
Shaking her head, she presses, “No way. Seth is making my breakfast and this is less than an ideal stay. Don’t you worry about it.” Her shoulders shrug.
“Thank you. Honestly,” I reply while not wanting to push the issue.
Seth rounds the corner carrying plates like he works in a restaurant, one in each hand and the other resting on his forearm.
“Omelettes,” he announces, carefully putting a plate in front of me and reaching for the other to hand to Jess.
Part of me thought she’d sit down with us, but instead, she thanks him and leaves us to it. Seth slides into the chair across from me and says, “Kept it simple with some cheese and roasted potatoes that were in the fridge.”
The omelette looks perfect; the cheese is melted and the smell of potatoes, salt, and pepper makes my mouth water. Damn, this man can cook.
“Were you a chef in your past life or…?” I jokingly ask, as I take a bite and relish in how great it tastes.
Smirking, he answers, “No. Just a firefighter. I was the go-to in the kitchen, so I picked up a thing or two.”
There’s this moment where something flashes in his eyes.
It’s hard to place, but it felt like there was more to the story and he cut it short.
I mean, there’s a reason he’s not a fire fighter now, and I can’t imagine some of the things he must’ve seen.
Maybe it’s hard to go back to that time in his life?
I try not to dwell on it and instead practically inhale the omelette.
He watches me over his coffee, then grins. “So, you really are a rule follower, huh?”
I shrug, pretending to be very focused on my omelette, but I was sort of waiting for him to bring it up. “I mean, you made the rule, knowing damn well who I am.”
He laughs over the coffee mug, “To be honest, part of me thought you’d tell me to get lost.” His shoulders shrug.
I glance up. “Wow. So you’re that guy. Makes the rules just to see if someone will break them.”
He sips his coffee slowly. “Not typically. But I was very eager to see if you’d follow it.” The words from his mouth roam over my body, itching me to get closer to him. The way his gaze pins me to this spot–he knows what he’s doing.
Fuck it. I’m just here to follow the rules.