16. Ryan
When my alarm goes off the next morning, I have no doubt where I am.
I know I’m in Lanie’s bed and she’s snuggled up next to me.
Even though we couldn’t have sex technically, we took turns wearing each other out, orally.
Lanie’s quite inventive and let’s just say our shower is something I’ll never forget.
Eventually, we got dressed and crawled into bed to actually sleep. Well—if dressed means a pair of sleep shorts and tank for her and boxer briefs for me. At least I had the forethought to bring an extra change of clothes so I don’t have to rush around like a mad man to get back to work on time.
Why the hell I could remember pants, but not condoms is beyond me.
I guess it’s because I didn’t come over expecting to sleep with her—well, sexually. I didn’t want to have a repeat of yesterday, so I threw in a change of clothes for today in case we conked out on the couch again.
Tracing imaginary circles along her spine, I let myself enjoy the moment. I’ve got at least a good hour until Jared shows up, and I'm not ready for my time with Lanie to end. These quiet moments with her are the best.
Don’t get me wrong, I fuckin’ loved exploring every inch of her body.
But I’ve never met anyone like Melanie Lancaster.
She’s not only beautiful and sexy, but she’s smart and thoughtful, too.
Last night, I quickly found that our periods of time between our sexual exploration were just as enjoyable as rocking her world.
“What are you thinkin’ about so hard over there?” comes in a raspy voice, which of course I find sexy as hell.
“Just thinkin’ about you,” I answer honestly.
“I’m not sure I can come again,” she says, snuggling into my chest.
“I’m sure you will—eventually.” I chuckle. “But that’s not what I was thinking, Little Miss Horny Toad.”
“Yeah, I’m the horny one.”
“Whatever you say,” I tease. “But to answer your question… I was just thinkin’ about how much I’ve enjoyed my time with you—apart from orgasms—though those were mind-blowing.”
On a yawn, she says, “I like spending time with you, too.”
“Want to grab dinner tonight after your shift?”
I can hear her frown before I see it. “I can’t. I’m closing.”
“What about tomorrow night? Shit. Don’t answer that. I forgot. Your sisters will be here. ”
“Wanna hang out at the festival with me on Saturday?”
Usually, I’d rather shave off my eyebrow before hanging out in town on one of the busiest weekends of the year, but if it means spending time with Lanie, I’ll gladly make the sacrifice. “Yep. It’s a date.”
“Well, Mr. Murdock… you need to get ready for work. For some reason, I feel as if I could eat a horse this morning. Someone tired me out last night.” Then her tone turns serious.
“You get ready for work, and I’ll make us breakfast.” Quickly, she leans up to kiss me, then slides off her side of the bed, walks into the bathroom, and shuts the door.
A few minutes later, when she returns with a bright smile on her face, her hair is in a messy bun and she’s grabbed a short cotton robe. Tying it at her waist, she cocks her head to the side. “You gonna get moving?”
“Just appreciating the view.”
Rolling her eyes, she walks through the door before I can say another word.
It doesn’t take me long to shower and change into my work clothes. As I pack my clothes back into my bag, I make a mental note to never go without condoms again. When I get downstairs, I put on my boots at the bar while she plates our omelets.
“Hope you don’t mind mushroom and cheese. I didn’t have time to fry bacon before Jared arrives.”
“You’re seriously spoiling me,” I say, leaning in to kiss her cheek once she’s beside me.
She shrugs as if this isn’t a big deal and takes a bite. When she’s done chewing, she adds, “I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m starving. I didn’t do this just for you.”
After watching her yawn for the second time in a few minutes I ask, “Will you go back to bed once I leave?”
“Not likely. I doubt I’m tired enough to sleep through the banging outside.”
Shit. Now I feel guilty for keeping her up all night. “I can give you the keys to my place and you can sleep over there.”
Her face lights up with a beautiful smile. “As sweet as that offer is, I think I’ll pass. I’ve got a few things to finish before the girls get here tomorrow. Besides, it’s weird to invade your space without you there.”
“Are you a coffee drinker?” I ask, thinking I could use a cup or three about now myself.
“Nope. Not really… wait, are you? I could’ve made you some.”
“I only drink it when I’m desperate for caffeine. Usually, I’ll grab an energy drink on campus if it’s that bad.”
“I might grab a chai latte today,” she admits. “I can’t do black coffee. I require too much cream and sugar for it to still be considered coffee. If I’m out, want me to bring you something back?”
“No need. But thanks.”
Glancing at the clock, I shovel the last bite of my breakfast into my mouth and stand to clear my plate.
Seeing that she’s done, I swipe hers, too, then quickly rinse them off and put them in the dishwasher.
Grabbing the pan from the stove, I make quick work of washing it as well, then wipe down the counters, so Lanie doesn’t have to .
When I turn around I catch her watching my every move.
“See something ya like?” I tease as memories from last night flood my mind.
“I’ve got one word for you, Murdock,” she says with a heavy sigh.
“Really? What’s that?” I ask, playing along.
“Condoms.”
This isn’t where I thought she was going with this.
“Condoms?”
“Yep… Let’s not forget them in the future.”