30. Daphne
Daphne
Wow.
Just wow.
I’m slumped onto Rickie’s body, feeling like I might never move again. But as my brain comes back online, a few important realizations are making themselves known to me.
1. That was mind-blowing. Seriously. I had no idea.
2. We’re still joined together, and his arms are braced around me.
2a. I like it. A lot.
3. I’m probably going to do it again. If I get the chance.
3a. I hope I get the chance.
Rickie lets out a low chuckle suddenly, and I wonder if I did or said something ridiculous in the throes of passion. So—with great difficulty—I pick up my head and look at him.
He’s grinning broadly.
“What?” I demand. I’m feeling the first twinges of a vulnerability hangover already.
He pushes the hair off of my sweaty face. “I’m just happy, that’s all. I’ll probably be smiling for a week.”
“Oh.” My face flushes with self-consciousness, and I lift my hips off his body, finally separating us. And he lets out a happy groan.
I scramble to my feet and walk back over to the swimming hole, where I jump right in. Even this feels ridiculously sensual. I haven’t ever been skinny-dipping before. I was always the kid who was too self-conscious to throw off my clothes and jump in with the others.
But I just had naked outdoor sex with my brother’s roommate. Now there’s something I never planned to do on my summer vacation. I guess I’m not the shy kid anymore. Go figure.
There’s a loud Rickie-sized splash beside me, and I try to wipe off the look of wonder I must be wearing on my face and play it cool.
But Rickie doesn’t give me the chance. He hauls me closer and kisses me, his wet skin seal-like against my own. “Damn, Shipley,” he says against my tongue. “We are totally coming back here. Probably tomorrow.”
“It’s supposed to rain tomorrow,” I say, because I never was cool. “Eighty percent chance.”
He doesn’t roll his eyes, or smile. He just looks at me with a serious expression, his gray eyes darkening in the fading light. “The hayloft then,” he whispers. And then he kisses me again.
* * *
I manage to play it cool when we drive up to the house in our bathing suits and towels a little while later. Cool enough, anyway. My mother is on the phone, which helps. I don’t have to look anyone in the eye and try to explain why I look dazzled and frazzled.
I head straight upstairs. And a half hour later I hear Rickie whistling in the shower. I hide in my room, lying curled up on the quilt, my body more relaxed than it’s been in ages.
Desire is a wonderful drug. I’m happy for the dose I just had. But old habits die hard, so I’m already bracing myself in case he distances himself after this.
Honestly, even if he forgets my name again tomorrow, it might have been worth it. Nobody has made me feel sexy in a long time. And even if Rickie is out of my league, I know in my heart that he’s no Reardon Halsey. He’s not going to lie to me or betray me.
My hair is still damp, and my muscles are loose. The sultry summer air blowing into the window smells sweet.
And when my phone chimes, I almost don’t bother checking it. I don’t want anyone to kill the high I’m riding. But maybe it’s Violet. And curiosity wins, so I peek.
It’s not Violet. It’s Rickie. Gorgeous, can I come in for a second?
Maybe , I say, playing coy. What do you need?
A good night kiss , he says.
All right , I agree.
The door opens a few seconds later. Rickie appears, chest bare, hair damp. And my heart leaps at the sight of his smooth body slipping into the room as he pulls the door shut behind him.
He wastes no time climbing onto the bed beside me and leaning in for a kiss that’s surprisingly sweet. “Promise me something,” he whispers.
“What?” I ask, my brain temporarily scrambled by the way his strong arms gather me up and hold me close. My cheek comes to rest against his chest, and I can feel his stubble graze across my other ear.
“Promise me you won’t climb inside your head and think up fifty reasons why that was a terrible idea.”
“Okay,” I agree immediately. Even though it’s a distinct possibility.
“Uh huh,” he says knowingly. “You may not realize it yet, but this is happening.”
“Pretty sure it already did,” I mumble against his warmth.
“I don’t mean the sex. Although there’s plenty more where that came from. I mean this.” He lifts my chin and stares deeply into my eyes. Then he gives me a slow kiss. “And this.” I receive another kiss. “But also more dates. Dinners out. I want it all.”
I blink up at him, feeling a little dazed by another Rickie-inspired hormone rush. “All of what?”
“All of you,” he says with a low rumble. “I realize you’re still getting used to the idea.”
My stomach does the swoop thing. “I tried not to like you. But it didn’t work.”
“I know, baby girl.” He gives me his cockiest grin. “Sorry about that. What can I do to help take away the pain of this failure you’ve suffered?”
He’s joking, but I’m not. “Just don’t ever lie to me. That’s what I need from a man.”
“Ah.” His expression goes serious. “All right. I promise.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. I wish he’d stop being so dreamy. A girl can’t think with a man like Rickie holding her in her bed.
“Don’t mention it,” he says. I get one more kiss. “Good night and sweet dreams.”
“Good night.”
He gets up and walks away. And just the view of his backside starts those good dreams flowing even before I shut out the light.