Chapter Twenty
Jamie
Even with a simple phone camera, Eric’s photos were gorgeous. Somehow, he managed to make me look not just normal, but actually pretty.
I’d worried he might push for something smutty—and honestly, I wouldn’t have argued too hard—but he kept things classy. Despite being in my bedroom, I never felt objectified.
He really was an artist, and the dimpled smile lighting his face told me that tapping into his creativity made him incredibly happy.
This was what he should have been doing all along, not analyzing profit margins for Big Pharma in New York.
With just one impromptu photo session, he transformed into someone lighter, more alive. It was impossible not to get swept up in his enthusiasm.
This whole day had been perfect. If anyone had told me yesterday that I’d feel this uplifted and guilt-free, I’d never have believed them.
Maybe it was finally being comfortable in my hometown again, or maybe all the amazing sex had knocked something loose in my brain. My disposition had shifted so dramatically I could barely keep up with myself.
Worry seemed like something I should be doing but couldn’t remember why.
Eric seemed just as uplifted. The only shadow I’d seen cross his face was during our early morning talk about Caleb and Day Zero. That was some seriously scary stuff. No wonder he’d been doing whatever he could to distract himself.
What kind of state would I be in if our roles were reversed?
I couldn’t imagine. But I understood his need to stay occupied, to focus on something other than medical jargon and battling a disease with willpower alone.
I hoped I’d been a decent distraction. I hoped I could continue being that for him, even if only for one more night.
We crawled into bed exhausted from our early morning activities and busy day. I’d chosen underwear and a T-shirt for sleeping. Maybe it was being in my father’s house, or maybe we were both tired, but assuming anything more than sleep seemed wrong.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want him. God, I hadn’t stopped wanting him.
But I didn’t know how Eric felt about carrying this beyond tonight.
The last day and a half seemed like it had existed in a different dimension, and once we left it—once we woke up—we’d be back on the other side where our troubles waited.
Where focusing on anything other than sickness and death would be impossible.
Where futures were unpredictable.
Fear crept in that this thing between us, whatever it was, couldn’t possibly continue beyond this one perfect day.
Eric had been scrolling through the photos he’d taken, critiquing angles and lighting, explaining what he’d do differently with better equipment.
But now he slipped his phone onto the dresser and turned his attention to me. “You’re pretty quiet over there. Did you fall asleep?”
“Sorry. I was just thinking.”
He pulled me closer, lips brushing my ear. “You aren’t thinking about our deal, are you?”
“Well, I wasn’t. But now that you’ve mentioned it, I won’t be able to think about anything else.”
“Let everything else wait until tomorrow.” His hand slid down my back, claiming and possessive. “Let me stay focused on you.”
How did he always know exactly what was on my mind?
“You’re right. I’m falling back into worries about tomorrow.”
“Here and now, Jamie.” He kissed my jaw, then my lips, light and teasing. “I can’t guarantee tomorrow will be better, but I can guarantee you this.” His hand moved to cup my ass, pulling me against him. “I made you a promise. I keep my promises.”
Heat pooled low in my center. “What are those favorite words of yours? A deal’s a deal?”
“A deal is sacred.” His voice dropped in that intimate way that made my pulse race. “Sort of like how Lannisters always pay their debts.”
“You sneaky liar. You did watch it.”
“Nope. Read the books.” He winked before capturing my mouth with his.
Within moments Eric had rid me of my clothes, leaving only my worry as a barrier between us.
He pulled back to look at me, sapphire eyes dark with desire. “Come here, beautiful. I want to give you something.”
“Is it your cock? Because that’s the only thing I really want right now.”
Despite our teasing, his kiss had kindled an aching burn throughout my body. Desire took over, ridding me of inhibitions.
“Christ, Jamie.” His voice was rough with need. “You have a fantastic way with words.”
He kissed me again, tongue diving deep, thrusting into my mouth the way I craved his hard length inside me. When he broke away, I protested with a soft whimper.
“Want more of my mouth?”
“Yes. It’s very talented. I like how it makes me feel.”
“I thought you wanted my cock.” His lust was barely hidden behind playful words as he reached for the box of condoms.
My hand roamed down the hard planes of his stomach, fingers trailing over defined abs that twitched under my touch. Following the light line of hair from his navel, I wrapped my hand around the thick base of his shaft and pumped once—deliciously slow.
“Looks like I have what I want right in the palm of my hand.”
“Your hand isn’t where that belongs right now.” His voice turned commanding as he found my soaking center. “This is where my cock belongs.” He slid fingers into me, making me gasp.
“Or here.” He kissed me deeply, reminding me how much I loved his cock in my mouth.
“Or here.” His other hand gripped my ass, fingers stroking over the tight ring of muscle.
“Those are your choices. Which one’s it going to be?”
I shivered at the filthy images his words produced. The weight of him in my hand, knowing how it felt to have him buried deep inside me, made me squirm with anticipation.
“Why do I have to choose? Why can’t we do all of it?”
Eric’s groan was desperate, needy. “I don’t think I’d last long enough.” He sheathed himself quickly. “I’d love to have your lips wrapped around me while I get you off with my mouth. But I couldn’t handle it right now. Just the thought has me on edge. I have no self-control around you.”
“Do you know how much that turns me on?” Heat flooded through me. “Knowing I drive you so wild you can’t control yourself? You make me feel the same. I love that we can take each other there.”
Something flashed hot and wild in Eric’s eyes. Suddenly I was pinned beneath him, arms trapped at my sides by his powerful embrace. When he slammed into me, the force was almost painful.
It was the best feeling in the world.
With only a few furious strokes, a powerful orgasm ripped through me. My body convulsed, aftershocks continuing long after the initial eruption.
“Gorgeous.” He traced a finger over my lips.
As I came down, Eric slowed his movements, kissing me languorously. Still connected, he rolled us to our sides, hands roaming over my hair, down my neck, cupping my breast. His touches were featherlight, mapping my body with sweet provocation.
He started moving inside me again—slow, tender, different than before. This felt like something more. Like he was speaking without words, telling me the connection growing between us could be real.
His blue eyes held my gaze as he slowly worked me back to the brink. With my face captured in his big hand, he forced me to maintain our stare.
The intimacy built as our shared breath fanned around us, and Eric increased pressure with each thrust.
My leg wrapped around his waist, fingers digging into his back, heart beating erratically as Eric dragged another exquisite orgasm from me. It wasn’t as strong as the first, but I closed my eyes and cried out softly when bliss washed over me.
Seconds later, eyes wide open to witness, Eric followed me over the edge. Tension dropped from his features, ecstasy clear in his groan of satisfaction.
As he kissed me tenderly, tired contentment took over. We weren’t going to break the bed tonight.
And I was entirely okay with that.