Chapter 8
Rosy hues of dawn lightened the dark bedroom. Occasionally, the deep melodic resonance of wind chimes drowned out the waking birdsong. The smell of strong, rich coffee wafted in, waking her more. Javier had promised coffee and a spectacular sunrise.
Memphis eased free of the twisted sheets and stretched. Javier’s spot was empty. She rested her hand there; it was still warm. She rolled over, planted her face in the pillow, and inhaled. The scent was his—clean and crisp woodsy notes.
Javier was extraordinary. Damn, they had gone at it. She would never have guessed that a man his age could go the distance and take her over the edge again and again. She was sated, her body tired. Her girl parts ached. Deliriously happy, she smiled, hugged herself, and giggled.
“Good morning, baby. Aren’t you the sweetest sight in my bed?” Javier leaned against the doorjamb, wearing a pair of navy cotton knit shorts that enhanced his ripped abs, compact hips, and stellar ass.
Her mouth watered while her eyes leisurely traveled his inked physique. I enjoyed all of that. She sat up, giving him a better view of her nakedness and chapped breasts. “Good morning. How long have you been there?”
“Long enough to watch you stretch and bury your face in my pillow. Miss me?”
“Yes.”
Pleasure infused his face. “Good. I made us coffee. The sun is rising.” He walked toward her, sipped from the mug he held, then handed it to her and kissed her forehead. It’s warm but you might still need a bit more to wear other than what you had on last night.” He disappeared into the closet and came out with a lightweight sweatshirt and drawstring joggers, handing them to her, their skin brushing. His eyes widened slightly when an electric charge hummed between them. “These will give you more coverage.”
“Thanks. I’m going to freshen up.”
He pursed his lips and nodded. His eyes dropped to her breasts, then met hers. “I was a little rough on those gorgeous breasts of yours. Sorry. How’s the puss?”
She found his concern sweet. “I’ll be okay. My bits are out of shape.”
He slipped a few fingers under her chin and encouraged her to look at him. “A few things, baby. There’s nothing about you that is out of shape. We went at it hard and long. More than a few times.”
“We did. If I wasn’t exhausted and sore, I’d want you again.”
“If I wasn’t drained, I’d take you up on it again. Come watch the sunrise with me?”
“I’ll join you in a few.”
* * *
Memphis cleaned up quickly and slipped into the clothes he lent her. She had to roll up the sleeves of the sweatshirt and hem of the joggers, and then held onto them while she walked. Otherwise, they dropped from her hips and pooled at her feet. She drank half of the coffee on her way to the deck, hoping he had more outside.
He did. The tray on the table held a carafe, slices of a warmed sweetbread, cut oranges, napkins, plates, and forks.
“Wow.”
He pushed off the rail, took her mug, and topped it with more coffee. “It’s definitely a multi-cup morning. Cream?”
“I’m good.”
“Every once and a while I buy bread Rose has made and freeze it. This is apple. It should be moist.”
“Thank you for all of this.” She helped herself to a slice and took a bite. “This is delicious.” She finished it, washed it down with coffee, and claimed a second slice. “Do you work at your shop on the weekends?”
“Nope. Weekends are free and clear. Mine.” He reclined on the large sofa and patted a place next to him.
Memphis wolfed down the apple bread as she made her way to Javier, uncertain of the level of intimacy now that they were out of his bedroom. She drank more coffee and placed the mug on the side table.
He circled her with a powerful arm and pulled her close. “I like you, Memphis Creed. I like that you have a healthy appetite for food, and me.” He kissed her temple. “For however long you’re here, I’d like to spend time with you. In and out of bed.”
She rotated her body and gazed up at him, searching his. “We barely know one another.”
“We already know each other better than most,” he said, his expression earnest. “Let’s see where the time we have takes us.”
“And what I came here for?” She had to remind him, even if it meant ruining this moment.
“Well discuss it more today. Ride with me?”
“On your bike?”
Javier burst into laughter. “Uh-huh. I like to take long rides on Sundays.” He sobered and inclined his head to the East. “Don’t miss it.”
“Oh … It’s breathtaking!”
He reached up, stroked her head, then kissed her. She kissed him back, her lips lingering on his.
“Baby, kissing me like that stirs my cock, as drained as it is. So, unless you’ve decided we’re going for another round.” He raised those brows of his and narrowed his eyes.
“Sorry. I just love kissing you. Touching you. Being with you.” She glanced at the sunrise and back at him “I don’t understand what’s happening, other than I feel really safe and secure with you.”
“We feel right.”
“We do.” She laced her fingers with his. “I don’t have the right clothes to be on your motorcycle.”
“I’ll reach out Daphne after she gets back from church. That way you have time to nap if you want. You didn’t get much sleep. Give me your contact info before you leave.”
“Okay. What time are we riding?”
“Late afternoon. We can stop somewhere and eat, then ride back after the sun goes down.”
“Watching a sunrise and a sunset with you in the same day. Lucky me.” She clapped and kissed his cheek. “Are you open to a picnic dinner?”
“You’d do that?”
“Sure.”
“Just the two of us … I like that.”
She laid her head on his broad shoulder. “I like you too, Javier Cabrera.”