Chapter 23
CHAPTER
TWENTY-THREE
I traipse into the living room, blissfully aware that it is now empty and clean. I’m sure I have Chelsea to thank for that. She’s such a mother hen, even without kids of her own. In a lot of ways, she’s like Elijah. Always taking care of everyone and doing it like it’s more for her than them.
The blankets I’d left on the floor are folded in neat piles on the sofa, the cushions have been fluffed, and the lights are all off, save for the one under the microwave.
Elijah follows behind me, shooting me a wry grin as he scurries off to his room. I hold my breath, releasing it when I hear the water splattering against his shower floor.
What I’d said was true. It really is a normal physiological response to our proximity and our bodies being pressed flush together. He has no reason to be ashamed, and I’d never make fun of him for it. He was doing me a favour, after all.
The part I can’t quite figure out is why I responded the way I had. My pulse was beating between my legs, and for a moment, I wanted him to finish inside me.
How strange is that?
I’ve had sex before, but nothing ever felt good. Not like being with Elijah, even clothed, had.
I reach into the freezer and pluck out the coconut milk ice cream he made just for me. I hadn’t realised it was only for me until he scrunched his nose when I offered to get him a bowl, but I have no problem fulfilling my duty as the designated coconut ice cream rubbish receptacle.
I pop off the top, pull a drawer open, and grab a small golden spoon. I dig right in, leaning my hip against the counter.
A moan slips past my lips as the cool, sweet, creamy dessert coats my palate. The sound is more authentic than anything that just came out of my bedroom, even if Elijah’s whimpers were almost as attractive as the strength of his thighs when they carry him down the pitch.
Yummy and also shocking. Maybe I’m just starved for entertainment, but watching that beast of a man fall apart for me did things to my body that I’ve never experienced before.
Thanks to Elijah and his selflessness, I spend the rest of my evening in my comfy, warm bed, watching countless videos of the pod of orcas off the coast of Spain and Portugal as they work tirelessly to teach their young how to dismantle the rudder from a boat in order to save themselves if caught in a net.
Those giant beauties are so bloody cool.