Page 51 of Just One More Affair
Knowing she pleased him gave her a high she’d never experienced before and she wanted more. She slid a hand down and cupped his balls in her hand, tugging lightly.
“Fuck!” he yelled, wrapping her hair in his hand and tugging. “I’m going to come.”
Ignoring his warning, when he stiffened and his climax took hold, she swallowed until he collapsed against the bed.
She sat up and met his gaze. “That wasmyappetizer,” she said and grinned.
A few minutes later, he’d regained his strength and hauled them into the shower. After soaping each other up and rinsing off, she put on a T-shirt of his that hung to her knees. He dressed in a pair of gray sweats that reminded her why women appreciated that choice.
Together they ate cold spaghetti and meatballs, laughed over her mortification in Remy’s office, and cleaned up the kitchen before turning in for the night.
As she lay in bed, Jared hugged her against him, his hand on her growing belly, and she accepted the fact that she’d fallen in love with this man. It frightened her but all she could do now was hope and pray he lived up to the person he’d shown her so far.
***
Charlie hadn’t beenable to shake the feelings she’d experienced after making love with Jared. The last barrier around her heart had crumbled and knowing that, she needed someone who wasn’t emotionally involved to help her through it.
She let Leo into her apartment and they settled onto the sofa to talk.
“Okay, tell me what’s wrong,” Leo said, his expression filled with concern.
“I’m in love with Jared.”
Leo’s eyes widened. “That’s a huge admission coming from you.”
“A frightening one.” One she’d fought against, but she was powerless against her own emotions. “I’ve always let my past define my actions,” she explained. “My mom died, she had no control over leaving me. But my father had a choice and it wasn’t me. Noah’s a great guy but he was neverthe one. Jared’s given me no reason to think he’s in this for the wrong reasons, but what if I’m misreading the situation?”
“What if that’s your fear talking?” Leo asked. “Love is scary for everyone. But if you don’t leap, you’ll never know all the good things that are waiting for you on the other side.”
Valid point, she thought. “Are you speaking from experience?” Her lips twitched as she thought about her friend falling hard.
“I’ll tell you that next time. We’re talking about you.” Leo, still dressed in a suit since he’d come straight from the office, crossed one leg over his knee. “I think you’re strong and can handle whatever happens next, but if not, I suggest you walk away now. It’s not fair to Jared for you to lead him on.”
She blinked, his words startling her. “What?”
“Think about it from his perspective. He seems to be doing everything right and you still don’t want to totally trust him. He deserves better, don’t you think?”
She opened her mouth, then closed it again. “I never thought of things that way.” Embarrassment creeped in along with the feeling she’d been selfish in her thinking.
He nodded. “I’m a guy. I can see things you can’t and look from Jared’s point of view.”
Something she’d never done.
Leo steepled his fingers and remained silent, obviously thinking. “You know I love you, right?” he asked at last.
She nodded.
“Well, take this in the spirit in which it’s intended. Jared is a good, patient man, but even he’ll have his limits. In the end, only you can decide which way to go. And…” He paused, obviously hesitating.
“Just say it.” She curled her fingers into fists.
“Don’t be your own worst enemy, Charlie. Stop letting your past define your present and your future. Because if you don’t start believing in yourself and your own worth, you’ll never accept any man in your life. And that would be a damn shame.”
Before she could answer, Leo rose to his feet. “I have to go. I’m meeting Lisa for dinner.”
Charlie smiled. “I’m so glad you found her. You deserve a good, solid relationship.” She hugged Leo and stepped back.
“So do you. Promise me you’ll think about what I said?” he asked.
