Page 46 of All We Need

But then she does it again.

Louder.

Then again.

I break the silence.IfIdon’t,Iwill break. “Areyou enjoying that?”

That much is fucking obvious, you idiot.

She nods enthusiastically. “It’smelting in my mouth.Ineed more.”

Did that sound dirty, or didImake it dirty?

Rather than responding,Iopt for more silence.Andpray for a pair of earplugs to block out her little moans of pleasure.

Once our dishes are empty, bellies full, andAlyhas stopped making inappropriate noises around utensils, we stare at each other.

Before the tension can creep in between us again,Ioffer her an explanation about whyI’mhere.

“Dexter—Dex—isPatrick’sbest friend.Though, he’s basically like a third brother.Heowns a bunch of cabins all over, but this one is usually left unreserved for family and friends.Itwas safer for me to stay here during the storm than my house.I’mnot sure how it happened, but he’s obviously double booked it.Ihave texts to prove tha?—”

“I believe you.”Sherelaxes into the sofa. “EarlierIwas hungry, tired, and cold.IknowI’mnot the only one, butIwas…sad about not being able to spend the holidays with my family.”

She sounds guilty for being sad.

“I get it.I’dbe down ifIcouldn’t spend it with mine too.”

“So we’re really stuck up here?” she asks.

I take a big gulp ofRioja, then raise my glass to her. “Untilthe storm passes, yes.”

She returns the gesture. “Here’shoping there’s plenty of wine.Ifall meals are like that,Iwon’t complain.Itwas delicious.”

“Careful.Someonemight hear you and think you like me.”Ismirk.

She rolls her eyes.

As if sensing another argument, the vintage cuckoo clock on the wall whistles, scaringAly, who almost drenches herself in wine. “Goodgod.Thatthing is hideous.Pleasetell me it doesn’t do that all night?”

“It doesn’t.Actually, it’s broken, so no one knows when it’s going to go off.”Irise, stretching and bending side to side.WhenAly’sgaze falls to my exposed stomach,I’mnot ashamed to say my movements become exaggerated.BeforeIcan tease her, a yawn breaks free, andIdecide we’ve both had enough for the day. “I’mbeat.Youtake the bed.”

She looks at the queen-size bed in the corner of the room and then the two-seater sofa. “Willyou fit?”

“I always make it fit.”She’ddeny it, but whenIwink at her, a redness creeps up her neck.

“You’re an idiot.”

While she gets ready for bed in the small bathroom,Igrab a spare pillow and blanket to make up my bed.Itwill actually be a very tight fit, andI’mnot looking forward to it, but hopefully we can escape our prison soon.

WhenAlyemerges,Ithank my lucky stars she’s not donning a little silk negligee.Herdeep red pajamas cover most of her, and her curls are piled on top of her head.Iuse the bathroom, and whenIreturn, she’s peeling back the covers.

“Right, well, good night,” she says softly.

“Sweet dreams,Silver.Don’tlet the bedbugs bite.Ordo.SeeifIcare.”

She flashes me her middle finger beforeIswitch off the lights and fold myself in half to fit on the sofa.

Fuck being a gentleman.

---