Page 30 of Summer Kisses

The bed dipped as he got under the covers. Then he reached for me. "Are you still awake?"

I squeaked, scrambling to get away from him. "I have to go to the bathroom. Be right back."

I ran out of the bed and into the bathroom, where I washed my hands with soap. I'd be mortified if he realized I was masturbating while he was in the shower, in his bed no less. What would he think of me?

This was only the first night together, and I was a mess. I opened the door and tiptoed to the bed. I slowly lifted the blankets and got in as quietly as I could. When I was on my back under the blankets, I finally let out a breath. I listened for heavy breathing. He must be asleep.

"Why are you acting so weird?" Brady asked.

I jumped. "I thought you were asleep."

"You said you were going to the bathroom. But you only washed your hands."

My heart was racing from the scare, but I couldn't believe I'd been so stupid. "I had to wash my hands. I forgot the last time I was in the bathroom."

Brady flipped up the blankets that we were still under, but there was no barrier between us. "Again, why are you acting so weird?"

"I don't think I am," I protested lamely.

"You are."

I threw up my hands. "Well, this is weird. I'm in bed with my best friend, wearing silky lingerie because I'm an idiot and didn't think any of this through."

"I noticed," he practically growled.

Before I could snag on that particular reaction, he continued. "This shouldn't be weird. Do you feel safe with me?"

"Of course I do."

"I'm not going to hurt you."

"I'm not worried about that. I'm making it awkward." That's what happens when you masturbate in your best friend's bed, thinking about him naked in the shower. I was definitely going to hell. And I'd never tell him what I did.

"Come here," Brady urged.

We'd cuddled before. But never in bed and never when only silk separated my bare nipples from his naked chest. When my hand collided with his bare chest, I asked. "Where's your shirt?"

"I always sleep in briefs."

I couldn't resist my curiosity. My hand drifted down his chest, noting the ridges of his abs until I reached the elastic of his briefs. "Mmm."

"You said you're wearing what you normally wear to bed. Neither of us thought this through."

"So I should change into sweatpants." I made a move to escape, but he grabbed me, pulling me back.

"I don't want you to change anything. But I'll put on a shirt if it would make you more comfortable."

"Oh, no. This is fine." His chest was hard and warm under my cheek. I could feel the steady beat of his heart, which was oddly comforting.

"Go to sleep."

How was I going to fall asleep on top of him? As much as I enjoyed touching him, I felt stiff. I waited, my mind running endlessly as his breathing evened out. It was going to be a long night.

Chapter Eight

BRADY

Islept great last night. As soon as Hazel was in my arms, I felt content to drift off. It was everything leading up to that moment that had me confused. Hazel was acting so weird and was stiff when I held her in my arms.

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