Page 70 of Mr. Red

I get over it quick, though. It’s nice to be cared for without question. It’s nice totrustsomeone to take care of me. It’s been a long time since anyone has even tried to do something for me. Probably because I want to take controlof things and won’t let them. With him, letting go is a requirement and I’m easing into the idea of it being wonderful.

He dries me and then leads me to the bed. Then pulls the covers down and waits for me to get in between the sheets. I lie down and he pulls the covers up over me before going to his side of the bed. Once he’s in, he snuggles up as the big spoon behind me and kisses my cheek.

I’m waiting for the next move to come. Some fondling, some kissing. Nothing happens. His breathing evens out against my back, followed by a soft snore.

Every night we’ve been together, we’ve doneit. Tonight, is different. I stare off into space in front of me, wondering what it means for our relationship to go to bed without sex for the first night.

Chapter 38

Matt

I lay in bed with Scarlett still wrapped in my arms. I stroke her arm, happy she stayed close to me after trying to leave. Having her anywhere but with me feels wrong.

Yesterday was a wake-up call. I don’t want to lose her or be without her; I want to move forward with her. The next step is for her to meet my family. I think if she meets them in Texas, she’ll come with me once I leave Washington. That’s my plan, anyway.

I’d never thought I’dwantto hand over my balls to a woman, but I’d rather be without them than without her. It’s new territory.

Scarlett is different than anyone I’ve ever met. There are too many signs pointing to her. Her independence, her sassiness, those blue fucking eyes that can read your soul—it’s all making me fall for her, fast.

Opening up to anyone is new. I’ve never brought a girl home, but getting Scarlett to fall in love with Texas and my family is the first step in my new plan of keepingher mine.

I mean, Texas, no brainer. Who doesn’t love Texas? Then she’ll meet my parents and sister. My mom will win her over.

Getting her to movemightbe a little harder to figure out, especially since she hasn’t agreed to it. Yet.

Baby steps.

All the possibilities with Scarlett run through my mind. I breathe in the scent of her hair—my new favorite smell. She still hasn’t stirred after thirty minutes. If we don’t get on with our day soon, there won’t be much daylight left. Coffee. I’ll just get up and get the coffee started.

I move to shuffle out of bed, but then I realize I’d have to leave her. I freeze with my arm still underneath her neck. I don’t want to leave her. I’m going to wake her up.

“Scarlett.” I nudge her with my nose then kiss her shoulder. “Scarlett, we have to get up, sweetheart.”

“Why at this ungodly hour?” her voice rasps.

“It’s almost eight in the morning.”

“Like I said—early. Why are you awake?”

I chuckle. This is ridiculous. At home I would’ve worked out, showered, and started work by now. She has slept in this whole vacation, which is usually when I’d do my work, but today is different—I don’t want to leave her for a second.

“Come on, sweetheart, let’s go get some coffee.”

“Youuuu go get some coffee. I’ll stay here and check the comfort level of the bed.” She snuggles into her pillow.

“I have plans and we have to get going, before daylight runs out. Let’s get coffee, and then you’ll probably need clothes. San Diego frowns upon nakedness out in public, as do I.”

“Why are you still talking?”

“Let’s rise and grind!”

“I’ll grind you into something right now.”

“That’s no way to talk to your host. You’re askingfor trouble.” I slap her ass for good measure. She doesn’t stir, but I can’t leave her in bed. I also can’t let her out of my sight.

When did I become so clingy?

Fuck.

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