Page 16 of Save Me

“Mmm. Maybe. What time is it?” Tentatively, I play with the edge of his T-shirt.

“Probably about seven thirty.”

I groan and throw my arm over my eyes. “Oh my gods, what time did you get up? Andwhyare you awake?”

I hear his chuckle, and he nudges my hip. “The birds woke me about half an hour ago. I went downstairs to start water boiling for coffee.”

I moan with gratitude. “Thank gods! I will need so much caffeine today.”

Jamie snorts and the bed moves so assume he’s shaking his head. “I do remember you are not a morning person.”

“No. And what are birds so excited about this early? Don’t they know people are trying to sleep?” Jamie chuckles again, and it makes me absurdly pleased. I pull my arm away from my eyes and glance over. “I didn’t keep you awake?” I don’t recall having more nightmares or thrashing about, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.

“Nope. You snuggled right in and were out for the night.” The amusement in his voice makes my cheeks burn. “It was very sweet, actually.”

I snort because no one has ever used the term sweet in reference to anything at all about me. “Well, hopefully I wasn’t too annoying.”

“Nope. I slept like a log.”

Jamie’s stomach growls and I smile. “Would you like me to make breakfast? That’s one meal I’m pretty sure I won’t ruin.”

“Holding out on me, were you?” His gentle teasing makes me smile.

“I can make eggs and toast.” I move my fingers from the edge of his T-shirt to gently touch his elbow where it presses against his leg. “Or French toast.” My eyes are fixed on what I’m doing. “I can even make pancakes from a mix.” I slowly slide my index finger back and forth against his skin. The movement is infinitesimally small, but he has to feel it. I risk looking at him, and the way he’s watching me sends heat flooding through me.

When he finally speaks again, Jamie’s voice is wrecked, and I’m equal parts relieved and excited. “Well, wood stoves can be tricky, so why don’t I help you? Let’s get dressed, and then I’ll make coffee.” Neither one of us moves or breaks eye contact. “Once the stove is hot enough, you can dazzle me with your breakfast skills.” I finally nod, but I’m reluctant to get up, torn between wanting to impress him with my meager cooking abilities, and staying put and continuing whatever this is between us. When Jamie stills my hand and tries to move, I whine in protest. He laughs and slowly stands, moving out of my reach. Then he holds out his hand. “Come on, sleepy.”

“Fiiiiine.” I grumble, but I’m less than convincing with a grin plastered to my face. I can’t help it. I sit up, scooch to the edge of the bed, and rake my fingers through my own hair before taking Jamie’s offered hand and following him into the bathroom.

We fumble through our morning routines, getting in each other’s way, and grinning as we do. I steal glances at him and most of the time I catch him watching me back. I can’t lie. It’s surreal. And I’m going to be rather pissed off if this turns out to be a dream and I wake up alone.

When Jamie turns to go into the other bedroom, I grab his hand. “Wait.” My heart beats furiously in my chest and I’m a little dizzy. For a long time neither of us moves. I steel my nerves and give him a little tug in my direction. The charged air between us is almost enough to make me sway on my feet as he moves closer, offering no resistance. We’re both fully awake now, very aware of what we’re doing, and I hope we’re finally done dancing around each other.

I rest my free hand against his chest and step in, holding his gaze. The tension increases and every inch of my body is supercharged. I struggle not to hold my breath. Jamie leans toward me. Our lips are almost touching. My heart pounds in my chest and my stomach does little flips in anticipation. His gaze darts down to my lips and then back to my eyes, and I know he’s waiting for me, for my consent. I want to shout, yes! Absolutely yes! Instead, I slowly close the gap.

When our lips touch, it’s not fevered or frantic. It’s tentative and gentle, more sweet than demanding, though no less passionate, and it’s unlike any other kiss I’ve ever had. It is, in fact, perfect. Better than I’d hoped or imagined it would be. Jamie’s lips are soft against mine, steady and patient but so sensual it’s almost overwhelming. I moan as the heat builds, and try to deepen the kiss, but Jamie cups my jaw with his hands and holds me still while he proceeds to torture me with his slow, seductive exploration of my mouth. I slide my hands along his broad chest, down his sides and under his shirt to move along his bare skin, touching everywhere I can, reveling in his body beneath my palms. I’ve wanted this, wantedhim, for so very long. A slow ache builds, and Jamie steps closer, pressing me back against the closet door as his fingers slip into my hair. His fists close around handfuls and he presses against me, grinding his cock against mine, and I moan again, grabbing his ass and pulling him even closer. Like a match to gasoline, the slow burn ignites into desperate need, and there’s not enough air, not enough of him pressed against me. It will never be enough until we’re naked and one of us is buried inside the other.

Jamie’s hands tug at my hair once more, then caress down my neck, over my shoulders and grip my upper arms. I moan wantonly into his mouth. I do love a little passionate manhandling. Unfortunately, Jamie has other ideas. He stills his hips and gently brings the kiss to an end. Nononono! I whine in distress, my thoughts scrambled and my body screaming for more of him. With my eyes still closed and my brain still a bit lust-addled, I try to haul him back to me. “Jamie.”

He lets me pull him closer and rests his forehead against mine. “Ash.” Jamie’s blushing but smiling as he speaks, and I laugh. “We should get dressed.”

“Sure.” I lean in to kiss him again, but he takes a step back, and then another.

His retreat is slow, as if he’s resisting the pull of our bodies, until only his fingertips are touching mine. “I believe you promised me breakfast.” His eyes glance to my lips as he licks his own and I smile, knowing he’s tempted to kiss me again. “I’ll meet you in the hall after we’re dressed?”

I sigh dramatically and roll my eyes. “Fine. After I do something about the state you’ve left me in.” I gesture to the bulge in my boxer briefs and raise an eyebrow. “Unless you’d care to help me with it since it’s your fault.”

He laughs and backs up. “I recall you were an active participant. Besides, I want to witness this miracle of kitchen wizardry you’ve promised.” He grins and heads into his room, leaving me staring after him, lust-addled and palming my aching cock.

I exhale shakily and walk into my bedroom to throw on the clothes I wore yesterday. They aren’t that dirty, and I don’t have many options, though it does pain me to do it. I add fresh socks and my boots, pull my fingers through my hair, and secure it in a messy bun, then step into the hall. I try for casual calm, not the ridiculously eager, turned-on energy that’s thrumming under the surface of my skin, and I think I mostly succeed.

Jamie emerges from his room looking sexy as hell with his curls every which way, unshaven face, and slightly rumpled clothes. I can’t help myself. I reach out and gently drag my fingers through his stubble. “I like this scruffy look on you.”

He takes my hand and kisses my palm, and I swear my entire body lights up. “That’s a relief, because I rarely shave when I’m here.”

Dear gods above, I’m going to end up with an around-the-clock hard-on. “Going for that whole mountain man vibe?”

Jamie grins and winks like he’s read my mind, and tugs me toward the stairs. “I think the term is lumbersexual. And you’re one to talk. You’ve got the dashing rake thing happening.” He glances at me over his shoulder and gestures to my piercings and two days of facial hair growth. “I like it.” The heat of his gaze is delicious, and I grin salaciously. “But you promised me breakfast, so c’mon.”

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