Page 44 of Love Potion

I take a deep breath and think about Bane being my boyfriend. How would things change? He’s already so sweet to me. We already spend all our time together and we cuddle. He makes coffee for me and lets me pick the movies we watch. He makes my birthday special, and he even set up a night out at a museum for me. I guess that’s why neither of us feel like we’re missing out by not dating. What guy would treat me better than Bane does? And if he says he’s happy not having sex with other people, I should believe him.

So the unanswered question is, could he be happy with me long term? Could I make him happy and show him how incredible he is without feeling constantly horny? How many times I’ve wished I had Indy’s libido. He’s all over Salem all the time, and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. But I’m not Indy. I’m me, and that’s the reality I need to deal with.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand, and I grab it, smiling when I see a text from Bane. It’s a link to an article about the release of a video game we’ve been waiting eight months for.

Bane: The article says it’s releasing next month!

Me: Finally!

Bane: Can’t wait.

I smile at my phone.

Me: Same.

Bane: You good?

Me: I am. Just thinking.

Bane: Here if you need me. Always.

Me: I always need you, but not right now. I’m good.

Bane: Cool. Sweet dreams, Jerr.

Me: Night, Bane.

I set my phone down and close my eyes again as thoughts of Bane kissing me dance in my head.

After my shower,I throw on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt and head next door to Bane’s room. I rap on the door before opening it, just to announce my presence. His room is still quiet and dark, with the drapes in his bedroom drawn. I walk down the hall and find him tangled in his bedding, still asleep.

I’ve often admired Bane’s physique and his stunning features, and when he’s sleeping, he looks like he could be apainting. His wild curls are splayed across his pillow, his broad chest rising and falling softly with his breathing, and his face… that incredible face. Even with his soulful brown eyes closed, he’s still impressive. His features fit his face perfectly, creating a nice symmetry. I’ve watched people trip over themselves for years to get his attention.

I reach out and very lightly dot my fingers down his chest. He doesn’t stir at all, so I tug the blanket down just a little to reveal his belly and the trail of hair that runs down from his belly button. As I gaze at his sleeping form, I focus on my own thoughts. Do I want to see more of his body? Drag the blankets off and really look at him? Do I want to touch him?

Yes.

The thought is very clear. What isn’t clear is what my motives are. Am I just curious, or do I actuallywantto touch Bane in an intimate way?

I huff out a breath, which does get a response from Bane.

“Are you just gonna stand there or are you getting in?” he asks without opening his eyes.

I laugh softly. “Getting in bed?”

“Yeah.” He stirs, stretching slightly. “What time is it?”

“Almost ten.”

“Shit.” He peels one eye open. “I guess that means I should get up.”

“If you want to.”

Bane scrubs a hand down his face before running it through his hair. “I could eat.”

“I could make you a bagel.”

He opens both eyes and smiles. “Let’s go to the coffee shop down the block from Moby’s. You like their raspberry Danish.”

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