Page 62 of Honey Bun
“I think being afraid of life is done for me.” I turned toward him.
I would never put myself in danger. There was no more need. I was with the only man I’d ever wanted.
Arman
The music and massage seemed to quiet Maddie. A team of masseuses worked on our backs, and it sounded like she snored a little. Once they were done, she turned and stared at me, more relaxed than I’d ever seen her. She didn’t breathe a word as we headed back to the changing room. There was a couch, and I was half-tempted to strip that robe off her, but the sheer joy on her face caught me off guard.
I took my time and didn’t rush to the locker. “So, how was it?”
She curled up on the couch next to me and placed her knees at my side like we were sharing a secret. “Amazing. I never knew a woman could push my muscles that deep.”
Her happiness made the day perfect. I refused to worry about the future. “I’ve had you riding me, so I’m spoiled.”
The twinkle in her eye made my skin practically dance with awareness. “Hmm. I’d be jealous if you weren’t lying right beside me.”
Maddie jealous would be cute to see—not that I would pursue that. “I didn’t think you’d ever be jealous.”
She shook her head. “Why not? You’re the most desirable guy I’ve ever met.”
“You didn’t get out much.”
She rubbed my arm, and I half wanted to strip off her robe. The growing need for her overpowered the relaxation.
She was bright and happy as she said, “Let’s not pretend you’re modest. I’ve seen your closet.”
I stood because if I didn’t, I would follow through with my desires. And fulfilling that need might set us back. I headed to my locker. “Clothes make a man?”
She sashayed her way over to hers. “Fair enough. I’ve seen how women glance your way.”
As I offered her a bathing suit with the hotel logo on it, I asked, “Want to go for a swim?”
She took it from me. “Sounds fun, and I’m sure you worked out the logistics.”
More time with her sounded perfect, and I would never spoil her good mood. “Get changed.”
She rolled the one-piece up her body. “Magically all figured out. Whoever is on your family’s payroll that handles all these small details needs a raise.”
I finished tugging on the suit. “There is no magical person in this case. The hotel offers the suits.”
As we left the dressing room with towels, she said, “I remember when we were kids, there was a girl named Clarissa who was younger than us, but her parents worked for yours.”
Interesting.We headed toward the heated pool, which was empty, as my mind raced to put together the past. Then I snapped my fingers. “The butler and driver’s kid. I haven’t seen her since she went to college.”
We made it to the edge, and she jumped in. She was magnificent and graceful. I hopped in after her. When she came out, she pushed her hair back and said, “The only person in my house to take care of me was me.”
I joined her, and we did a lap to the deep end. When we reached the wall, I said, “I envied that in you and Joel.”
She rubbed her ear. It looked like she had water in it. “Envied what?”
I would never get to be the success story she or my father was. I’d had a leg up. “You can always say you’re self-made when you become successful at your wedding and party-planning business.”
She took a deep breath and bobbed in the water. Then she said in a low voice, “I… you always have such faith in me.”
I swam closer to her. “It’s easy to spot talent.” Pressed against her, all I could think about was how much I ached for her.
She gulped and gazed up at me. “That’s what you’re looking at right now?”
I wrapped my arm around her waist. “I want to strip this suit right off you.”
