Page 65 of Still Yours
Mrs. Stalinski.
Hot shame, pinker than the waking sun’s rays, color my skin as I slump away from her door and down the stairs. Now that reality’s set in, I realize what I’ve done.
Had sex with her son while she’s upstairs.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m no stranger to sneaking into Stone’s room and enjoying the forbidden pleasures of fucking each other while our parents are asleep, but it’s different this time. She’s sick, and I’m her nurse. I’m in this house to take care of her, not myself.
It’s a moment of weakness I resolve never to happen again. I plan on telling Stone the same, and for reasons beyond respecting Mrs. Stalinski, even though that’s a top priority.
We’re messy, he and I. Almost as destructive as we were to this kitchen, and this time, I don’t want to throw my heart in the garbage disposal, all in the name of becoming addicted to him again.
I stop at the entrance to the kitchen.
Blinking, I scan the room, wondering if I’m dreaming.
The granite counter gleams along with the stovetop. All traces of spilled flour and escaped beans and baked-on sauce are gone.
Fresh lemon and vinegar wafts under my nose as I cautiously wander in.
Either magic cleaning elves came into the house last night while Stone and I were sleeping off our sex, or he came in here after I succumbed to exhaustion and did this all himself.
“Wow,” I whisper, drawn to a folded note sitting near the sink.
I open it and read.
I hope this helps your regret this morning, because you and I both know you have nothing to feel guilty over.
x Stone
I don’t realize I’m smiling until my cheeks communicate the ache. It’s Stone’s version of an apology. Not perfect, full of innuendos, and right on the money. He knows me too well sometimes.
“Wondering what to do now that you’re up this early and have no kitchen to clean?”
Stone’s sleep-roughened voice comes from the archway.
Turning, I respond, “You’ve certainly put a wrench in my plans.”
“I can think of an activity.”
I huff out a laugh. “I’m actually considering it.” Or more likely, my vagina is. “But your mom will be up soon and I can use this extra time to make us a delicious breakfast.”
Stone pretends to consider it. “Hmm. Wedoneed the calories.”
“And your mom?—”
“Don’t,” he says in a gentle tone. “I told you not to feel guilty over what we did.”
“But she’s sick and I’m her nurse. It was totally unprofessional of me.”
“Listen, if Ma were healthy, she’d encourage it.”
I roll my eyes. “I hardly think she would.”
“You, Lavender, were the perfect girl for me.”
“We’re not back together.”
An indiscernible emotion flickers behind his expression. “I was going to say she’ll be pleased we’re back to being friendly.”
