Page 62 of Creed
“Yeah, that’s it.”
“Good deal. I’ll be there in twenty.”
And before I could even say goodbye, he hung up, leaving me staring with a big smile on my face. I sat there for a minute, wondering just how bad I really looked, and when I couldn’t stand it a second longer, I hopped off the sofa and rushed to the bathroom. I flipped on the light and groaned when I saw my reflection in the mirror.
My hair was sticking out in places it had no business sticking out, and I had that sleep-crushed pillow line across my cheek. I grabbed my brush, tugging it through the tangles, then pulled it up into a messy bun. I splashed some water on my face before putting on some mascara and a little blush.
I told him I wasn’t changing out of my pajamas, and I meant it. Today was my day to do nothing, and I planned to do just that. I rinsed my mouth, brushed my teeth, and gave myself one last look. I didn’t look like I was ready for a night out, but I didn’t look like death either. I figured that was a win and headed back to the living room.
I straightened a few blankets and picked up a few stray cups and wrappers. I was about to flop back onto the couch when there was a knock at the door. I glanced over to the kids and whispered, “Please be nice.”
“Um-hmm,” Austin grumbled.
I eased the door open and found Jameson standing on the front porch with two large bags in his hands. He was wearing jeans and a crisp white t-shirt that made him look entirely too good for a veg-out Sunday.
“Hey there, beautiful.” His eyes did a slow sweep over me, taking in my plaid boxers and oversized t-shirt, and he chuckled as he held up his bags and announced, “I got the goods.”
“I see that.” I stepped back as I told him, “Come on in and make yourself comfortable.”
The kids tried to play it cool, but Chrissy’s eyes went wide when she saw the bags full of goodies. “Dang! You got everything.”
“I did my best.” Austin glanced over, pretending he was unfazed as Jameson started tossing them their snacks and drinks. “Takis for the man, M&Ms for the lady.”
“Thanks,” Austin muttered, but there was a hint of a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“No problem.”
“Thank you!” Chrissy beamed before diving into the bag.
Jameson’s eyes found mine, and for a moment, the noise and the mess faded away. It was just him, standing there in my living room, like he belonged there with us. He and I settled on the sofa, close enough that his arm brushed mine, and it grounded me in a way I didn’t know I needed.
We spent the next few hours quietly watching TV. The kids ate their food and paid little mind to me and Jameson as they watched their show. Chrissy eventually curled up on the floor with a blanket while Austin scrolled on his phone.
Jameson didn’t say much, but every so often, he’d glance over at me with that soft look in his eyes. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was doubting his decision to come over or if he saw something worth sticking around for. I hoped it was the latter, but only time would tell.
At one point, he reached between us and took hold of my hand, lacing his fingers with mine. It wasn’t much. Just a quiet Sunday in PJs with the kids, but it was a start. And for now, that was enough.
After the credits rolled, the kids wandered off to their rooms, and Jameson stood and announced, “I'd better get going.”
“Okay.” I stood and followed him over to the door. “When will I see you again?”
“When do you want to see me?”
“Soon.”
“Then, soon it will be.”
Without another word, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair from my face, and the way his fingers lingered against my cheek made the air catch in my lungs. His eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, it felt like the world went quiet.
And just as the butterflies started to erupt in my stomach, he leaned in and kissed me. It was soft at first, like he was giving mea chance to pull away if I needed to. But I didn’t. I couldn’t. I was too lost in the moment.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer until there was nothing but him. His warmth. His scent. His touch. Needing more, I opened my mouth wide, letting him delve deeper.
God, I shouldn’t have, but I did.
When his tongue slid against mine, it was like a spark shot through me, leaving me trembling. This man had a way of making me feel so desired, so wanted, it almost scared me. I felt like I could finally let go, like I could finally breathe, and just be me, because it was me that he wanted.
It was me that had him groaning into my mouth.
