Page 58 of Love Beyond the Illusion
Walking into the villa, I immediately feel her presence, bringing me so much relief. I’m not alone in the town I fled so many years ago. I have a partner, even if for a short time, I am learning to appreciate it.
I set the bags on the kitchen counter as Piper shuffles out of the bedroom in another pair of satin matching pajamas and fluffy white bunny slippers. How many pairs of these fancy pajamas does she own? And why do they look so fucking sexy on her? Are they meant to look like that?
But one of my white T-shirts would look even sexier on her.
“What did you get?” she asks, pulling the food out and setting it on the counter.
“I tried to get things I knew you’d like and some of the foods I saw you eat last time you were out here,” I say, placing a gallon of almond milk on the shelf in the fridge. “I also know you like fruit. As you can see, I ordered a lot of it.”
She holds up a bag filled with different types of apples with a wide grin. “Midnight snacks?”
“Yes.” I laugh. “And no green ones. I know you hate green apples.”
She slowly shakes her head and places the apples in a large bowl on the counter. “I can’t believe you remembered that.”
“How could I not? You were so dramatic about that fucking green apple martini,” I tease.
“I was a little over the top, wasn’t I?”
“You were very passionate about it.”
“I’m sure.”
Piper and I continue silently putting away the groceries for a few minutes. The interactions between us are more relaxed and comfortable this time.
“Thanks for doing this. I really appreciate it,” she says in a small voice.
“No problem. Next time we can go together. I thought I should at least get some things in the meantime.” I glance down at the empty counter now that all the items have been put away.
“I had a jam-packed few days of traveling, and I need to get some sleep.” Piper’s head is down while she plays with the drawstrings on her shorts. She always fidgets when she’s nervous.
“Of course. I’ll be on the couch if you need me.”
She nods but doesn’t walk away. A beat passes before she speaks, “I think you should sleep with me.”
My breath stops.
Laying in the bed, under the same blankets, knowing that her half-dressed smooth body was within inches of mine would be too much to handle. How would I keep myself from touching her? She’s trying to be considerate, but I don’t think I can do what she’s suggesting. Just imagining it, I can almost feel the sensation of her naturally tucked into my arm. I’d hold her close and sleep soundly, knowing she was safe. I would caress her face and her neck and eventually let my fingertips roam all over her body, claiming each part as my own. It would be impossible, and I’m not about to cross the line.
I can’t fucking do it.
“I still don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m fine sleeping on the couch. You don’t have to feel bad about it.” I try to keep my tone firm, but she can hear the slight cracks of uncertainty.
Piper frowns. “Look, in the beginning, the thought of sleeping in the same bed with a man who’s a little more than a stranger was a little unnerving, but things are different now. We know each other better, and it’s not like we haven’t been sort of sleeping together every night on the phone since I left,” she points out.
I rub the back of my neck. “Thank you. Let’s see how I feel later, okay?”
I watch as her face falls, hearing me push back. “Okay.” Then, she turns around and heads into the bedroom.
Trying to pass the time, I turn on the TV and flip through a few channels. When that doesn’t work, I pop in my AirPods and play whatever was on my most recent playlist. Blink 182’s “I Miss You” immediately starts—nope. I have to go in there to get ready for bed. After what feels like a lifetime of sitting alone in the living room, I decide to face the internal conflict that ensues within me.
I carefully crack the door to the bedroom and feel my way around the dark space. Tapping the flashlight on my phone, I head for the dresser in the corner. I take care to remove my boxers and T-shirt. Then, I quietly creep across the room and into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, I find Piper tucked beneath the covers and curled into one side of the bed. Her hair is fanned out across two bright white pillows. I cautiously approach the edge to get a closer look at her. She’s gorgeous. Right now, she’s all mine. Listening to the faint sounds of her deep breathing lights me up and tugs at my insides. I stay for a moment, watching her sleep. She’s so blissfully unaware of how beautiful she is.
I bend to my knees and hang my head. Exhaling in frustration, I shouldn’t crawl in with her because the temptation to have her would be too powerful. My dick is already fighting with the inside of my boxers, and with one wrong move, I’d pop right out of the thin fabric.
I grit my teeth, then head back into the living room with every intention of making this sectional my bed for the night. But all that changes when my eyes find the pile of folded blankets and the empty space before me—Fuck this. I turn on my heels and confidently walk away.
