Page 62 of Just Like You
“I can deal with that.” More kisses. How I loved feeling this…loved. Shit. I was thinking it again. Jumping way ahead of the game.
“Sleep,” he said, gently leading me over to the bed. I was wet, and I probably needed to brush my teeth, but right now? I’d rather just have him hold me. The duvet was tucked over my shoulder as my wet hair fell against his skin. My face in his neck. Arm around that big chest of his.
“Don’t let me sleep too long,” I mumbled.
“It’s all good. Just rest.”
“You were saying?” I smiled. I think he did too.
“I’ve always wanted someone who would love me, where I wouldn’t doubt that they did. I always wondered, every time I met someone, and I couldn’t work it out. I never knew if they liked meor if they were just around for the… I don’t know. The sex? The money they assumed I had? The lifestyle of someone who works in the city? Fuck knows. Then I met you, and even that first time in New York? I fell asleep in your arms, and I didn’t doubt for a second that you wanted me there. That was what I had always wanted. Someone just like you. Because I think you want me here. You have no idea how good that feels.”
I was barely awake, but I pressed my lips to his neck. Held him as tight as my worn-out bones could.
“I want you here,” I said.
After that? I think I passed out. Because I think that was exactly what I’d needed to hear.
JUUULEEESSSS! I’m getting worried now. Did you get kidnapped by Gina DeSanto? In that case? Do tell all!
I met up with one of the polycule bros. He was hotter last night.
Now I just want to sleep all this off and not think about it. Maybe I’m getting old.
Chapter Eighteen
Kieron
There was something so incredibly human about waking up with someone else pressed against your chest. A feeling of… Maybe it was belonging. Or that uncomfortable feeling of having pins and needles in your leg because you didn’t want to move. Whatever it was, I just wanted to hold on to what I had here for a few more minutes.
I had no idea what time it was, but my mouth was dry, and despite the earlier shower? I was hot and bothered. The sounds from the streets outside, I couldn’t even remember what floor I was on inthis hotel, let alone what part of the city. I was in São Paolo, Brazil. I knew that. I hoped, chuckling to myself. I hadn’t even registered anything out the windows on the bus ride from the airport, too preoccupied with the hand in mine and the small fact that I’d got him back.
This was madness. But it was the best kind of madness as I kissed his head. All that sun-kissed blond hair. Rays of light coming from the windows, dancing through the openings to the blind. The way his shoulders curved down over his arm, the arm that was still tightly wrapped around my neck. Holding me in place.
His. I was bloody his. God help me, but that was the truth here, and I didn’t care what that meant or who it made me, I would do anything just to have this.
He still had my watch, now placed on the bedside table next to his ID and work tie. Like they were items that were now inseparable. Part of who he was, as much as I was me.
Mine. He was mine. And whatever happened next? I hoped I could deal with it, in the right way. Not do anything stupid again that would scare him away.
I suddenly wanted to tell him about work. About my boss, who was a freaking badass lady, and also someone who knew me. Explain to him that I needed that. Juliet knew my quirks and my bad temper and my ridiculous traits and still held on to me. Calmed me down when I needed it and made sure the people around me dealt with whatever I threw their way. She also told me off. Her threats of spanking my arse were absolutely real, and she had, many a time. With words, of course. Stern looks, harsh words and sending Bash Dewaert to do her dirty work. I hated it when shedid. I hated it even more when she sent that Faye, who drove me up the walls. Well, maybe I was becoming softer in my old age, because, yes. Maybe I could see some of Faye’s finer qualities. She was trustworthy; I’d give her that. And even Maura had been nice to me lately.
I needed this, more than anything in the world. The calm he brought me, just lying here like there was nothing else I needed to do. I could just relax. Switch off my brain for a few precious moments and allow myself just to exist. Here in this now.
He mumbled something in his sleep, moving gently in my arms. I kissed his head, like this was now something I did. The constant affection, that I was getting back. His face now burrowing into my chest.
“You awake?” I asked, gently moving a strand of hair from his forehead. His nose was still pushing into my skin.
“I was expecting to be fucked awake.”
“Cheeky.” I smiled. “I can oblige with that. But I have no condoms.”
“So, I am expected to get up and find stuff.”
“Yup. Perhaps I am the one who should be serviced,” I joked, and he lifted his head. Kissed me. Morning breath and all. I didn’t care. He was mine. I’d decided, earlier on this morning. At some point, it had just become clear in my head exactly what he was.
“Hang on. You’re so spoilt. I’m the one who worked all night.”
“I’m the one who sat on a plastic bench all night waiting for you to turn up.”
