Page 27 of Protecting Clove
He nuzzled her neck. “I try to be good at everything, and I’ve listened when guys talk. Sure, there are some Navy guys whodon’t know shit about a woman’s body, but when older guys talk about how to have the best sex, you listen.”
Her forehead crinkled as her eyebrows rose. “You all really talk about that?”
“Not often, but when talk gets real, and some guy who has been around the block a few times gets tired of young bucks bragging about how good they are in bed, you realize you’re getting pure gold, and you listen.”
“Well, I’m glad you listened. That was better than I can do with my fingers and a vibrator. It’s like you knew exactly when I was going to get the most pleasure.”
He kissed her cheek. “My aim is to please.” He sat up, and she frowned at him.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m tired and could easily fall asleep in your bed. I want to hold you all night, but I know you don’t want Neo getting confused. Later, once we’re a little more sure about what both of us want from this, I’ll sleep here with you. Tonight, I’m going to sleep on the couch.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re right, but I wish you were wrong. I want to argue and tell you that you don’t have to do that, but we both know you’re making the right decision, though I don’t want it.”
He leaned over and kissed her lips again, then stood, knowing if he stayed for any more time, they would end up tangled together all night, and Neo would find them sleeping together in the morning.
Leaving Clove in her bed and heading out to the den was one of the hardest things he’d ever done. Being near Clove was mesmerizing. He needed to watch himself, or he might end up falling in love with her.
20
The next morning, Bud sensed someone close. Thank goodness he remembered where he was, so when he cracked open one eye, he saw Neo watching him sleep. He grunted and sat up. “You’re up.”
She nodded. “Why did you sleep on the couch?”
He sat up, not really sure how much Clove had told Neo about her father. The man wasn’t stable, but Neo didn’t need that hanging over her head.
“Because it was comfortable.”
“Your bed is just steps away.”
He nodded. “It is.”
“You snore, and you have drool on your beard.”
This kid didn’t pull her punches. She would never let him get away with anything. “I do snore, and everyone drools a little at night.”
“Do you like cereal?”
He shrugged. “It’s okay. I like eggs and toast better.”
“I want an egg, but Mom won’t let me cook one yet. I think I could do it if I was taller.”
“You’ll gain some height soon enough. Once you get taller, I’ll teach you how to cook an egg. Right now, how would you like your egg?”
“I don’t like scrambled right now, but I don’t want the yolk to be runny.”
“I can do that. Let me use the bathroom, and I’ll make you an egg.”
He was almost done cooking Neo’s egg when Clove came into the kitchen. She seemed flustered, and her cheeks turned a darker shade of pink when she saw Neo studying her.
“Good morning.” Bud smiled as he remembered watching Clove come for him. He focused on the eggs before Neo could catch him smiling at Clove. They didn’t need her to ask questions, and neither of them wanted to answer yet. Neo was smart, but adult actions and emotions might be too much for her to fully grasp. He and Clove could end up together, or they could never have sex again.
He plated Neo’s egg and placed it on the table. “Here you go, Neo. I hope it’s cooked well for you.”
“Thank you.”
Clove looked from Neo to Bud. “Oh. You didn’t have to cook her breakfast. She can eat cereal.”
