Page 20 of The Curve
4
Charlotte
I wanted it to be a bad kiss. It would have made my life much easier. Instead, I was carried away to an unknown land, where only the best kissers can be citizens, and Atticus has been overwhelmingly voted in as their president.
It was soft at first, and his hands cradled my face. Romantic. Then he brought my body close to his with an arm around my waist. I could feel him hard against my belly. That’s when he kissed me like he’d been waiting all his life for the moment to arrive.
I swear my panties were already wet at that point, and that was something that hadn’t happened for years, and an honest to God flesh and blood man had made them that way. It wasn’t my own doing this time.
I don’t know what would’ve happened if we’d been alone in the house. Yes, I do. We would have been in my bed and we’d still be there. An all-day sex fest sounds about right. Even though I’m so out of practice he might have to tell me what goes where. It’s been a record-breaking drought and when the rain finally comes, I have no plans to run for cover.
But maybe having to rein in our desires worked in my favor. I need to think this through before I take the next step. There’s always the possibility Mallory and I might need to move someday. I made the promise, and I never would go back on it. I’ve got to keep it in my mind that should things progress in this direction I’m going to have to come to terms with the ugly truth. For one reason or another there may come a day I’d have to say goodbye.
Besides, a man like Atticus Swift isn’t looking for long term. He probably isn’t looking for anything. Everything’s at his fingertips. All he needs to do is say yes. And the little I know about him tells me he says yesallthe time. I have no plans on becoming one of many, so I need to get in and out quickly. Or more to the point he has to get in and out of me quickly.
Even if the rest of me is horizontal, it’s going to be important that I keep my head level. I’ve already given in to the idea we’re going to have sex. It’s inevitable now. But I cannot lose my heart.
I cannot lose my heart.That’ll be my mantra.
Climbing out of the shower I wrap a towel around my wet hair. The sound of my cell ringing in the bedroom snaps me out of my reverie. I’m dripping water across the bathroom floor and onto my rug, but I make it in time. It’s Atticus.
“Hello?”
“Hello, you. Whatcha doin?”
“Just stepped out of the shower.” There’s a pause. A long one. “Atticus?”
“I’m still here, I was just imagining you standing there. Are you naked?”
I feel the blush rush to my cheeks. “Stop it!”
“Answer my question.”
“There’s a towel on my head. And I’m wearing a toe ring.”
“That’s it?”
“Yep.”
“You’re killing me, woman. Seriously. I may drop dead right here, overdosing on stimulation.”
“I’m sure you’ll live.” I laugh.
“Don’t you feel sorry for me?”
“Not a bit. I think you’re a sex maniac.”
“I would be with you.”
My giggle sounds like a teenager’s response. “One kiss and I’m a foregone conclusion?” I half tease. Because at this point he doesn’t know what a sure thing I am.
“No, nothing close to it. It’s just that I want you. More than anyone I’ve wanted before. Why deny I feel that way?”
My heart is tugging at my brain.Do you feel me, Charlotte? I’m soaring.
“Are you there?” he says.
“I’m here. Just processing.”
