Page 30 of The Cannon
“It was sexy as hell. Want to get out of here?”
But as we part, her expression goes from totally with me to a faraway gaze.
“You okay?”
She touches her lips. “No. I think I’m going to be sick.”
My arm hooks around her waist. “I’ll get you home, Aretha.”
Shit. Not reaching any base tonight. It’s a big strikeout.
Chapter 8
Bristol
Stepping out of the shower onto the thick warmth of the rug, my toes wiggle dry. I grab the towel and wrap my wet hair inside. Droplets of water run down my body and the difference between the warm cocoon I just came from and the temperature of the room chills my skin. Goosebumps.
It would have been easier to take my shower in the morning, but I couldn’t bear the idea of getting in bed without feeling clean. That’s the last time I do a night run. My mind wasn’t on it either.
I take a fresh thick towel from the shelf and begin to dry off. In the wide mirror over my counter I catch a glimpse. Even right now, I’m thinking of him. It’s all over my transformed face. Something about it looks different lately.
Every time my mind goes back to last Sunday night it settles on a different memory. I’ve tried pushing the unpleasant ones to the background. I can get past having to be carried down the stairs. But throwing up outside the club while Sawyer held my hair manages to edge its way in every so often.
Ending our night so abruptly almost made me cry, when I sobered up enough to realize what I’d done. What I’d missed. But the fact it’s not the only thing I’m remembering speaks to how magical the night was. The good outweighs the bad by a mile.
I let loose. Something I haven’t done in a long time. Maybe not since I was a girl. It’s shocking to know I voluntarily got up in front of a roomful of strangers and sang. Not only that but chose my favorite song and dedicated it to Sawyer. I gave it my all, without inhibition.
Up until the barfing business, I think my Southern woman standards of behavior were maintained. Well, at least the details I remember.
Alcohol is the real lie detector test. Have enough of it and you’ll reveal your secrets. Mine couldn’t have been clearer. I want him.
I wasn’t the only one who showed her cards. He sang to me first. And god, it was sexier than anything a man’s ever done for or to me. Is that the greatest thing to say, or the saddest? Will things be different with Sawyer? Will I be able to orgasm? Oh god, please make it so. Up till now intercourse hasn’t brought me to the same heights I can bring myself. I hate that it’s true.
The sound of the cell ringing breaks my concentration. Oh, it’s him.
“Hi.” I say in my sexiest voice.
“Hello, lovely. Do you miss me?”
He knows how to make me squirm with anticipation. Just hearing his voice and having him call me lovely tickles me to my toes.
“Maybe,” I lie through my teeth. I miss him more than I’m willing to say.
“Maybe nothin’. Admit it and I’ll tell you a bedtime story you’ll like.”
Oh Lordy.
“Well now I’m intrigued. Okay, I admit it.”
“You need to say it. Come on now, girl.”
He says it low and slow, and I’m grinning like a goon, standing naked in front of the mirror. I bite on the corner of the thick towel.
“I miss you. Whatever.”
He laughs a little and my heart melts.
“Where are you right now?” he says.
