Page 44 of Falling Slowly
But before I could step through the portal, he wedged himself between me and the door. “I’m just messing with you, Bess. I came all over that shower cubicle,” he whispered, “thinking of you.”
His hot breath mixed with mine, creating a whirlpool of confusion. I so wanted to be someone else, someone who seized the moment and ripped that towel off his sculpted body.
“I’m glad I could help,” I whispered back. “But didn’t we agree to pretend nothing happened?”
He raised his right hand like swearing an oath. “Nothing happened between us. But I can still be turned on by you, right? I can’t rip out my eyes. Every new thing I learn about you… I can’t help it, Bess. You’re an enigma. A sexy enigma.”
I felt so warm all over that I could barely stand. I didn’t have to, though. My body had already mastered gravity and was floating an inch off the floor. My hands twitched in their frantic need to touch him. To be touched. But as I launched into a movement, he stepped away, a sparkling smile on his face. “Enjoy the shower.”
I stepped into the bathroom, heaving in deep breaths. I’d never be able to resist Charlie. I was doomed.
Chapter Eighteen
Bess
Later that night, I lay in bed, listening to his breathing. When I finally convinced myself he was asleep, I reached into my bag and grabbed the vibrator. It was fairly quiet, but I still hid under every bit of blanket I could find, hoping he wouldn’t wake up to the sound. I kept the toy at the lowest setting and slid it where I needed it, rocking against the buzzing piece of silicone. It wasn’t the fanciest model, but it would have to do.
The vibration worked its magic. My mind returned to our kiss in the hot tub, and it didn’t take me long to reach the tipping point—the moment reality faded to the corners of my mind. The sweet laps of pleasure turned into waves, building up. It was hot under the blankets, but I didn’t mind. I felt safe, hiding from the world, letting myself feel everything I couldn’t with him.
Charlie fucking Wilde. I hated him. I wanted him. I couldn’t have him. My hips undulated without conscious thought, working against the hot pink wand and its little suction head. Iwas close, teetering right at the edge. I heard a soft moan and realized it was coming from me. Was I making noise?
He’s asleep, I told myself, peeling off the blankets to come up for air. To my horror, I could still hear the buzzing of the vibrator, even through the layers of blanket. In the absolute silence of the cabin, the sound seemed to reverberate and echo off the high ceiling. I listened for any other sounds; any indication Charlie might have been awake. But before I noticed anything else, I heard the most horrifying sound of all. Silence. The battery had died.
When had I even last used the thing? When had I charged it? I couldn’t remember, which explained a lot. I threw myself back against the pillow, panting. My entire body throbbed with frustration.
“Can I help?”
His gravelly voice shot through me like lightning. I sat up, clutching the covers.
He stood at the top of the stairs, leaning on the banister.
“Charlie.” I was still panting. “What are you doing here?”
“Missing out.”
“But we decided…”
“Yeah. I was thinking this could also be something that never happened. In case you need a hand or?—”
My body screamed yes while my brain chased its tail, unable to form a coherent thought. “You heard me,” I said dumbly.
“Only because I was listening. Intently.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “We don’t have to do anything, but this is the hottest thing I’ve ever heard. Ever. So please, continue.”
“I ran out of battery,” I said, finally closing my dry mouth. “So the show’s over, I guess.”
I felt grateful for the darkness that concealed my face, but I couldn’t stop the flush of embarrassment that engulfed me. He’d heard me. He’d listened to me pleasure myself. It was almosttoo much to process, yet my body throbbed, disappointed. Unsatisfied. Asking for more.
“Oh, no. So, you do need a hand.” He lay down next to me, peeling off the blankets until his fingers grazed my belly. Warm fingers that woke up every nerve on my skin.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice so throaty I hardly recognized it as my own.
“I’m not battery-operated, but I do a pretty good job, I promise.”
I pulled the covers to my chin, wishing I could disappear. But my body was at odds with my embarrassed mind, refusing to push his hand away.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked.
“No,” I choked out. “But I can’t ask you to...”
