Page 40 of Bayside Heat
Sometime later, as she lay in a foggy state of post-orgasmic bliss, she realized he’d given her pleasure but she’d done nothing for him. “Let me make you feel good.”
“You already have,” he said, showering her with more kisses. “No regrets, beautiful.”
He wrapped her in his strong arms, holding her as they kissed and then running his hand soothingly along her back as they lay together. Most men couldn’t wait to get in a woman’s pants, and here he was, content with pleasuring her, holding her.
“Okay, sweetheart,” he said softly. “I better go before I forget why we stopped.”
She clung to him, knowing he was smart to give her a chance to think before they went further and wishing he could be careless just this once. That he’d take the decision out of her hands, as he had when he’d held back. But now she understood his reasoning well enough to realize that this decision was too important for either of them to give in.
He covered her with the blanket and kissed her tenderly. “Get some sleep.”
She lay on her side, watching him put on his shirt and wishing they’d been there four years ago. Was she making a mistake moving away? Could this be the beginning and the end of everything she’d ever wanted?
Weren’t those the exact questions, the reasons, he’d held back for all this time? The reason they hadn’t made love tonight?
“You’re going to outshine everyone in Boston, Supergirl. I can’t wait to hear all about it. I’ll come by in the morning to help you load up your car.”
“No. Please don’t.” She swallowed past the lump in her throat caused by the disappointment in his eyes. “I suck at goodbyes. You know I’ll cry, and I don’t want that. Just let me pretend it’s any other day and I’m going on a road trip.”
“That feels wrong on so many levels.” He sank down to the edge of the bed and took her hand in his.
“It’s not. It’s the rightest thing you can do.”
He sighed and traced the stars on her bracelet.
“I love my bracelet, and I love that every time I wear it I’ll think of tonight. Thank you.” She wanted to ask him what tonight meant. How would they act when they saw each other again? But part of her knew that too many questions might bring whatever this was between them to a screeching halt.
“I’ll lock up when I leave.” He touched his lips to hers and whispered, “Nothing could ever delete tonight from my memory banks. Good night, Supergirl.”
Chapter Eight
DRAKE AWOKE TO the sound of his cell phone vibrating on the nightstand. He bolted upright, disoriented after being awake for most of the night. He’d been in a state of euphoria when he’d left Serena’s cottage, having finally let her feel his emotions instead of hiding them. But when he’d gotten home, he’d been swamped with worry. He’d done the exact thing he’d sworn he wouldn’t do. He’d been this close to making love to her. Even without that next level of intimacy, he’d crossed every line he’d ever drawn between them—and despite his worries, he didn’t regret a second of it.
But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t worry like a motherfucker.
He snagged his phone, hoping not to see the word delete. Relief swept through him as he read Serena’s message. Thanks for the best night of my life. And for making me more confused. xoxox. She added a smiling emoji.
“Best night, huh? Nice to know I’m not alone in that.” Before he could type a response, another message popped up. And don’t you DARE text DELETE or I’ll come back and punch you in your orgasm-inducing mouth! Love you.
A kissing emoji popped up.
Another message bubble appeared. I meant I love you like I always say to you and Rick and Dean. Not I love you like a boyfriend.
He sat up on the edge of the bed, smiling as another message came through. That sounds bad. You know what I mean. See? You definitely confused me! Goodbye! See you this weekend to work on the shop.
“What have I done to you, Supergirl?” he mumbled as he typed a reply. So…you like my mouth, huh? Love you too, Supergirl.
Drake pulled on his running clothes and texted Rick. Ready to run?
