Page 50 of Painting Her Fate

“True. But what if I want to know you? The deepest you.” My courage

flares to life.

I take her hand and kiss the inside of her wrist. She turns her face back to me and lightning flashes in her eyes.

“Why?” no humor whatsoever in her question, “I’m too much work. Nothing good will come of it.” Her cheeks heat with frustration now and I’m waiting for her to bolt.

I place her hand on my cheek and watch as her eyes soften.

My voice is low as I convey a little secret of my own, “you are the only one I have allowed to touch my body- my scars, in three years.”

I’ve been busy making sure Ford, Natasha, mini bear, Shark, and my family were ok after coming home, I didn’t take the time to seek proper care for myself. It feels too little, too late for me now.

Until she came along.

She sits up to rest against the headboard, silence lingering as she takes in my confession. Gorgeous isn’t enough to describe her, all bed head and smudged eyeliner. The way she bites that lower lip of hers is driving me fucking insane.

“It is about ten, when do you have to get back to the bar?” She’s quick to change the subject and I’m more than keen to let it happen.

This mood shift of hers has me wondering, but I’ll keep that to myself for now.

“Not ‘til later,” I state, a pleased smile playing at those kissable lips of hers.

“Fantastic. I’m making us breakfast then.” She pops up suddenly, “hope you brought your appetite.”

Lili stands, pads to the bathroom, coming back out with her hair brushed into a high ponytail.

I sit up, mindful to bring the blanket with me.

I have an appetite alright, just not what she’s thinking.

She is about to leave, not before glancing my way, mischief dancing in her eyes, “take all the time you need,” her hand gestures to my lower half then to the side table, “you can find the lube in there.” With a hum and a wink, Lili heads down the hall, leaving me to fend for myself.

Fucking hell that sass.It’s her I’d like to help take care of this- not my damn hand. The lube will stay in the drawer, at least until I can convince Lili to join me.

Possessive a bit?

I shake off dirty thoughts of how I’d like to possess this girl, and instead I get up and use the bathroom. That dream- it was so natural, so realistic.

If she didn’t wake you when she did jackass, you would have done more than just say her name.That inner voice is right. I wouldn’t have wanted to unknowingly push my advances or end up scaring the shit out of her with a damn nightmare.That would be the end-all right there.

Once relieved and erection tamped down, I find my jeans at the end of the bed and them slide on, then grab my phone, seeing a slew of messages from Ford, and one from Blake.

Blake-Hey bro, remember mom’s cookout today.

Blake’s in high school; his texts are most times emojis and symbols. It’s taken me two fricken years to figure out what the hell he sends most days. Why is it kids can’t type words anymore? Is it just me? Am I old?

I give him a thumbs up emoji, then I hesitate to open the other messages. Ford is like Lili’s friend Tamara; they say what’s on their mind without a care in the world, and also enjoy playing Cupid. Lili’s embarrassed blush in the truck yesterday was the cutest thing. I wanna see more of it. My bright sunshine. I can’t question as to why my face hurts; it’s the endless smile she brings out in me. It’s been a while.

Ford’s first text came in shortly after we left the bar, his concern evident.

Ford-Is Lili ok? That was quite the freak out.

Ford-Damn. She was about to give you a good lickin.

Two minutes after the first text.

Ford-. Lili is eyein’ you up like you’re prime rib. Gotta hit that, amigo.

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