Page 50 of Losing Ansley

"How are you feeling, baby?" He asks, and I sigh in contentment.

"My ass is sore, but that was amazing," I admit, and I feel him grin against my forehead.

"Can I take my shoes off now?" I ask him, and he chuckles. He leans down and helps remove my shoes, laying them gently on the edge of the bed so they don't get scuffed from falling on the floor.

"Come on, sweetheart. Let's shower, and I'll put some aloe on your ass." He stands and carries me into the shower. He lowers me to my feet slowly as he turns the water on. I grab a hair tie and pull my hair up; not in the mood to wash my hair right now. He helps me into the shower, and we both shower quickly. Exhaustion begins to take over, and I'm ready to lie down.

Lincoln helps me dry off by being careful not to irritate my sore skin. He grabs the aloe he found and begins to rub it on gently.

"You did so well, Ansley." He tells me, and I practically purr from his praise. He places the bottle of aloe on the counter and wraps his arms around me, holding me gently.

"You said your colors when I asked and counted without me having to remind you continuously." He leans down to kiss me. "So good." He says into my skin, and I arch into him.

"I didn't realize how much I'd like it," I admit, and he pulls back slightly to study me. He kisses my forehead and leads me back to the bedroom.

"Anal still makes you nervous, though?" He asks, and I nod.

"I haven't had a chance to read the stuff you sent me because of work. I want to be prepared." I explain as he pulls back the blankets, and I climb in as he follows me. He pulls me into his side. We're both naked, and I don't mind much since I'm still sensitive.

"That's great, sweetheart. I want you to be prepared. And we don't have to do anything you don't want to do." He reminds me. I snuggle in closer to him and rub my lips over his pec.

"I love you, Lincoln." His hand flexes on my waist as he holds me close.

"I love you too, Ans." He whispers into my hair.

CHAPTER TWENTY

LINCOLN

I SITat my desk, staring at my computer screen but not seeing it. After leaving Ansley, I can't stop thinking about that asshole Chad. She's off for the next few weeks, and I'm hoping she'll come home for a little while instead of staying in Atlanta, but today she had to go clean out the area she was using.

She promised Leslie would be there with her and that she'd text me when she got there and left. And she did that, but that was several hours ago, and now she's not answering any of my texts or phone calls. Picking my phone up, I call Dylan.

"Hello?" He answers on the second ring, which is unlike him, but I think he's on a break too.

"Hey! How's it going?" I ask him, and he grunts.

"Alright. I'm grabbing something to eat and then going home to sleep for the next three days." He tells me, and I chuckle.

"Have you heard from Ansley? She sent me a text when she was done with whatever she had to clean up, but I've been trying to text her and call her since, and she hasn't been answering. You don't think this guy would follow her home, do you?" I tell him.

"Yeah. She texted me too. She might be asleep. She's just as beat as I am. And that's one of the reasons why I got her into a gated apartment complex. I know you consider yourself older and wiser, but I do have some sense about me." He tells me, and I snort. I run a hand through my hair. He's right. I don't know how I'm going to do this. I hated it before but now, knowing this guy seems to have a thing for her. I briefly wonder if anything can be done about him.

"You're probably right. I'm worried about her. I wish there were something I could do about this guy." I catch movement and glance up to see Caroline standing at my door. She waves apologetically, and I hold my finger up, asking for a minute.

"I know you're tired. Do you mind checking on her before you go to sleep and text me? I hate to sound like a stalker boyfriend, but…." I trail off, but Dylan is quick to reassure me.

"That's my sister, man. I'll check on her. I promise." He replies, and I exhale in relief. We say our goodbyes, and I look up at Caroline. She has a worried expression on her face.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I came here to ask about some emails, but I overheard you. Is Ansley okay?" She implores, and I motion for her to come in.

"Yes. She sent me a text earlier, and I'm probably being the overbearing boyfriend." Before I can continue, Caroline gasps.

"Boyfriend?" She asks, and I glance up at her. I rub my hand over my neck.

"When's the last time you talked to Ansley?" I ask her. She shrugs.

"We've been texting a little, but it has been a few days. She sent us a text that you came this weekend, so we left her alone so you could have some time alone. I didn't realize it had become official." She beams, and I feel awkward talking to my employee about my girlfriend, even if my girlfriend is her best friend.

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