Page 22 of Beauty Of Her

“You don’t have to say that; you don’t need to try to make me feel better.” Julia scooted up the couch until she lay supine on the other end. She tried to reach for a throw to cover her body, but my arm blocked her from reaching the faux fur blanket.

“I want to look at you more.” My hungry gaze trailed over her body, memorizing every curve, every minute detail. I wanted Julia etched in my mind because who knew when would be the next time I’d see her.

A rush of color painted Julia’s cheeks, but she didn’t fight my request. Instead, she placed both hands behind her head, permitting my eyes to feast on her flesh. “I’ve never had a man look at me like you do.”

“You’re just so different.” The words fell from my mouth.

“Different? How am I different?” Julia craned her head, fighting a budding grin.

“How you move and speak is just so…effortless. It’s like you being you comes so naturally.” Even I was shocked by how I was speaking. Never had I scrutinized someone, breathing in their existence, especially after sex. Usually, once I scratched that itch, I was done. Except here, it was just beginning.

Julia laughed, showcasing a set of perfect teeth as I snuck a glance at her. “Wow. Me being me is natural.” She nodded through the lingering chuckles. “Okay, that’s a new one. Do I dare want to know who you’re comparing me to from the past?”

I grimaced because if Julia knew just how much of a man whore I had been since breaking things off with Libby years ago, it might be enough to send her fleeing. “Let’s put it this way.” I repositioned myself, so I joined Julia on the opposite end of the couch, and she scooted over to accommodate my frame. “This is me being honest, so don’t laugh, okay?”

Julia’s large eyes stared back, telling me I could trust her. “Tell me.”

“People know me as having a type.” I ran my hand through my messed hair, wishing I hadn’t opened this door, but it was too late.

“A type?” Julia moved closer, but I knew her body language said to continue.

“Yeah. You know, blonde hair, blue eyes, and long legs. Looks that would get anyone through the front door.” I inserted air quotes with my fingers.

“Seriously?” Julia’s raised eyebrow.

“Yeah, but they never lasted. And it wasn’t because of them. It was all me.” I draped my arm around Julia’s still body, and her statue pose left me on edge. Had I said too much? “Have I turned you off yet?”

“Not completely.” Her bottomless brown eyes stared back at me, and she booped my nose, triggering a smile. “Here’s a loaded question. When was the last time you slept with someone?”

Fuck. I could lie, but Julia deserved honesty. “Three weeks ago.”

Julia did a double-take when she realized we had met just about that long ago. “Wow.”

“But do you want me to be really honest?” I hoisted myself up, readying myself to be a complete open book, a first for me.

“At my age, who has time for lies?” The corner of Julia’s mouth lifted.

“Ever since we met, I haven’t wanted anyone else.” My fingers trailed along her collarbone, and I almost forgot how to breathe once the confession spilled from my lips.

“Oh, you’re full of it.” Julia threw her head back and laughed while scooting up and away from me. She grabbed a faux fur tan blanket from the back of the couch and covered herself.

“What? You don’t believe me?” My heart lurched as I watched Julia shut down and realized what I needed to do. “Fine, fine. Don’t believe me, but I guarantee you that one day you’ll see I’m not full of shit.”

“One day, you say? Does that mean you’ll be sticking around?” Julia thrust her tongue into her cheek.

“For now, if you behave.” I winked, the corner of my mouth lifting. A part of me wondered if she was trying to be cute, or if she really wondered if this would be our last goodbye when I thought we were just getting started. “So, can I ask you a question?”

“I don’t know. Can you?” Julia’s grin spread, almost contagious. Soon, I was grinning back.

“Very funny.” I shifted an inch closer. “You don’t have to answer, but what happened between you and your ex?”

“Ah, I was waiting for you to ask.” Julia pursed her lips, and her eyes darted everywhere except my face. A rush of color flooded her cheeks, and it wasn’t from post-orgasmic bliss. She was embarrassed, and I officially felt like a dick.

“Hey, forget my dumb question, okay? How about, what’s your favorite food?” I wrapped my arm around Julia’s shoulders, pulling her into me. When her head nodded against my chest, I eased my grip so she could meet my gaze.

“I wasn’t my ex’s type anymore. And the answer is plain cheese pizza.”

“Mmm, pizza.” I sighed while my mind struggled to figure out what Julia meant. Did the prick cheat on her? “Now, when you say you weren’t his type anymore, does that mean he cheated on you?”

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