Page 79 of It Started at the Lake

CHAPTER 36

Bennett

I fluff the pillows on my bed for the tenth time, antsy about Millie coming to the room I shared with Jen. Will she be okay? For Millie’s sake and mine, I changed out the photos on the wall, bought new bedding this morning, and hung up strings of white lights across my ceiling. Yes, the room is the same, but the vibe is different.

I’ve closed all the curtains and shut off all the lights. I turned on a new-age piano playlist and I have an after-sun whipped body butter on my nightstand for our massages.

After putting sunscreen on Millie at the pond, I’m ready for round two of my hands touching her silky skin. When I helped her earlier, my body sputtered to life like an engine starting after sitting for months on end (or in my case, years). The warmth and sparks were so foreign after Jen’s death, but also thrilling. The guilt I assumed I’d feel touching someone other than Jen wasn't there. Which is excellent news, as it’s the final signal telling me I truly am ready to devote all of myself to Millie.

A soft knock echoes on my bedroom door. Running my hands down my sides, I take a centering breath, then open the door. “Hey, gorgeous,” I greet Millie, who’s standing in the hallway in sleep shorts, a black tank top, a freshly scrubbed face free of cosmetics, and wet hair pulled back in a long braid. This fresh-from-the-shower look is right at the top with every other time I’ve seen Millie—stunning. And with almost her entire legs bare, I can’t wait to run my hands up her calves and thighs.

“Hey, professor. Ready for some relaxation?”

“I am. But I realize I haven’t asked if you’re any good at being a masseuse. What if I’m about to be tortured?”

She pats my chest. “That’s a risk you’re going to have to take.”

Millie acts like it’s a hardship forced upon me. “Do you want to go first?”

“Gladly. Where do you want me?”

She points to the king-sized bed with her right pointer finger and the chaise lounge tucked in the corner with her left pointer finger. “Those are your two choices.”

“The bed has more space, but if you’re not comfortable there, we can use the couch.”

Millie smiles softly at me. “I appreciate your concern. I’m fine with the bed.”

I didn’t think this through properly. The moment Millie settles on my side of the bed, propped up against the headboard, her legs long and straight in front of her, I’m buzzing with a mix of heat and electricity that starts in my belly and grows to my chest.

Slowly, allowing myself time to get myself in control, I get the lotion and twist open the container.

“Mmm, that smells good. What is it?”

I pass the tub to her. “Coconut body butter.”

She sniffs the cream. “This is heaven. Thanks for picking the perfect summer scent.”

I don’t tell her it was the only option the mini mart in town had. “You’re welcome. Now relax and let me do my job.” Grabbing her left foot, I dig the pad of my thumb into the arch of her foot. “Let me know if you want more or less pressure.”

She moans. “No, what you’re doing is perfect. Don’t stop.”

Yeah… that moaning is going to need to stop. My mind is wandering to places other than a foot massage.

“Ice cream or pie?” Millie asks.

I chuckle at the game we’ve been playing since the night we met. “Both. But do you really want to talk right now?” I can’t decide if I want her to keep speaking since it distracts me from thoughts other than a foot rub, or if I want the silence to continue.

“Talk. I’ll be quiet during yours.”

“Deal.” I keep my voice low in an attempt to help Millie stay relaxed. “Movies or books?”

“Movies because I’m short on time, but when I graduate, I have a huge list of novels I want to read.”

“Italian or Mexican?”

She wobbles her head while she decides on an answer. “I can’t pick, so both. Do you have a preference?”

Really, there’s not much I won’t eat. “I eat Italian more often, but I like Mexican too.”

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