Page 66 of Embody

“No?” I feel my face scrunch in confusion.

“Did you bring condoms with you tonight?”

“Not purposefully, no. I have a condom in my wallet, but I always do. Have since I was about sixteen. My dad had a saying, ‘If you’re old enough to carry a fucking wallet, you better keep a condom in it at all times, young man,’ so I always have. Why?”

“How did you know my size for the lingerie?”

I give her a “really?” look, but she doesn’t seem to like that, so I quickly adjust my expression. “I took a guess. Did I get close? You can exchange it if not,” I say in what I pray sounds like innocent ignorance, ‘cause I’m positive she’s not in the mood to hear that I had her measurements pegged the minute I saw her in good lighting.

“Stare right in my eyes, Jefferson Tate Kendrick.” She waits until I do so to continue. “Swear to me, on the lives of everyone you love in this world, that you had no ulterior motives or expectation with these gifts.”

I am going to chew Skylar and Presley’s asses so fucking hard, they won’t be able to sit down for a month. This istheirdoing, butting their noses into the first real relationship I’ve ever tried or wanted to have and filling my girl’s head with doubt and insecurity.

Ass. Fucking. Chewing I tell ya.

“You want complete honesty? Fine. Did I picture your body, your shy smile, and how you’d look in the lingerie when I chose it? You’re goddamn right I did. But Idid not, even for one second, expect you to throw it on immediately and jump me, or let me jump you. It suited you, perfectly, and I wanted you to feel something luxurious against your skin. And maybe, hopefully, think of me too. That’s as truthful as I can be with you.”

Her expression relaxes a smidgen and her voice softens. “And the sex toy coupon?”

I heave out my frustration, prepping for more disaster…because I refuse to lie to her. “Itwasmeant to be funny, but somewhat suggestive too, yes. Again, knew you wouldn’t be cashin’ it in the second I gave it to you, but I did kinda want to send a subliminal message, for when and if, orgasms become a priority to you. Which no, I wouldn’t mind a damn bit if they did.”

“And what message is that?” Her voice is feminine and breathy as she lowers her eyes, only to warily peer back up at me from under her long, inky lashes.

I take the change in her tone as an invitation to scoot closer again, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and leaving my hand against her cheek. “I think you know the answer,” I grin.

“I might, but I want to hear you say it,” her cheeks flush with her bold admission.

“Promise you won’t toss me out of here?” She nods, biting back a small, sexy smile, so I go on. “You’ve never used a toy. I’d prefer you never start. When you’re ready, I want to be the one to give you all your pleasure. But again, I have no expectations or stopwatch set on when that will be. I know you probably won’t believe me, especially after whatever stupid shit Sky and Presley told you, but I’m not counting down the minutes until you let me in your bed, Bellamy. I swear. If all I wanted to do is sleep with you, trust me, I wouldn’t give a fuck what you were wearing, if you lived somewhere safe or if you vibrated yourself into a numb stupor after I left. This,” I motion between us, “I’m not sure yet exactlywhatthis is, but I know it’s different than anything I’ve ever been a part of before. And I like it. I like you,us,andthe fact I may have deterred you away from sex toys.” I wink, salvaging some manhood ‘cause I’m feeling a lot like a pocket pussy right about now.

She steals my move and rests her forehead against mine, giving me that angelic smile that never ceases to knock me on my ass. “I believe you, Jefferson. Thank you for the lingerie, coupon, and caring enough to move me someplace nice and safe. But above all, thank you for your honesty. And don’t go attacking your family, please. Skylar didn’t say anything over the top, and Presley? She’s cool, I like her a lot, but I’m not sure I’d listen to her advice on how to tie my shoes,” she snickers.

I cup both her cheeks and kiss her, long and slow, softly, then speak against her lips. “Thankyou, for believing me. And I gotta say, Miss Morgan, you continue to amaze me. This fight was sweet, the lack of slappingparticularlysexy.”

“I told you, I’ll never slap you again, but I was just as mad.” She’s dead serious,seriously precious, and it takes everything in me not to laugh at what she perceives as her ‘lay down the law’ voice.

“I know, baby. You were fierce. I was scared for a minute.”

“Good, that was my intention.” She bobs her head adamantly, continuing with the ‘grumpy’ tone.

So. Damn. Cute. This girl…I’m already well past screwed.

I take another kiss before finally forcing myself to pull away and stand. “It’s late. I’m gonna get going, but I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Nope,” she shakes her head and rises to see me to the door. “I promised Brynn a girl’s day tomorrow, just me and her.”

An angry grumble in my chest causes her to laugh and she playfully pushes my shoulder. “Oh stop, one day not spent rearranging my lifeand wardrobewon’t kill you. But yes, I might miss you a little bit too.”

“She gets you until seven, that’s it. Lock your door behind me.” I lean in for one last taste of her lips then leave. Ipretendto leave anyway. I wait until I hear the lock and deadbolt latch immediately and smile. “Good girl,” I praise through the door and start down the stairs.

I climb in my car and just sit there for a minute, summing up the night and our discussion in my head. I need to review while I’m alone since I’m rarely able to think straight if Bellamy’s anywhere near me. She’s bewildering. The most confusing yet fascinating girl I’ve ever met. She almost never says what I’m expecting, and shocked the shit right out of me with how calm and objectively she just handled that “fight.” Way too harsh a term for what actually happened—a rational, open and honest discussion.

I said I wasn’t sure what this thing was between us. That was the only lie Imayhave told her. Because as shocking as it may be, I’m starting to think I know exactly what it is.

I’ll be damned.

 

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