Page 67 of Power Play

“Yeah. I’ve always liked making sure people are okay.”

“You hate people.”

“Not everyone.” He looks at me. “I tolerate some.”

“Ah.” I giggle when he gets close to under my arms. “Guess I’m one of the lucky ones.”

“Ticklish?”

“Very. My feet too. Touch them and I’ll scream.”

“Noted.” Liam moves the rag away and bends down to grab my shirt. “I think you’re all set.”

“Thank you.” I slip the clothing over my head and fix my shorts. “Are you heading out?”

“Do you want me to head out?”

I glance at my bed with longing.

I’m aching to be hugged. To be shown nonsexual physical affection after doing deeply intimate things.

It sounds silly and cheesy and—god forbid—romantic—but I’ve always been happiest when I’m holding someone’s hand. When their arms are around me. The touches ground me. They calm the worries I have about asking for too much.

“Sure. Whatever you want.”

“Piper. What did we talk about with communication?”

“That I need to do it.” I sigh. “Do you think you could stay for a few minutes? Maybe lie with me?”

“That wasn’t hard, was it?”

“Debatable. My palms are sweating.”

Liam lifts my hands and wipes them with the clean corner of the washcloth. “All better.”

Emotions hit me all at once, and I have the urge to cry.

Between the outstanding orgasms and feeling sated in a way I’ve never experienced, the adrenaline of watching Liam, and the anticipation about what’s going to happen the next time we’re together…

Everything is swirling in my head, and I need a second.

I wipe under my eyes. “Sorry. I’m making this weird.”

“I told you sex is emotional.” He lifts his chin toward the pillows. “Get comfortable.”

I lay on my side and stare at the wall. The duvet cover rustles behind me and then Liam is wrapping his arms around my waist. Pulling me close to his chest and breathing warm air against my neck.

“Is it normal to ask someone to hang out after you hook up with them?”

“Personal preference. Some people can’t wait to leave. Others need a little more time. There’s no right or wrong answer.”

“Good to know.” I sigh and relax into him. “Are you doing anything fun this weekend?”

“No. We have four games over the next seven days, so any chance I can sit around and relax, I will.”

“Any plans for Thanksgiving?”

“Hoping the DC Titans can keep their perfect season—and my fantasy football team—alive. I’ll watch the game. That’s about it.”

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