Page 72 of Wild Dreams

I smiled as I knelt beside the tub, reaching for a washcloth to wash her with. "I'm full of them."

"You don't have to do that." Marigold nodded at where my hand was moving the cloth over her leg.

"I want to."

She moved her hands through the bubbles. "I'd like you to join me."

It wasn't seductive. She needed me, and I wanted to be the man who stood by her side and never let her down. But I was worried I was no better than her parents. I wasn't willing to give her all of me either.

I got in behind her, and she sat between my legs. I ran the washcloth over her entire body before tossing it aside. I cupped her breasts, my dick hardening where it pressed against her ass. I tweaked her nipples until she rested her head on my shoulder and widened her legs in silent invitation.

I was slow to move down her body and between her legs. Tonight was for her. I slid a finger inside her, keeping my other hand on her breast. She turned her head so I could kiss her. It was a little awkward, but we both needed the connection.

I inserted a second finger, determined to make her feel good, to forget about her parents and their insensitivity for at least a few minutes.

I rubbed a thumb over her clit, and she spasmed around me, her lips breaking from mine. Her skin was flushed and glistening. She'd never looked more gorgeous.

Then she turned in my arms and straddled my thighs.

I gripped her hips as if I could stop her from moving. "We don't have to do anything tonight."

She sank down the length of my cock. "I want to."

I wasn't going to argue with her. I wanted her to feel good, and if me filling her up did that for her, then I was for it.

She moved over me of her own accord, taking what she needed from me. I kept a light touch on her hips, not controlling her movements or thrusting from underneath. This was about her. When she started to whimper, I circled her clit with my finger and watched while she cried out my name. I'd never get enough of that.

I loved seeing her filled with pleasure.

I took over then, gripping her hips tightly and moving. When I went over, I couldn't help but think this felt right. That I'd never find anyone else like Marigold. She was the girl for me, and it hurt because I couldn't have her.

She slumped over me, her head on my shoulder. I held her until the water was tepid, then shifted her so that I could get out first and grab a towel.

I helped her out of the tub and wrapped her in the towel. I let the water out of the tub, then quickly dried myself off.

She was moving a little more slowly, so I took over for her, rubbing her dry, then helping her into the bedroom where I pulled out cozy pajamas. I wanted her to be comfortable.

Then I got into bed. I turned off the lights, holding her for a long time. We didn't talk. I just held her, and when her breath evened out, I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn't like that she was hurting. I wanted to make everything better for her. But I knewI couldn't. I couldn't change the parents she was given or even make them see how they'd screwed up with their daughter.

They didn't realize what they had. But I did. That's why it hurt the more I thought about having to break things off. We were getting in deeper, and I knew I needed to do the right thing. I hadn't changed my mind about being married to my job, and she deserved more than that.

If I wasn't it for her, I needed to walk away. But it hurt to think about.

I wanted to be the person who was there for her on nights like this, because she was always there for everyone else. I wished she could be mine.

I had a hard time falling asleep. I couldn't reconcile my plan for my life with what was happening between us. I hadn't planned for this. But I was falling for her despite my vow not to. It was stupid to get involved with her at all. I should have known it would lead to this.

I couldn't even go to anyone for advice because no one knew about us.

The next morning, I went to work early. I should have stuck around to ensure Marigold was okay, but I felt like I was going to break out of my skin. I needed to stay busy and bury myself in work.

By the time Carol arrived, I was working on my third cup of coffee and felt a little wired.

She raised a brow. "I'm surprised you're in the office this early."

"I always come to work early." Maybe not so much the last few weeks, but that had always been my pattern.

Carol shook her head. "You've been working less lately, coming to work more refreshed. It was good for you."

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