Page 22 of Saving Shepperd

“I don’t want to push my good fortune by going too fast,” he said, palming his dick the whole time. “I may need to handle this, though, or I’m going to go blind.”

I burst out laughing. I hadn’t heard that ridiculous wives’ tale in a long time. His boyish humor was so charming. So many things about the man were charming. Again, the worddangerflashed in my mind. This time it seemed more like a promise than a warning, though, and I was feeling exceptionally bold.

Bold and horny.

“Do you have condoms here?” I asked rather than beating around the bush. I wanted it. He wanted it. I was completely ready to just go for it.

“I do.” He carefully studied my face. “Are you sure? Maybe we should wait?”

I was almost shocked by the suggestion, and honestly, I was a little hurt. Quickly embarrassment rushed in like a flash flood. Had I really misread the situation? I was certain we were on the same page.

Law crawled back up my body until our noses bumped. While holding my gaze, he said, “I don’t want to screw this up. I’d rather wait until you’re one hundred percent ready so we both have a great experience.”

“I’m one hundred percent ready right now,” I protested. Any more of this talk, though, and I’d retreat. I had my dignity still, and I certainly wouldn’t beg him to fuck me. Not in that way at least. “But if you’re not, then that’s cool. Seriously, it’s fine.”

I scanned the surrounding area on the bed for my discarded clothes. I was feeling more and more vulnerable by the second and wanted to cover my body. To shield myself from his assessing stare.

“Stop.” His voice was stern and strong and undeniably in control.

I stopped shuffling through the bedding and looked up at him. “What?” I snapped when he didn’t say more. “I’m sorry I misread what was going on,” I stammered while trying to control my temper. I was embarrassed now, and my go-to demeanor was bitch.

“Hey,” he said quietly and somehow still seductive. “I wasn’t saying no. I just don’t want to screw things up here. You matter too much.”

“Well, I feel like an idiot. Like I was being too pushy. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” He positioned himself so his back was against the headboard. “Here, come lie in my arms.”

“Maybe I should just get going,” I offered instead, and he jacked up to sit straighter.

“Shepperd. Come on. We’ve been having such a great time. Please don’t leave.” He sounded so earnest, it pulled me out of my mental tailspin. “Please don’t.”

The voice inside was telling me—no, more like yelling at me not to screw this up. I needed to swallow my embarrassment and stay. Work through it. No relationship was always smooth sailing. Or perfect synchronization all the time. That wasn’t realistic. If I wanted to really give this thing between us a shot, some work may have to be put into it now and then. Especially in the beginning.

My shoulders dropped as low as they could go, and I sighed. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry again as I crawled back onto the bed and into his waiting embrace.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered into his firm chest. “I’m such a fucking idiot.”

Abruptly he pulled back and stared at me. After much too long for my comfort, he said, “Don’t say things like that about yourself. I don’t like it. In fact, from this moment forward, I’m officially forbidding it. If you say negative things about yourself in my presence, you’ll be punished.” His lecture’s intent softened the edge of his delivery. The goofy way he waggled his brows on that last part helped lighten the mood too.

I playfully smacked at his chest, and he snatched my flailing hand right out of the air.

“Careful now,” he warned in that low, growly voice.

My eyes had to be the size of silver dollars by the time he was done. “Okay, Danger. That tone of voice may have to be registered as a deadly weapon,” I teased. Then I grew serious. “Thank you for making me stay. And thank you for not making me feel stupid for throwing myself at you like that. I really didn’t want to leave. It’s such a habit…the flight instinct.” I had no idea why I’d just confessed all that, but it might help him know me better.

“I understand, believe it or not. It’s human nature to bolt in uncomfortable or unsafe situations. I’m glad we’re taking it slow, though?—”

He stopped abruptly when I gave him a skeptical look.

“I’m serious. I mean, my cock isn’t very happy with me right now, but I think taking it slower will be better in the long run. Do I want to nail you to this bed twelve ways from Sunday? Hell yes. But really, your comfort and security are what’s most important.”

“You’re really an incredible person, you know that?”

“Thank you, baby. That’s nice of you to say that.”

“Well, I’m not saying it just to be nice. I’m telling you the truth.”

We lay quietly for a while before my stomach made a series of obscenely loud noises. The more I thought about it, the less I wanted to leave. Especially to end up back at my parents’ house where they’d start right back in on me.

---