Page 39 of Colors and Curves

“It’s no big deal. I’m used to it.” I mumble in her ear, “I’m thinking more about the hot noises you made while on that rug and on me.”

She swats my arm. “Oh, like you were quiet as a mouse. The neighbors were probably wondering what the hell you were doing.”

The elevator comes to a stop and the door slides open. I wait while Chance and Skylar walk out first. “They knew full well what was going on, and they were jealous. The most beautiful woman rocked my world a couple times. I’m still coming down from the high.”

“Am I the first one to christen that room? Or have you done that before? I’ll be riddled with jealousy if you have, but I can’t expect you not to have a past.”

“You’re the only one, and it’ll stay that way.”

She stops. I love the way her expression softens when she looks at me. We stand there with the boxes between us, then she leans over and I do the same. The taste of her lips is more delicious than any food. My body might be hungry, but it has enough energy for a couple more rounds.

There are voices in the distance.Someone is heading our way. We split apart. Coming toward us is Candy with a man I’ve never seen before. She’s dressed nicely. Maybe it’s a date. As we approach them, I find myself smiling at her.

Candy looks at me peculiarly. “Julius, is that you? I never thought I’d see the day you smiled at me.” She’s teasing, but I know she’s being honest too. She glances at Skylar and her own smile spreads from ear to ear. “Oh, I see.” She nods knowingly.

She introduces her date, and I introduce Skylar. I call her my girlfriend. I’m not sure if that’s appropriate, but after tonight, things are on the fast track. We need to catch up to what we are.

Chance yanks on his leash. It’s time for him to eat. We start to go our separate ways, but Candy stops. She turns back and addresses Skylar.

“Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. I’ve never seen Julius this happy.” She laughs. “Actually, I’ve never seen him happy at all. He’s practically glowing. And with the smile on your face and that sweet kiss over the pizza boxes we just saw… yeah.” She pats Skylar on the arm and then does the same to me. “You two enjoy your pizza anddessert.” I’m sure Skylar’s blushing now. Maybe I am too.

We wave and watch them disappear down the hall. “Well, that was interesting,” Skylar acknowledges when I open the door. Chance dashes inside, and I give the leash a tug.

“Chance, remember what I said. Ladies first.” He barks, and I unhook the leash.

Skylar kicks off her shoes. “You guys are so adorable. Chance really understands you,” she says. “He’s one of a kind.”

“So are you.” I drop my shoes next to hers and pat her on the ass. “Ladies first.” I motion for her to go ahead of me.

Once we’re in the kitchen, I place the pizza boxes on the island.

“Where are the dishes?” she asks, reaching for a cabinet. I wrap my arm around her waist and turn her toward me. Our bodies press against the counter.

“You do make me smile a lot. Don’t stop.” I caress her cheek with the back of my hand. Chance trots over and sits next to us as if what we’re doing is fascinating.

“That’s because we just had mind-blowing sex.” She points to her upturned mouth. “I’m smiling like crazy too.”

“That’s true, and I hope we can do it again and again. I want to keep a smile on your face.” I wiggle my eyebrows. “But you know what? Beyond sex, I like it when I’m around you. I’m glad you came over tonight.”

Her slender fingers thread through the belt loops on my shorts. “Well, as long as we’re open and honest with each other, I’ll stick around and make sure you keep smiling too.”

“Honesty’s not a problem, openness will take some time.”

“I know, I know. Can we eat now before I faint? I can hardly wait for a slice.” She pecks my lips. “Again, where are your dishes?”

“The cabinet behind you. What do you want to drink?” I open the refrigerator and wait for her response.

“Do you have wine or beer?”

“No. Sorry. We don’t keep alcohol in the house,” I divulge.

“Okay. Water’s fine. It’s healthier anyway. But then again…” She crinkles her face. “Look at this greasy pizza. Oh, whatever. Who cares? We had a good workout. Let’s eat.”

Chance gets fed and taken care of, then we sit across from each other at the island. She opens one of the boxes and drops some pizza on her plate.

“Can I ask you a question?”Oh no. Here we go. She folds her slice in half and lets the fat drip off onto the plate.

“It depends on what it is.” I grab a slice and take a big bite so my mouth is full. Maybe I won’t have to talk.

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