Page 100 of Splintered Hearts

My hands slip inside, running up his sculpted chest before brushing both nubs with my thumbs. I experiment with a gentle tug, and Jamie moans, burying his face into my neck. I do it again. Harder. A guttural groan leaves his lips, making me shiver. His hands brace my hips, before cupping my thighs and lifting me onto the counter. “We better shower this paint off”

Something vulnerable shows on Jamie’s face. “Did you like the clothes I wore?” My brows pinch. “You never said anything about them.”

Did he... did he dress like that for me?

It seems silly, but Jamie looks serious. “You looked so fucking hot.” Thinking a moment, I take the hem of his T-shirt, lifting it over his head and exposing his mouthwatering body. “I always like the way you look, though. And smell. You look so sexy tonight, but you look and smell so fucking good every day.”

“How . . . how do I usually smell?”

“I don’t know. Like clean laundry and your soap. Like a rainstorm. Sometimes, like clean sweat if you’ve been painting a while. I like it.”

“You like when I smell sweaty?” The confusion on his face is too cute. “And the ratty sweats and shirts.”

“That was nice. I could see your body more, and those jeans... they hugged your ass. I like it when you’re just you, though. This is what you’re comfortable in, right? I’d rather you be comfortable. I like the way you look.”

“So . . . this was a waste of time?”

That’s not how I want him to feel, at all. “I like you both ways. I just likeyou.” My fingers dig into the band of his sweats, his stomach muscles contracting at the contact.

Our eyes meet, permission and want so hot in those obsidian eyes. “Do it,” he breathes. My hand slips inside and I freeze.

“What?” I look down then my eyes snap back up. “Hair cut?” His ears pinken. Jamie’s eyes fix on where my hand disappears and he nods. Okay, what the fuck is up with him today? The clothes, cologne... the pubes! Or lack there of, I should say. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine!” he snaps. His dick softens against my hand.

“Liar.”

He pulls my hand away.

“Wait. Wait. Sorry. I’m just teasing you, okay?” Grabbing his hips, I tug him roughly to me. “What’s going on with you today?”

“Nothing.”

“Lies.”

“Stop it.”

“Just talk to me. Don’t be embarrassed.” The war in his eyes breaks my heart. I’m not going to let this go. I brace my fingers on either side of him, and he rolls his eyes.

“You give a fuck, Noah. I wanted you to know I give a fuck too.”

“What?”

“You... you’re so...” Jamie’s jaw clenches. I just want to know which person in this man’s life made it hell for him to express how he’s feeling. Probably his birth mother and the devastating list of homes he lived in growing up. “You care about the way you look. I wanted to try that.”

For me?

To impress me?

Why?

Maybe I’m going about this all wrong. If Jamie cares about how he looks, that has to mean something. He wouldn’t have gone through all this if he didn’t feel anything, right?

So I smile, because if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s praise. I want to praise the shit out of him. Make him feel good. Shutout all the noise he grew up with and deals with. “Jamie, look at me.” Slowly, he meets my eyes, looking like a kicked puppy. “I’m going to cradle your balls when I say this.” Grabbing my hands, he laughs a little. “You are one handsome motherfucker.” His cheeks flush. “Your efforts today are seen and appreciated.” I press a kiss to the scar on his chest. I need to get this gorgeous man in the bedroom, right now. Jamie leans over, slanting his mouth on mine.

Sensual and soft. I feel it down to my toes, caressing my neck, a chill down my spine. This isn’t nothing. Jamie can’t just feel nothing. “Don’t be afraid to be you. I’m a come as you are type of guy, okay? You are effortlessly sexy.” His face brightens, and I want to commit that look to memory. “Can I see?”

Wordlessly, Jamie steps back a bit, his face a little flushed. Thumbing the band of his sweats, he pulls them down, letting his gorgeous cock spring free.

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