Page 56 of Something that Could Last

Jacob snuggles me closer as if he can sense my worries. His fingers gently stroke my arm as he presses his lips to my hair. “I'd better let you get some sleep,” he half-whispers. I feel him smile against my scalp. “Although, I could do that with you all night long.”

“Me too,” I confess. He sighs and hugs me tighter. We lie there, wrapped in each other’s arms, and I let the sound of his rhythmic breathing lull me back to sleep.

I AWAKE ONmy own the next morning when sunlight slithers its way through the cracks in the curtains. I peek over at Jacob asleep on his stomach, the side of his face pressed into the pillow and his arm draped over my ribs. Unable to resist the urge, I reach over and stroke his temple. He is so beautiful. I could wake up to his perfection every morning.

He begins to stir so I pull my hand back. I don't want him to think I'm some kind of creeper who likes to caress his face while he sleeps. Although, that's exactly what I’m doing.

He cracks one eye open and smiles. “Good morning, beautiful.”

My heart flutters and I return his smile. “Mornin’.”

“Come here,” he says, rolling onto his side and pulling me in close. “What time is it?”

“I don't know. Must not be too late, since my alarm hasn't gone off yet.”

He rolls over and pulls his phone off the nightstand. “Eight twenty-seven,” he announces, glancing at the screen. “You want some breakfast?”

“Sure,” I reply. I'm famished after last night’s activities.

“How do you like your eggs?”

He's actually going to cook?I thought he was just going to bring me a Pop-Tart or something. “Scrambled.” For some reason, the thought of him cooking for me makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Stupid, I know. “Do you want some help?” I ask and start to get out of bed, but he holds his hands up to stop me.

“Nope. You just relax and I'll take care of everything.”

I smile up at him, certain that my love for him is evident from the look on my face. I can't hide my feelings for him, and I don't want to. He leans down and kisses me passionately, but pulls away before things can get too heated.

“I'll come get you when it's ready.”

He slides out of bed, giving me an unobstructed view of his sculpted backside. I blush, thinking about how my fingers must have dug into his flesh as he thrust in and out of me last night. He glances over his shoulder and winks at me. I've just been caught ogling him, and I’m so embarrassed. I pull the sheet up over my head to hide my reddened face. His resulting laughter does little to ease my shame.

“Look all you want,” he laughs as he makes his way towards the door. I inch the sheet down my face so only my eyes are visible. His derrière is now covered by a pair of gym shorts, the waistband settled low on his hips. “It's all yours.” He slips out the door and down the hallway, leaving my head spinning from his words and his exceptional glutes.

He's all mine.

After a moment of quiet reverie thinking about last night and Jacob's amazing body, I decide to take a quick shower. Needless to say, after our night of beautiful and intense lovemaking, I need one. I intend to just hop in the shower until I see that glorious bathtub again. I locate the complimentary bottle of bubble bath and turn on the water, skimming my hand over the surface as I watch the tub fill with lavender-scented suds.

Slipping into the tub soothes the delicious new ache between my legs, and the warmth and the jets relax my over-worked muscles as I sink down far enough for the water to graze my chin. I squirt body wash into a loofah and run it over my entire body at a leisurely pace. I’m in no hurry. This bathroom is currently my sanctuary, and I plan on staying here as long as possible.

I finish washing and lay my head back, resting it on the edge of the tub. I play with the bubbles, picking up a hand full and then blowing them away. Little white puffs float through the air for a second before landing back on the surface of the water. I close my eyes and relax, feeling like Julia Roberts inPretty Woman. Except for the whole prostitute thing, of course.

My eyes drift open at the sound of the bathroom door opening, the hinges barely creaking. I’d left the door cracked only an inch or two, but wasn’t anticipating any company.

“I should have known,” Jacob offers ruefully, striding towards me. His tall, muscular frame moves gracefully, like a panther stalking its prey. He sits down on the side of the tub and turns his torso to face me. “This is the only reason you came back here, isn’t it? It had nothing to do with me. I saw the way you looked at this tub.” His teasing smile makes me giggle.

“You caught me,” I admit jokingly.

His smile fades and a familiar fire burns in his eyes. “Now, how should I punish you for deceiving me?” His hand disappears under the water, shrouded by resilient bubbles that refuse to dissipate. My breath hitches as his fingers slide up the inside of my thigh.

“Jacob,” I whisper. His fingers inch closer and closer to my center, but I resist the urge to grab his hand and guide it the rest of the way. I’ll be patient and let him take his time. He knows what he’s doing, after all.

Before he can make the contact I so desperately need, he stands up and pulls his shorts down, freeing himself from the confines of his clothing, evidence of his arousal staring me in the face. He sinks down into the tub across from me, his eyes never leaving mine. When he reaches for me, I move towards him, a magnet finding its polar opposite. He pulls me into his lap and I straddle him. His thumb, wet from my bath water, rubs across my lower lip. I press my hands to his bare chest and feel his heart thundering under my palms.

“I want to feel your mouth on me again.”

I whimper at his request. Or maybe it’s a demand. Hell if I know, but it’shot!I crash my lips against his and kiss him fervently. Water ripples all around us, splashing onto the floor as I rock against him.

“Fuck,” he growls when I finally release his mouth. “I hope you’re done with your bath.” He stands abruptly, pulling me to my feet. His hand clasps around mine and my stomach clenches with excitement as he guides me back to the bed.

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