Page 145 of Restricted List

He takes me into the bathroom, turns on the shower, and lets the steam engulf the room.

Once we’re inside, Cole carefully washes me from head to toe, focusing gently on my backside.

I never thought aftercare would help me fall harder for somebody, but here I am, falling more in love with Cole as he takes care of me.

I have to tell him soon.

forty-three

Rory

Nothing is better thanwaking up wrapped in Cole’s arms.

He held me even tighter last night, like he feared I’d slip out of his grasp after being away for so long.

But if I have it my way, I’ll stay in his arms for the rest of my life, happy and loved and completely fulfilled. It’s all I want.

I press back against him, enjoying the contact between our bodies. Cole lightly groans as I do, finally starting to wake up.

“Good morning, Starlight,” he says gruffly, voice still rough from sleep. The deep timbre is so sexy, and need immediately floods through me.

“Good morning, Sparrow.”

He slips his hand under the hem of my tank top, splaying it across my stomach. I was too cold to sleep without clothing last night. He presses a gentle kiss on my shoulder. “I missed waking up with you in my arms.”

I can’t help but smile as I roll to my back, turning to face him. His blue-gray eyes sparkle even more in the morning light, and I’m lost in their beauty. He’s absolutely beautiful, inside and out.

“Well, you’re back now,” I say, kissing him softly. “You won’t have to wake up without me again.”

“Perfect,” he murmurs, lips brushing mine before capturing me in a searing kiss. “How are you feeling today?”

“I’m sore,” I admit. “But I figured that would happen.”

“The more we do that, the less sore you’ll be, I’m sure.”

“Give me a few days, buddy,” I laugh. “Let me recover first.”

“Of course, baby.” He pecks my nose. “Take all the time you need.”

And just like that, I melt.

Cole is the most considerate man I’ve met. Where other guys would try to pressure you, he just takes a step back, letting me decide what I’m okay with and when I’m okay with it.

God, I love him.

“What time do you have practice today?” I ask, tracing my fingers over his bicep.

“Not for a few hours. Got something in mind?” Cole raises his eyebrow as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking.

“You’ve got some strong hands. I’m sure you can figure out what to do with them.”

His smile is devious as he leans in for another kiss, this one more desperate than the others this morning. This one owns me, claiming my entire body. It flows through me, heating me up from the inside out.

Cole slips his hand from under my shirt and into the waistband of my leggings. When he slides under my panties, he brings his fingers right to my entrance, tracing along my slit.

“Mmm, fucking love when you wake up this wet for me.”

“Because I dream about you, baby.” I tease my tongue over his lips, asking for entry that he eagerly provides.