Page 9 of Treble

“I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“You didn’t. What time is it?” I ask, swiping at the smudged mascara under my eyes.

“Seven. Would you like some coffee? Maybe an almond latte?” He draws his lips into his mouth to smother a smile.

“No, but I should take a shower.” My cheeks heat, but I shouldn’t be embarrassed; I’m sure he’s seen me shower before. If he hasn’t, at the very least he’s been up close and personal with my snatch. His gaze hungrily roams my body, lighting me up inside. I’m so touch-starved from this past year, I’d give anything for him to strip me bare and fuck me right here—with or without a shower beforehand. My nerves subside and I ask, “Would you like to join me?”

His pupils dilate and nostrils flare. I love how easily I can rile him up. “For a shower?”

“Yes, a shower,” I laugh, stripping my shirt off and tossing it to the ground. I make a show of removing the rest of my clothes until I’m proudly naked before him. He’s only wearing pants and it doesn’t appear as if he’s wearing underwear. It’s only fair.

“Fuck, Keri,” he groans. “You’re more beautiful than I ever could’ve imagined. Turn around. I need to see all of you.”

I spin in place, giggling to myself. “What are you talking about? You’ve seen me naked dozens of times.”

When I’m facing him again, he’s closed the distance, making my breath catch. “No, I haven’t. Last night was the first time, and it was only half of you. I may enjoy watching, but that was a line I never crossed.”

Victor slides his hand into my hair and gently kisses me. His lips are soft and warm, and I can’t help whimpering against them. I press closer, wishing my bare skin didn’t have his clothes as a barrier.

Guilt creeps in; I’ve been lying to him for as long as I can remember. He deserves better. I pull back, resting my palms on his chest, and enjoying his bare chest more than I’d like to admit.“Wait, I need to tell you something. For starters, I hate mint chip ice cream, and I don’t have a cat.”

A wide grin splits his face. “I know you don’t have a cat.”

“You do? Shit. I bought cat food because I thought it would be funny,” I admit, chewing on my lip.

“I figured you were picking up food for a friend’s or neighbor’s pet.” He shrugs. “Also, your favorite is vanilla bean with hot fudge. I thought it was weird you bought mint chip last night.”

“I bought it because I know it’s your favorite.”

“Now who’s the stalker?” He laughs and pulls me closer, kissing the top of my head. I marinate with his words. Have I been stalking him and Paul? “What about almond milk lattes?”

“I overheard your coffee order, and figured it was your favorite, so I bought one. I was surprised it was good because I typically prefer sweeter drinks, and order them all the time now. But I prefer mine with an extra shot.”

Shit. I am a damn stalker!

“I know,” he chuckles and the vibration of his chest is comforting.

“So, are you just going to let me stand here in your bathroom naked?”

He playfully smacks my ass before releasing me. “Yup.”

“Are you serious?” I grumble. “This is so fucked up.”

“What do you want, Keri? I never expected for any of this to happen. You’ve always been a fantasy, a mirage of sorts. I never entertained the possibility I’d ever touch you, lay beside you, andcertainly never thought I’d have a chance in hell to taste you. I’m still trying to process it.”

“Process what, exactly? I’m not imaginary.”

“You are to me.”

“You’ve driven away any hopes of having sex this past year,” I huff. “The best chance I had at an orgasm was with a battery-operated toy.”

“Is that a challenge?” A wry grin paints his face. “You know I can do better than your vibrator.” He turns me to face the vanity and stands behind me. I don’t contradict him, but no man has come close to the efficiency and power of my vibes. If only cocks had an intensity setting.

Meeting his gaze in the mirror, I suggest, “If we do this, I should take a shower first.”

Victor brushes my hair off my shoulder and kisses my neck. His eyes don’t leave mine as he chuckles darkly, “There’s no point until I’m done with you.” He slides his hands up my sides, his fingertips brushing my skin as if he’s trying to commit every inch of me to memory. It feels too damn good, and my body is buzzing with anticipation. I can’t help focusing on the movement and I’m startled when he whispers against my shoulder, “I’ve been dying to fuck your ass.”

“What? So much for ‘processing things,’” I tease, though my words come out broken. “When we were at my apartment, we should’ve grabbed one of those giant bottles of lube I bought.”

---