Page 16 of Mr. Kelly

Her smile is so sweet that I find myself wondering if her lips are equally as sweet. I must have stared too hard because her plush lips flatten out as her smile disappears. I study them a second longer, noting how cute her nose is before our eyes connect. They’re soft yet serious as they search for something in my gaze. We’re too close and are playing a dangerous game. I may be done in my head, but I’m still very married, and she’s living the worst two weeks of her life.

My mind goes back to the moment before our showers. Even in her devastation, she still wanted to check on me. Her concernfor me in a moment that was all about her got to me in a way I didn’t expect. The ability for such a simple act to touch me so much is a blaring sign of something that was missing before. It makes me sad enough to find the strength to put distance between us.

“I forgot the first aid kit. I’ll be right back.” I look over my shoulder to find her in the same spot. Her toenail polish sparkles in the light as she rocks on her toes like she’s trying to figure out what to do. “Sit in that chair. I’ll check you there.”

She does as I say and watches as I approach. I go out of my way to ignore the cleavage her sleep shirt gives. It’s a peach color and has thin straps at the shoulders like it’s a long tank top. The ruching at her breasts brings more attention to them, and I find myself wondering how they taste.

“I’m going to check you for knots. I push my fingers in her coily hair, careful not to snag a curl. My mind is in the wrong place because I can’t help but realize that we’re in the perfect position for her to blow me. I clear my throat. “Your scalp seems fine.”

“Puffy hair for the win,” she jokes almost breathlessly.

Getting my mind off having my dick sucked, I drop to my knees in front of her. I promptly move my hands when we realize I’m gripping her knees. Tilting her head down, I examine her brow. There are a few light bruises near her jaw, but nothing that needs immediate attention. I use a small band aid, peroxide, and antibacterial cream to clean and cover the small scrape near her temple.

“There. Still beautiful.”

She blushes and looks away. This time, she’s the one who clears her throat. “And your hands, how are they?”

I ignore how it feels to have her hold my hand. “It’s fine. Thank you for caring.”

“How could I not? You saved me, but I was worried about you when you weren’t right behind me.”

The sincerity of her concern is clear in her gaze as she waits for an answer I don’t have. It gives me another odd feeling I try to shake.

“You’re sweet. I hate that you’re in this mess.”

She sighs again, trying to put on a brave face. “That’s what happens when you trust the first person who befriends you in a new city. The crazy part is I thought he loved me. My job is the only good thing that came out of this.”

I’m flattered that she thinks so, but it has to be something more. I know bartending isn’t her dream, but that’s what she is for now.

“A good steppingstone,” I prompt.

She nods. “The best. Not to mention, you’ve been there for me more than someone who was supposed to be my boyfriend.”

“There are con artists in every city,” I point out.

“I know, but I’m twenty-nine and this is the most trouble I’ve been in in my adult life. Maybe it’s a sign.” I frown at her words. The twelve-year age difference isn’t why I don’t like what she’s saying. I don't want her to go, but I can’t make her stay. “Labrama might be bad luck for me,” she continues. “It might be time to move. I haven’t looked it up, but the name must mean something like bad luck or beware.”

"Labrama is actually Italian and should bela brama. I guess you could interpret as beware but,” I pause, my hand cupping her wrist. My thumb caresses the sensitive skin right where I'd feel her pulse, “it really meanscraving.” My other hand drops to her bare knee.

“Mr. Kelly…” She squeaks my name just above a whisper.

“Desire.” I continue by giving her another word in the definition.

River shifts her weight, teasing me with her soft, clean scent. Her legs involuntarily open farther, making more room for me from where I’m kneeling in front of her.

“Theodore," she tries again with a little more warning in her tone.

"Longing."

Our faces are closer now. We could kiss if we wanted to, but we're just existing in each other's space. Her breathing shallows as her lips part ever so slightly.

I want her,I admit to myself. River must see it in my gaze because she looks stuck between two major thoughts.

River leans in so subtly that I would have missed it if I weren't paying attention, but I am, as she has all of my attention. Just like with how her nipples press against the thin material of her shirt, I know I have her attention as well.

Releasing her wrist, I cup her face with my thumb caressing her cheek. She opens her mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Our eyes are locked when I say the last word.

"Lust."

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