Page 189 of Sin With Me

“Yes, it’s a hidden gem. Come.” He lifted me off him but held me tightly around my waist.

I leaned into him, letting him guide me with small steps, trusting his hold. “There’s a table on your left. Be careful. Right there, that’s it. You’re doing great, Emma,” he cooed into my ear as he ledme.

Few moments later a light squeak of hinges resonated from above and I heard Eric’s strained breath as he seemed to reach for something. A rolling noise was next, and it sounded like the entire ceiling fell off right onto the floor, which of course I knew couldn’t have happened. A slight smell of dust and wood intensified, camouflaged by an odd freshness.

“You’re going to take twelve steps up. They’re very steep. I’ll hold onto you from behind so you don’tfall.”

“You just want to look at myass.”

“That too,” he laughed. “I guess some responsibilities come with an advantage.” Eric gently slapped my backside, whispering into my ear, “First step right in front ofyou.”

“I didn’t know this house had a staircase.”

“I wouldn’t call it a staircase.”

“Which must mean we’re going to the attic.”

“Perceptive, but no. Up yougo.”

What?

I took my second step and Eric was correct. They were quite high. He held onto my hips from behind, steadying my stance. His warm breath caressed my lower back. I tried to reach to the side but there was nothing to grasp and I lost my balance for a moment.

“I’ve got you. You’re okay, Emma. Three more togo.”

A floral scent with a hint of dust filledme.

“Last one, and then you can walk forward.”

I listened to his instructions, feeling the surface underneath my feet change when I reached the top of wherever we were going. I was still convinced we were in an attic, but when the fresh country air slammed into me, as if I were outside, I gasped. Where were we? I knew there were no balconies on the house.

“OK, are you ready?”

“Yes,” I said with anticipation.

Eric removed the scarf from my eyes, and I couldn’t believe where he’d taken me. At first, it was difficult to get my bearings. We stood at what seemed like the top of the roof. The dark night was illuminated by the twinkling universe above. My head jolted up, taking in the millions of stars in the sky, which looked close enough to fall on us, as if we’d lifted off Earth and traveled at least half way through our atmosphere.

“Eric, this is beautiful.” I turned back to see that there was, in fact, an attic behind us. We were at the edge of a huge gap which opened up to the roof. The flaps had been flipped onto the shingles on the side. Eric guided me a step further.

“OK, be careful, but if you go over the hump, there will be a more level area there.”

He guided me toward a landing of sorts, slightly tilted to let the water run off. The willow tree in the back obscured the view of this secret hideaway. I sat down on the ready blanket, crossing my legs and leaning on my hands. My head tilted back, and I looked up to the sky above us. This view was breathtaking. Millions of stars above us and the universe what seemed like within reach.

“You said you were hungry.” Eric began unloading food from a basket at theside.

“When did you get this ready?”

“While you were in the shower.”

“I was wondering why you didn’t jump in.” It was rare that Eric could resist joining me while I bathed.

“Now you’re making me wish I had.” I saw him adjust his straining boxers. His scarred brow lifted, adding a spark of hunger to hiseyes.

“The night is young,” I laughed digging into the delicious stew he’d prepared.

“And your spirit is contagious. Are you ready for tomorrow?” he asked.

“I hope so. Should I be expecting Claire to make a claim onyou?”

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