Page 15 of Charm

By the timeI’ve exited the bathroom after discarding the used condom in the trash, Summer is wearing a short royal blue silk robe. I can only assume that she snuck out of this room and into another bedroom to retrieve that.

I can’t say I’m surprised that she left while I splashed water on my face to try and center myself. I know I wasn’t quick about it. That’s because I stared into the ornate mirror hanging above the sink in the bathroom that’s attached to this bedroom. I swear I look different after that experience, but it’s likely just good sex messing with my mind.

Scratch that.

It was great sex. In fact, it’s the best I’ve ever had.

“You’re smiling,” Summer points out as I tug my board shorts back on.

“Thank yourself for that,” I say, dragging a hand through my hair. “You’re something else.”

Her hand drops to the front of her robe. She pulls on the end of the sash as if she’s tightening it. “You are. I’m sore in places I’ve never been sore before.”

“Another compliment?”

A light burst of laughter falls from her as she stalks toward me. “You know you’re good in bed.”

Chuckling, I grab her around the waist to tug her close so I can kiss her. I do it softly, taking the time to breathe in the soft floral scent of her skin. “I know you’re an incredible woman.”

She leans back slightly so our eyes lock. “Hungry?”

“For you?’ I ask because all I want is another taste of her.

Studying my face, she shakes her head. “For food. I can make you a sandwich.”

I won’t turn down anything from this woman. Eating a sandwich with her will give me more time to stare at her. I consider that a win. “I’d like that.”

She tilts her chin slightly. The only light in the room is from a small lamp on the nightstand. Summer must have turned it on before she left the room. It’s casting a warm glow over her face that makes her eyes dance. “I hope you’re adventurous. I had my rideshare driver stop at this cute little market so I could pick up a bunch of fresh ingredients for the weekend. How does a grilled fig, apple, and brie sandwich sound?”

I’m impressed. I was thinking peanut butter and jelly were on the menu.

“It sounds like my new favorite sandwich.” I smile. “You work in the culinary world, don’t you?”

I’m pressing for more information because I’m damn curious about her. Beyond what we just did in bed, all I know about Summer is that she’s divorced and not afraid to arm herself with an umbrella when she feels threatened.

“I took a few cooking classes.” She huffs out a laugh. “I’m trying to improve my skills in the kitchen. The sandwich was the first thing the instructor taught us to make.”

“Let me guess.” I brush my lips over hers for a kiss. “You got an A plus.”

She leans closer for another, deeper kiss. “You can grade me after your first taste.”

I know she’s talking about sandwiches, but my first taste of her will linger with me for a hell of a long time, and it tops any ranking system in existence.

“I want you to be brutally honest about the sandwich, Joe.”

I raise a hand in the air as if I’m making a vow. “I’ll tell it like it is. You have my word.”

“That was fucking amazing,”I say as I place both of our plates into the dishwasher. “Your culinary instructor would be proud of you.”

Summer brushes a hand over her shoulder. “I agree. I did a mighty fine job.”

She did. The sandwich was delicious. The best part was watching her savor her creation. The way she licked her bottom lip was mesmerizing. As I ate my sandwich, I had to remind myself not to stare at her.

“How about an after sandwich swim?” I ask even though it’s inching close to three a.m. and I can tell she’s tired.

She’s yawned a few times since we sat down to enjoy our snack.

“Isn’t there a rule about not swimming after eating?” she questions, a sly smile spreading over her lips.

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