I should’ve known my mood wouldn’t escape him. I wanted nothing more than to plop myself down in his lap again and feel the warmth of his milk soothe me from the inside out. But he was a client and had trusted me to provide a service, and I didn't want to jeopardize that.
“Thank you for the offer, but I'm ready if you are.”
The disappointment on his face was gone in an instant and replaced with that gorgeous smile of his. I felt my worries slowly fade to the back of my mind as I got him caped up and ready to go. He decided to go with the same cut as last time, and since it hadn't been more than a few weeks, it only took me about fifteen minutes.
“Thank you, Emery, it looks amazing! Good b—job!”
I wasn’t sure what he was going to say, but either way, the praise made my cheeks heat as I removed the cape from around his neck.
“Do you want the shampoo today?”
“Actually, I think I'll skip the shampoo today.”
Panic seized my chest. I’d had romantic interests in the past, but no one had made me feel the way Michael did. I thought for sure he felt it too. My forehead burned with the echo of his tender kiss as my eyes welled up, threatening to spill tears.
My breath hitched when I felt his big, soft hands cup the sides of my face, nearly engulfing me. “Hey, shhh, am I your last client for the day?”
I nodded, worried that if I tried to speak, the sobs I was holding back would break free.
“I have no intention of leaving unless you want me to. The only reason I'm refusing the shampoo is because I can tell you’re worried about something, and I’d rather have you in my lap suckling away and peaceful than fighting to keep it together.” He placed a soft kiss on my hairline as his thumbs made soothing circles on my cheeks. “Is that something you’d be interested in, baby doll?”
My voice was soft and broken as if the words came from deep inside my soul rather than my mouth. “Please, I’m so tired.”
“Come here, gorgeous, I've got you.”
He scooped me into his arms and guided my legs around his waist. I melted against him as he carried me to the door and locked it. I was a lot smaller than Michael, but his ability to carry me around so easily both shocked and thrilled me. Within seconds of locking the door, he had us on the couch and positioned me so I was in his lap with my legs lying across the couch.
It was intoxicating not to have to think. He just moved me the way he needed me, and all I had to do was exist. He opened his dress shirt and guided me to his chest. Instinct took over, and I mouthed at his chest, letting the warmth of his skin soothe my worries. His eyes sparkled with warmth and affection as he chuckled.
“You’re such a sweet little thing, aren't you? You don't have to worry about a thing right now. Just take what you need, and we can talk about what has you so worried once you've had some milk.”
I was so tired emotionally and physically that I didn't even consider arguing. I wanted exactly what he said and more. My lips wrapped around his nipple, and I sucked. Unlike last time, his warm milk coated my tongue almost instantly. A soft moan vibrated in my chest, the rhythmic sucking forcing my breathing to slow down. The last bit of tension melted away as he softly scratched the nape of my neck.
“I know we don't know each other very well yet… but I like you, Emery. Something about you just calls to me, and I’d like to get to know you more.”
My tongue flicked against his nipple as I continued to suckle, not willing to give up the creamy milk sliding down my throat. I held back my response until it tapered off, and I had to switch sides. “I’d like that too.”
The words had barely left my mouth before I sucked his other nipple into my mouth. That earned me another warm chuckle. “So eager, baby doll. It's not going anywhere, I promise.”
Tears threatened to spill once again when the flow of milk stopped and I had to pull away. I didn't want this moment to end, but I knew we needed to talk.
“I'm sorry for breaking down like that. Right before you came in, my landlord called me to let me know I have to find somewhere to stay for a week or two while they fix an electrical issue. I don't have any family close by, and my best friend's couch is not ideal. It's only been a few months since I started renting this suite, and it's so overwhelming. I love it, I really do, but it's a lot and I'm exhausted. And now I won't even have my own space to go home and relax.”
I wasn't sure what compelled me to just dump everything all at once, but I was done on a bone-deep level, and Michael made me feel safe.
His hand moved to my lower back, and he rubbed softly as he spoke. “I’m sorry you’re dealing with all of this by yourself, but from what I can tell, you’re doing an amazing job, and I'm so proud of you. If you’d like, I have a spare bedroom with a nice, comfy bed. You’re welcome to come stay with me while your apartment is being fixed, and it would give us time to get to know each other better.”
My jaw fell open as I stared at him in shock. Did this sexy, gorgeous man really just offer to let me stay with him?
His face broke out into the most captivating smile that warmed my insides. “I did, baby doll. The room is yours if you want it.”
Oops, I guess that didn't stay in my head. This man made me lose all rationality, but it was also the most peaceful I had felt in a long time, and I blamed him for the crazy words that left my mouth.
“I’d love that.”
6
MICHAEL