Page 22 of Can I Tell You Something?
She’s spiralling, getting herself worked up over nothing. I use my ski poles to push myself round in front of her, positioning my skis on either side of hers. It feels bold, caging her in like this, but she doesn’t back away. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. You’re a beautiful woman who enjoys taking some time to prioritise her own pleasure. My work is literally created for that purpose. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
She’s so fucking beautiful. The way she blushes, the way her teeth catch her lip, the way she inhales slowly, gathering her thoughts, holding something back. Not for the first time, I wonder what she’d be like if she was completely uninhibited, completely herself. Could I get her to bite her lip that way while holding back a moan? Could I get her to beg for what she wants? I’d sure as hell give it my best shot.
“Nothing wrong with you,” I whisper.
I want to kiss her.
Icouldkiss her, right here, but there’s every chance she’d push me over the edge of the slope and I’d never be seen again. Or she wouldn’t push me, but I’d embarrass her more, and she’d retreat even further. Neither option is good. I have plenty of time with her, and if something happens, something happens.
“I tell you what,” I say, holding both ski poles in one hand so I can rest the other on her shoulder. “I have one more question, then we can stop talking about this, unless you want to bring it up again.”
A long pause hangs in the air between us. I want the ball in her court, but her silence tells me she doesn’t want to end this conversation at all.
“OK. What’s the question?”
“Did you enjoy my latest audio?”
Hannah gasps, her mouth opening and closing, cheeks blooming as she struggles to articulate her response. I won’t make her suffer any longer.
“Thought so,” I say, unable to hide my smile. I want to touch her so fucking badly. I settle for a tug on one of her pigtails. “Race you to the bottom. Loser buys lunch.”
“Fondue on you then,” she laughs, shoving her fists against my chest to push clear of my skis. “Don’t get yourself lost.”
Then she’s off. Braids whipping behind her, laughter on the breeze, strong legs carrying her away. And all I can do is follow and try to keep up.
Mac'n'Please
At the Bar
I swear I don’t normally do this and I’m not some serial killer stalker who invites women back to his apartment or anything.
OK, I guess that is what a killer would say. Sorry, I’m kind of nervous. I honestly don’t do this.
Do you want to… I don’t know… take a picture of me and send it to everyone you know along with my address so they know where you are? I’ll give you my number, my social security, anything you need to feel safe here.
You do? Good. I should shut up then, right?
OK. How about you come over here and make me shut up.
Chapter 16
Hannah
“Areyoukidsheadingout tonight?” Dad asks as we finish up the tiramisu Mum picked up from thepatisseriethis afternoon.
“Rico’s,” I nod around my last spoonful.
“Well be safe and let me know if you’re staying out after midnight.” He stands to clear our empty plates.
“What do you have planned?” I ask.
“Hot tub under the stars with your beautiful mother,” he says, bending to press a kiss to the top of her head. My default reaction is to cringe, but the way she smiles up at him is contagious. Most of my friends’ parents have been through messy divorces, and I’ve seen plenty of shitstorms go down at work. I’m no expert at relationships, there’s comfort in knowing my parents are still happily in love after so many years together.
I can only hope I find a love like theirs one day.
“I’ll go grab the sledges,” Ryan says, and Cameron looks between me and Ryan’s retreating figure, his brow knitting together in that way I’m obsessed with.
“Rico’s bar is in the next village. We get the late lift up then sledge home.”
