Page 74 of Pulse
It was anything but exciting. It was a run-of-the-mill, everyday experience—and it was so perfect that I’m not sure any day will ever top it. Just as I imagined, the more time we spend together, the more he’s showing his true character. Even though he’ll probably never use an emoji in a text message, and I’ll always want to throttle him at least once a day, he’s so worth it. I’ve seen more hints of his dry humor, thoughtfulness, and the sweet side of his personality that he keeps hidden.
I like the man. I like him a whole lot.
The weather was beautiful after the storms. Troy was the most carefree that I’ve ever seen him. And, despite my concern for Burt and curiosity over the email’s source, I was content.
I haven’t been content in years.
Troy wanted to grab a shower after dinner, and I was happy to spend a bit of time alone. It gave me a few minutes to gather my thoughts and process Ford’s news from earlier in the day. My heart warms when I remember Troy having my back and encouraging our boss to look beyond my dad.
He didn’t have to do that. And it means so much that he did.
I refill our wineglasses, then stop in our bedroom and quickly rinse off. Then I set off to look for my man. I find him on the balcony, lost in thought.
“Hey,” I say, as the breeze ruffles the edge of my pink silk robe. “What are you doing out here all by yourself?”
“Thinking that the only thing better than being out here alone is if I was out here with you.”
I smile, setting our glasses on the small table between the two chairs.
The ocean laps against the beach on the other side of the gate below. The moon hangs high in the sky, the light twinkling off the water. A million stars dot the night and glitter overhead.
“You, Mr. Castelli, are gorgeous,” I say, feathering his short hair with my fingers. He smiles, his perfect white teeth set off by his tanned skin. “I like many things about you, but right now, it’s all superficial.”
He chuckles, taking my hand and tugging me toward him.
A light switches on at the neighbor’s house. Their balcony door opens, and a man’s voice, while muffled, is audible. There’s too much foliage to get a clear shot of the house, but shadows make me think someone else is watching the ocean, too.
I tug the piece of silk that closes my robe. The robe falls open, exposing my naked body beneath.
The air is warm and humid and a sheen of moisture shines on my skin.
Troy grips the backs of my thighs and pulls me to him, sucking a nipple into his mouth. I reach around and rub the back of his neck.
“That feels so good,” I say, as he palms my other breast.
He flicks my nipple with his tongue, sending spikes of pleasure pulsing through my body.
“I think if you did that long enough, I might come,” I say, absorbing every lick and nibble. “One day we’re going to try that.”
He pulls away and grins. “Name the place and time.”
“Not now.” I take a step back and grab my drink. “I have something else I want to do.”
His curiosity is piqued. “Do tell.”
I down half my wine and then motion for him to stand.
He follows my lead, downing half his wine, and then getting to his feet.
I slide my fingers beneath the band of his boxers and shove them over his hips.
“Oh,” he says, kicking them off. “I think I like where this is headed.”
“You will. I promise.”
He chuckles. “I’m standing here naked while another man sits on his balcony, probably clothed, about thirty feet away.”
“I hope he likes what he sees,” I say, confident the man can’t see us. Given the past few days, this should terrify me. But here, with Troy, I know I’m safe. He would absolutely not allow this if there was any danger. Any chance of being seen. It’s partly why I find him so hot.
