Page 43 of Heal Me
As he made his way through the front hall to the stairs, he thought about how comfortable he felt around Kate. Maybe it was because she was so real, so genuine, or how kind she was that made him feel like he could be his true self around her.
So many of the women in his circles in New York were high-maintenance and he felt as though he was acting a part. He loved his profession and the thrill of making fantastic deals, but sometimes he just wanted to be liked for himself and not his money or influence.
While Tyler had taken to city living like a duck to water, Ric had had a little tougher time adjusting when they’d moved to the Big Apple after college. When the opportunity to open a Denver office had arisen, he’d been happy to head it up.
It meant that he would be closer to home and to Lizzie. Even though she hadn’t loved him, Ric hadn’t been able to shake his love for her. He knew that her misbehavior was but an act hiding a confused and lonely girl inside. One day she would settle down and he meant to be there just in case. Looking back, he realized how stupid he’d been to love a woman who only had the capacity to love herself. So much wasted time.
He shrugged off those dark thoughts as he entered the bathroom and turned on the lights. The roll of duct tape and box of garbage bags still sat on the floor by the shower. Smiling, Ric tugged his tie off and dropped it to the floor. Then he went over and sat on the straight-back chair in the corner and continued undressing.
Kate appeared just as he was unbuckling his belt and started the shower. The way she looked at him chased away his fatigue and his blood ran hotter as she started taking off her clothes. He thought she looked like a goddess as she stood naked before him, her long dark hair cascading over her shoulders.
Quickly, he shed the rest of his clothing and taped a garbage bag over his cast. They started the shower and took their time washing each other, bringing their desire to a fever pitch before becoming inventive in their hot, steamy lovemaking. Afterwards, as they stood under the shower spray holding each other, Ric knew that his desire for Kate would never be quenched.
