Page 13 of Pretending with the Mountain Man
"What does that mean? Doing it right?"
"It means education first. Learning your body, your responses, what brings you pleasure." I move to the sink, needing the distraction of mundane tasks. "It means honest conversations about desires and boundaries. It means building anticipation slowly instead of rushing toward a finish line."
"That sounds..." She pauses, considering. "Really hot, actually."
I can't help the laugh that escapes. "You continue to surprise me."
"Good." She joins me at the sink, her shoulder brushing mine. "I don't want to be predictable."
My phone buzzes on the coffee table, shattering the intimate bubble we've created. I check the screen and frown. Jake, with an update I need to see.
"Give me a second," I tell Melody, pulling up the message.
Jake:Confirmed PI is Marcus Wells. Former cop. Works exclusively for high-profile clients. Known for being thorough but not dangerous.
I text back quicklybefore returning my attention to Melody, who's watching me with those expressive eyes.
"Everything okay?" she asks.
"Just a security update." I pocket the phone. "Nothing urgent."
She nods, then yawns despite trying to hide it. The adrenaline of the evening is clearly catching up to her.
"You should get some rest," I say, even though everything in me wants to keep her here, keep talking, keep building this foundation between us. "Tomorrow's going to be complicated enough without adding sleep deprivation."
Disappointment flashes across her face, quickly masked. "Right. Of course."
I catch her hand as she starts to move away. "This isn't me pulling away. But there are things you need to understand before we go further. Things about me, about what I expect, about how I... care for someone. And that conversation requires clear heads, not exhaustion and adrenaline."
"You mean your dominance." Her directness catches me off guard again.
"Yes." I squeeze her hand gently. "This isn't just physical for me, Melody. If we do this, it means something. And I need youto be very sure it's what you want, especially now that I know you've never been with anyone."
She studies me, her expression serious. "And when you realize I'm sure?"
"Then we'll talk tomorrow. When we're both clear-headed and not running on attraction alone." I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her palm. "And we'll take our time. No rushing. No pressure. Just honest exploration of what we both want."
She nods, accepting this boundary. "Tomorrow, then."
"Get some rest," I murmur, releasing her hand reluctantly.
Melody takes a step toward the hallway, then turns back. In one fluid motion, she rises on her toes and presses her lips to mine in a brief, sweet kiss that promises more.
"Goodnight, Malik," she whispers against my mouth.
"Goodnight, Melody."
I watch her walk back to the bedroom, the sway of her hips beneath my t-shirt testing my resolve all over again. Only when the door closes behind her do I exhale heavily, leaning against the counter.
A virgin.Melody Washington is a twenty-six-year-old virgin who's never been touched, never been loved the way she deserves, never had the chance to explore her own desires without shame or pressure.
And she's chosen me. Trusted me with this gift I never expected to receive.
The weight of that responsibility settles over me like a mantle. I meant what I said about doing this right. Her first time won't be rushed or careless. It will be everything she deserves and more. I'll make sure of it.
My phone buzzes again with another update from Jake, but I ignore it for now. Tomorrow I'll deal with security protocols andprivate investigators. Tonight, I need to process the magnitude of what Melody just shared with me.
I return to the couch, knowing sleep will be even more elusive now. But for entirely different reasons than before.
