Page 30 of The One Bed Rule
Twenty-Five
Claire
Ifeellikeanew person. Now, one could attribute that to the trauma response of the last few days, plus some mind-bending orgasms, and my morning full of rough sex, a sweet shower, and then a two hour nap.
Seth took care of me in the shower, even washing my hair, and I don’t know if that’s ever happened before. Have I ever been with a man who can tie me up one minute and then carefully lather shampoo for me in the next? No. Don’t think I have.I’ve been missing out.
We woke up from our nap, which felt ridiculous at first considering we had just gotten up, but my bones were happily exhausted. Then we had our mimosas in bed. Seth even went and put a load of our laundry in the washer.
I’ve just been hanging out in bed when Seth comes upstairs, offering me clothes warm from the dryer. Another small act of kindness but one that screams volumes. Looking at my phone, I see that it’s almost noon, and I need to get up and move.
I change into a clean pair of biker shorts, the Fable Inn crewneck, and a pair of Seth’s socks. Everything is fresh from the laundry and somehow feels cozier than before. My hair has air dried into a bigger-than-I’d-typically-let-anyone-see wave situation, but it feels good to be in new clothes.
I pull back the curtains to the window and the sun is out in full force. Everything is blanketed in white, making the sun brighter than normal. Snow is barely falling and it feels like the end is in reach. I take a long, slow breath, letting it expand in my chest, before sighing it out. This went way better than I thought it would—being stuck here—and that’s all because of Seth. Well, some credit is due to The Fable Inn, and Jess—this was a gem of an accommodation to stumble on.
“I really like it here,” Seth shares, like he’s reading my mind. He’s wearing the same crewneck, all fresh and laundered, and the jogger pants he also washed.
“Me too. I bet it’s gorgeous during theactualfall.” I cross my arms and look back out the window. The trees sport autumn leaves covered in snow and I hope they’ll be able to bounce back. Fall is the best season and it’d be a shame to cut it short.
Seth comes up behind me, also peeking out the window. “Well, we could come back. On purpose.”
I turn to him, being met with his strong chest, and he’s looking at me all matter of fact and like he’s suggesting we get lunch next week. When I don’t say anything, he continues, “If you’re interested.”
This is one of the only times we’ve acknowledged what comes after this. What do you do when you give in for a handful of days, and then plan to go back to your old life soon? Soon it will be schedules, my apartment, and us sharing a client.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested.
“I think that’d be fun.” I smile at him as he gives me a soft peck on my forehead.
Out of all the places he’s kissed me, this one makes me pause. It’s so intimate and sweet. I quiet the alarm bell that’s trying to ding in my brain, the one that tells me not to read too much into it.
Seth is nothing like what I would’ve expected. I have no idea where this is going— maybe we’ll get in the car and leave this all behind or maybe there’s something waiting for us in the city. Either way, I’m willing to be as patient as my type-A personality will allow.
His hands rub my shoulders and says, “I need coffee… which means you’re probably way overdue.” He laughs at my mild caffeine addiction. “Let’s go downstairs and hang for a bit.”
Seth grabs my hand and leads me out the door, and he doesn’t let go until he needs both hands to make my cappuccino. I fall into one of the oversized chairs in front of the roaring fireplace. The lights are on and the inn has a different type of cozy energy; things are buzzing and sighing that were missing without the power over the last few nights.
Jess sees me and beams, sitting next to me. “Looks like you’ll be able to get out of here tonight or tomorrow. The snow is letting up and it’s already starting to melt. It’ll be back to our October rain in no time.”
“Thank you for everything while we were stuck here. Honestly, it was lovely,” I say to her as a song comes on in the room, one I know well—one by Willow.
Jess nods and immediately starts singing along to herself.
“You like this one?” I ask, sort of baiting her.
“Who doesn’t? Plus, Willow and Tripp, they’re easy to root for.”
I smile at the compliment she gives my client, my friend. I’ve been working with Willow for a long time. She was the first name who really took a chance on me, and she got big quick. Not only is she talented, but she’s one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met.
“Well, if you promise to keep it between us, I’m her manager. I’d love to get your information and the next time she’s on tour, we’ll make sure you get tickets. On me.” I place a hand on my chest.
“You do not have to do that.” She tries to turn down the offer and she’s about to stand, probably to run and get some sort of snack tray or something for Seth and me.
Lightly, I put my hand on hers that’s resting on the arm of the chair, “I know I don’t have to, but I’d be thrilled to do it.”
She smiles at me in a way that’s true. “Okay, if you insist.” I grin at her as she walks back through the inn, passing Seth with two coffee cups.
“Cappuccinos for two,” he announces, sitting next to me. I take the mug from him and take a sip, the espresso and milk perfectly balanced—the foam velvety on my lips.
