Page 87 of Awakened
“What has you all smiley? And please don’t say anything about disembowelment after I just fucked you into collapse.”
“Shut up.” I raspberried his stomach as I wrapped a towel around his waist. “A certain man’s got me all giddy.”
He laughed and pushed my face away, allowing him to step out of the tub. “Is that right?”
I threw my arms around his neck. “Yep. He’s pretty cool.”
“Mm. He’s one lucky guy.” He pressed a soft kiss to my lips.
I pulled away, feeling lightheaded. “I would say so.”
He peeled a piece of wet hair from my cheek and tucked it behind my ear. “So, we’re doing this? For real?”
I took a deep breath and put my hand over my heart. “Yes. I want to take it slow, but I want this.”
Zach’s smile was outrageously happy, and I had a hard time believing it was for me. “Good, because I want you. I want us.”
I closed the small distance between us, sealing our words with a kiss.
EIGHTEEN
“Get off me,” I gritted out as I struggled under his weight.
“Make me, Sunshine.”
I tried to wiggle out from under his arm, but no dice. The fucker had me locked in. “Zaaaach! If you don’t let me go, I’ll punch you in the dick.”
“You wouldn’t. He’s your best friend.”
I pressed my heels into the mat and pelvic thrusted Zach into the air. Quickly rolling left, I just missed him landing on top of me.
“Oof,” Zach mumbled into the floor. “That was good.” He pushed up on his hands and knees, slightly swaying. “Next time, strike out as you roll away.” His hand twirled in the air as he fought to catch his breath. “You could have gotten in a good hit.”
“You mean like this?” I rammed my fist into his perfect jaw.
He rubbed his face with a surprised look. “Yeah, like that.” Working his jaw, he mouthed, “Ouch.”
“Check your condescension next time. My dad and Marie trained me. I don’t need your beginner tips.” I stood and brushed off my knees before offering Zach a hand.
He grabbed and pulled himself up. “Noted.”
Upstairs, we found Michael and Sarah canoodling in front of the stove.
Michael leaned away from Sarah’s neck with a sheepish grin. “Hey guys, good workout?” After seeing the bruising on Zach’s chin, he frowned. “She got your face again? I told you, always protect your face.”
Both Sarah and I laughed as Zach grumbled and left the room.
“What’d I say?” Michael asked, craning his neck to catch one last glimpse of Zach as he stomped up the stairs.
“Nothing, babe. You’re hilarious.” Sarah kissed his cheek, then turned to me. “I know you’re training, but did you have to hit his pretty face?” Michael pinched her side, and she squeaked. “Hey, cut it out, or I’ll let Les take care of you too.”
“That’s cold, Sarah. Les is a beast.” Michael winked at me and stirred whatever wonderful concoction was on the stove.
I settled onto a stool at the island, gulping down water. “I’m starving. What magical dish are you guys making?”
“Homemade chicken noodle soup. My mom’s recipe.” Michael smiled softly at the pot as he spoke. “She makes it whenever I don’t feel well. Sarah here has the sniffles, and I gotta take care of my baby.”
She turned in his arms, and he kissed her forehead.
