Page 38 of The Curve
He starts undressing. My eyes follow the lines of the room. The rich ebony wood of the drawers and shelves and tall cupboards. At least a hundred pairs of tennis shoes take up wide shelves on the right while dress shoes and every other type of shoe lines the left.
In the center of the room is a long leather tufted bench where Atticus sits removing his shoes and socks.
“It’s pretty awesome, I know,” he says.
“It’s a dream.”
He points behind where I stand. “There’s an extra white robe there in front.”
I look where it hangs and instantly know I’ll never wear it. I don’t want to be one of who knows how many women that have worn Atticus Swift’s extra robe.
He sees the look on my face. “What?” he says.
“Could I wear one of your shirts? I’d prefer that.” My voice is a tad clipped.
He places his shoes on the shelf and comes to me. “You know what you are, Charlotte? Hellfire and holy water.” He chuckles. “You can use whatever you’d like. But just so you know, no one else has ever worn the robe. I bought it for you.” He smiles that golden-boy smile and every bit of my annoyance evaporates.
Lifting my hands to his face, I run my fingers over his lips. “I’ve never kissed such a perfect mouth. Never felt such soft lips. And no matter what happens from here on, you’ll always be the best time I ever had.”
The way he’s looking in my eyes is beyond anything I’ve ever felt.
“Let’s get in bed,” he says.
We remove our clothes and I grab the robe as we leave. He’s walking naked to the bed, so I will too. He pauses when we’re halfway there and lets me move in front of him. I know exactly what he’s doing, so I give my ass a shake.
“That’s by far the finest ass I’ve ever seen,” he says.
“You’re crazy. It’s just an ass.”
He huffs out a, “No it isn’t.”
I take the compliment with a chuckle.
We pull back the blanket and sheet on each side and climb inside. Ohhh, this bedding.
“Heaven. This feels like heaven.”
Opening his arms, he calls me in. “Turn over. Get in here.”
I follow his lead as he shuts off the lights. Hazy city lights glimmer through the gossamer two-story curtains. I snuggle right into the shape of his glorious body. “We fit,” I say softly.
For a minute or so it’s just the quiet darkness, and then he speaks. “Can I tell you something?”
“Yes,” I say sleepily.
“I want us to last.”
My eyes pop open.
Never have I been more awake.
