Page 56 of Spoiling Lillian
Lillian
* * *
When we get to Bryson’s house, I’m exhausted. The stress of dealing with my mother, explaining it all to Simone, and listening while Camden and Bryson gave us a serious lecture about safety has worn me out. On top of that, I’m not even going to sleep in my own bed tonight.
Yes, I’m excited to spend more time with Bryson. This is what I want. But that doesn’t make it any less nerve-wracking. The unknown. This is not my house. I’ve never spent the night with any man. I’m out of sorts.
Bryson turns on all the lights as he guides me through his home. He points out the obvious like everyone does when they give a tour of their house. I’m wringing my hands together as I follow him from room to room. By the time we reach his bedroom, I’m jittery.
He drops my bags by the closet and turns to me. His arms wrap around my waist. “Look at me, sweet girl.”
I tip my head back.
“I hate that you’re panicking.”
“I’m not panicking,” I lie.
He lifts both brows.
I sigh. “Okay, maybe a little, but only because I feel awkward and tired.”
“How about a hot bath and some comfort food? I have chicken and dumplings in the freezer. I’ll pop the container in the microwave. How does that sound?”
“Delicious.”
He takes one of my hands and leads me into his bathroom.
I groan when I see the tub. It’s huge and has jets.
Still holding my hand, he bends to turn the water on before turning to me. “I didn’t get to properly tell you how fucking sexy this dress is. I wish we could have gone out this afternoon like we planned. You looked so pretty when I came to pick you up.”
“Thank you.” It means a lot to me that he always points out how much he likes my dresses and how I look. I bet most men don’t bother to do that.
He cups my face and holds my gaze. “Lillian, I want you to be comfortable here. I know you didn’t plan to move into my house today, but you’re here. I want you here. If you’d rather not sleep in my bed yet, you’re welcome to use a guest room.”
I rise onto my tiptoes and kiss him. “I’m not sleeping in a guest room, Bryson.”
The air leaves his lungs. “Thank God. I might have lost my mind if you’d wanted to, but I would have done it for you.”
I giggle and shake my head. “I’m just out of sorts. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay, I’m going to leave you alone to take a bath in peace.”
I give him a devious smile. “Liar. You’re going to leave me alone because you know if I get naked in front of you, you’ll want to toss me onto your bed.”
“Truth.” He spins me around and pats my bottom. “Stop tempting me.” And then he disappears, shutting the door behind him.
Staring at the closed door, I take deep breaths. This is surreal. I’ve known this man for five weeks, and now I’m practically living with him. My head is spinning. It’s not a bad thing. It’s just a lot to take in.
I remove my sandals, my dress, and my panties. I don’t know what to do with my clothes. This isn’t my bathroom. There’s a hamper, but do I put my clothes in with his? In the end, I fold them and place them on the counter.
After removing the ribbons from my hair, I take out the bands, pile the thick locks on top of my head, and secure it all in a loose bun. I’m not in the mood to wash it. I just want to soak.
The water feels amazing, and I groan as soon as I slide under it and turn on the jets. Luxurious. My parents have a whirlpool tub in their bathroom in Chicago, but my bathroom was ordinary. I’ve never actually soaked in a tub like this.
I close my eyes and lean back, letting my body rest, taking deep breaths, and trying to keep my mind from wandering to the morning’s events. I can’t let my mother take up space in my head. I won’t let her have power over me. Hopefully, she got on a flight home and won’t ever come back.
The fact that Bryson is worried makes me feel loved. No one has ever cared about me the way he does. I know Simone does now that we’ve reunited and are adults, but I’m truly stunned by Bryson’s attentiveness.
