Page 59 of Beneath the Stars (Sugarlake 1)

He sighs. “Crazy’s the last thing I’d want to feel. You’ll meet her soon, we’ll be down there in three weeks.”

“Three weeks?”

“Pops didn’t tell you that part?”

“Daddy doesn’t tell me much these days, Eli.”

I lean against the wall and temper the rage, telling myself it will be nice to have him back in town.

Once I get home, I draw a bath, my knotted muscles whining for relief. Dipping in the water is instant relaxation, and I lean back, submerging in the water. My fingers brush against my breast, making me suck in a breath at how sensitive they feel. I repeat the motion and my nipples tighten. A spike of pleasure shoots straight to my core as I lightly tease my areola. It feels good.

I continue the soft touch, closing my eyes as I remember the feel of Chase’s touch from the other day. I imagine his calloused fingers replacing mine to brush against my delicate flesh. A moan slips out as another burst of pleasure runs through me at the thought. My hand leaves my chest, sliding down, tickling my skin as I slip under the water and between my folds.

I ghost my middle finger over my clit and suck in a breath. I swipe over it again, pressing down lightly, biting my lip at the sensation. I pretend it’s Chase’s thick finger rubbing. Teasing. Sliding inside.

My core clenches, the muscles fluttering.

I press my palm down, rotating it, water sloshing as my hips push forward for more friction.

My breathing picks up as I picture Chase behind me, his hard chest against my back, his corded muscles wrapped around my waist while he holds me in place and plays me with his fingers. Whispers dirty words in my ear. I want his hands all over me. His arms surrounding me, his tongue tasting me. His thickness inside me.

“Come for me baby, show me how good it feels.”

My back arches at the memory of his voice, and I lose my breath. The wave of my climax washes over my body, my center pulsing as white-hot bliss surges through my veins.

I lay still, hand between my legs, chest heaving, and my ears numb. Reason slowly filters back to me. I just masturbated to thoughts of Chase.

I think I might be sick.

My bath is ruined from my complete lack of self-control, so I drain it and slip into my coziest pajamas, curling under the blankets. I set my alarm so I don’t miss brunch with Becca in the morning and send up a quick prayer that Chase won’t be in my dreams.

God doesn’t listen.

The next morning, I pull into the parking lot of the diner. I haven’t talked to Becca since last week’s Saturday brunch, even though she’s been blowing up my phone. Avoidance—I’ve realized—is my go-to when it comes to telling my friends about Chase. But she’d kill me if I didn’t show up today, and I don’t think I can keep it in anymore. I’m no good with secrets.

She texts me as soon as I park.

Becca: Hello, is anybody there? Should I even bother waiting for you today? You’ve gone radio silent… wonder why that is?

Me: Parking now! Just been busy.

I rush inside. Becca’s glaring down at her phone, sitting at our usual spot in the back corner. I slide in the booth across from her, a smile plastered on my face.

“Hey, girl.”

She purses her lips as she gives me the once-over. “She lives.”

I wave her off. “I’m sorry, Becca. You know it’s been crazy with the new job and all.”

“Mmhm.” She sips from a mimosa and eyes me over the rim. “How is

the new job?”

“It’s alright. My boss is kind of a ballbuster, but it’s nothin’ I can’t handle. I was lookin’ forward to all the cute little kids in their leotards, but she’s havin’ renovations done, so there’s nobody there except for me most days.”

“Mmmm. Sounds thrillin’. An introvert’s paradise.”

I giggle. “I don’t mind it.”

---