Page 53 of Brews & Bartenders

“Presume away.” He walks over to me and grabs my hand before leading me to his room. It feels weird and normal, all at the same time. Like we have lived this exact moment a thousand times while also being the first time we've ever gone down this road.

His room is just as empty as the rest of his house. An alarm clock, sits on the nightstand with a few chargers hanging over the edge. A long dresser fills the space along one wall and a tall dresser sits just inside the door.

His bed though? That's massive. If I had to guess, it's probably a California king. Definitely bigger than mine. Also, way bigger than the couch.

Opposite of his bed is a TV attached to the wall. I'm not sure if he spends a lot of his time in here or in the living room. But if I had to guess, he mostly uses this space as a place to sleep with the hours that he puts in at the bar. This is a small peek into the life of the man I’m falling for, and I’m grateful he’s showing it to me. He doesn’t need a lot of things, and the value he places on family means a lot since my family is also incredibly important to me.

He leads me toward the bed and sets me down on the black and red bedspread. “Let me help you out of those shoes. They can't be comfortable.”

“Those might be my favorite words I've heard today. I don't even think I've worn these shoes in years because of how badly they hurt my feet.”

“Then why did you wear them tonight?”

“Because they make my legs look good and this dress does not call for regular shoes.”

“Honestly, I hear the floor calling your dress.”

I can’t help the giggle that escapes my lips. “Pickup lines aren't really your thing, are they?”

“What was your first clue?”

“It's just an observation. You don't have to feel alone in that because they're not mine either. The only thing I managed to do when I thought someone was attractive is turn them down for a date and then announce them as my boyfriend.”

Carlos laughs as he pulls the straps from around my ankle and slides my shoes off my feet. “Hey, it worked. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here.”

“No, if we were still fake dating we wouldn't be here. But somewhere along the lines you've managed to make me feel real things.”

“Is that so bad?”

“Not really. Just…” I pause to figure out the right word, “unexpected.”

Carlos takes his shoes off before standing over me. “Okay, but so is the fact you’re in my bed, and still in that dress.”

My cheeks heat, and I lean back on my elbows, “We could always do something about that.”

“That we can.” He reaches for my hands and I sit up, placing mine in his. Curious as to what he’s going to do.

Once I’m standing, he takes a step back. His gaze roving over every inch of my body. In all honesty, it makes me want to squirm. But, I won’t. I also like it. Nobody has ever looked at me the way he is right now. As if I’m his everything and just plain his.

Done with his admiration, he takes a step closer again. And another until he’s directly in front of me. I look up to meet his eyes and am taken aback by the desire I see. He lifts a hand and traces it over my shoulder, and does the same with the other. A shiver of anticipation runs through my body.

His lips brush against my jawline, while his fingers move across my body. They graze the top edge of my dress and start pulling it down. Slowly, as if I’m a present he must carefully unwrap.

His mouth follows the dress’s dissent. Kissing every inch of skin now visible. He bends as he pulls the dress down. Small kisses down my stomach, and I feel like I’m baring my soul to him.

My insecurities over my body since having David creep into my thoughts. My stomach isn’t as flat as it used to be and stretch marks are visible where they didn’t used to be. It’s why I left my shirt on that night at my house. I didn’t want him to see what my body truly looks like.

I take in a breath and he notices, pausing his exploration. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” I swallow past the lump in my throat. “I just…don’t look the same as I did before having kids. Other than my ex, you’re the only person who has seen me.”

He removes my dress the rest of the way, and I step out of it before he tosses it aside. He walks me back to the bed, until I’m sitting again. “Never be ashamed of your body.” He pulls the strapless bra I’m wearing over my head and throws it behind him.

I lie back and close my eyes, “But you do—”

My panties are pulled off before I can finish. I hear a drawer open and close before foil is ripped open. At least he’s prepared. A moment later I can feel him hovering over me.

“Look at me.” His thumb traces a line along my cheek. I open my eyes and all his attention is on me. “You. Are. Beautiful. Any asshole who has told you otherwise, is just that…an asshole.”

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