Page 49 of One Touch

Beckett filled a glass with pale, golden wine. “Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Montrachet.” His voice flowed over the French words with ease, and butterflies erupted in my stomach. Beckett’s rough exterior during the renovation made it easy to forget that he was a Miller—born into ridiculous old family money. Of course he only drank fancy French wines, but the way he poured and sampled it with ease was a total turn-on. Satisfied with his selection, Beckett poured us each a glass, placing mine on the white marble counter beside the tub.

“I think the snacks will get soggy.”

Beckett took a sip of his wine and smiled. “Those are for later.”

Later.

My heart pumped at the prospect of more time here, lost in the cocoon of this house.With him.

“Scoot up.”

I did as I was told, and Beckett stepped into the bath, settling in behind me. He placed his wineglass next to mine and pulled my body into his. My back nestled into his front as we sat together in the tub.

His hands glided over my thighs beneath the water. I concentrated on the slow, steady beat of his heart against my back. He rested his chin on my shoulder, and I nearly melted.

Beckett sighed. “Are you okay?”

I moved my head to try to look at him, but he only squeezed me tighter. “Yeah ... I’m great. Why?”

“I just ...” He cleared his throat. “I just thought maybe I got a little carried away, was a little too rough without making sure you were okay with it first.”

My heart squeezed and I smiled. “I’m good.”

He planted another wet kiss on my shoulder.

I sighed and let the weight of my body lean into him. The blackness of Lake Michigan through the windows was vast.

“I always thought this house was too garish for the Michigan coastline, but there’s no denying this view ...” My voice drifted off as I appreciated the luxury around me.

“I hate this house.” He harrumphed behind me. “The design is totally wrong for the location.” Beckett was quiet for a moment. “I didn’t realize you had been here. Stupid since ... you know.”

Since you thought I was in a committed, years-long relationship with your brother?

I cleared my throat.Might as well put it all out there. I tried to infuse lightness into my voice, but it came out sounding more nervous than anything. “Yeah, I’ve been here a few times with him. I, uh, lost my virginity in this house, actually.”

Beckett tensed behind me. “Jesus, Kate ...”

I turned around to face him. His knees were bent, and my legs were over his, our centers nearly touching.

My hands went to his face. “Hey. We both know it happened. But if this”—I gestured between him and me—“is going to be a thing? We’ve probably got to talk about it.”

His face was moody and dark. “I meant it before. There’s nothing beyond this that I can give you.”

My eyes went wide. My heart beat wildly. In my mind, I willed him to keep going, to finally open up more.

I hoped my smile didn’t look as forced as it felt. “Our hooking up is totally messed up.”

He grunted.

“But also totally hot,” I continued. “I’m good with it if you are.”

He nodded to himself before running a warm hand up my thigh. “I’m good with it. Your past doesn’t matter to me. He didn’t deserve you, Kate. He didn’t deserve to be your first of anything.”

My throat was tight, and tears burned at the corners of my eyes.

Beckett looked me over. “Maybe I should have been gentler. Made it special.”

I shook my head. “If I wanted you to be gentler, I would have said so. With you, it was perfect.”

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