Indulgent Pleasures

“I like your curves.” He dipped down and kissed her, his hand smoothing down her side, along her waist, over her hip. “I like your body. A lot.”

“I’m certainly no slender model-type.” She tried not to feel so self-conscious when she compared her body to his but right now, she couldn’t help it. The man was built like a piece of art and she was carrying a few too many pounds that gave her some extra junk in the trunk.

“I don’t want a slender model-type.” His lips met hers once more, his tongue darting out for a teasing lick. “I want you.”

He kissed her again, their lips melting together, their bodies merging. His hands slipped down, cupping her butt and he fit her more firmly against him, allowing her to feel the unmistakable bulge of his erection.

“I want more, Stephanie,” he whispered against her lips after he broke the kiss. “I want...”

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, at the way he paused. God, what was he going to say? Nerves ate at her, making her stomach jump and she waited, breathless.

Did she want to hear what he had to say? Yes and no.

“Yes?” She encouraged after his pause went a little too long for her comfort.

“I—shit, I don’t know how to approach this. I’ve never done it before.” Sure fingers slipped beneath her chin and tilted her face up so she met his serious gaze. “I want us to see each other more. Exclusively. I’m not looking for a quick fuck and I don’t think you are either. At least, I hope you’re not. I want something more...serious.”

Her lips parted but no words came out. She wasn’t quite sure what to say, how to approach this. Her heart and body was screaming yes, yes, yes but her mind was telling her to slow down and think. Remember what she was doing, and why she was doing it.

And how angry Justin would be once he found out the truth.

“Do you feel the same way, Stephanie?” His face was so earnest, his expression sincere, his eyes hopeful as he watched her. She wanted to say yes, but, but...

“I—I don’t know.” Oh God, the second the words left her mouth she wanted to take them back. She didn’t mean it, could she tell him she didn’t mean it?

The shuttered expression on his face, the dim light in his eyes said no, she’d already blown it. She was such a fool.

“I understand. I’m probably rushing things.” His hand dropped away from her face but at least it still settled around her waist, the tips of his fingers grazing her butt.

“You’re not rushing things. I’m just, I guess I’m nervous considering who you are and what you do.” There, that was a good defense right?

She was going to make a mess of this, she could just feel it.

“Listen, whatever you’ve heard or read it’s not true. At least, not anymore. I’m not the same guy I was back then and I have you to thank for it.” He paused, as if searching for the right words. “You make me want to be a better man. For you. For us.”

His words startled her and warmed her heart. This man was so special, so perfect for her in every way and she didn’t know why she was behaving like this.

“That’s so sweet.” She tore her gaze from his and stared at his chest, plucking at an imaginary piece of lint. “But I think I need more time.”

He sighed, his chest constricting against her hand and she savored his warmth, his hard strength. She loved his body. She loved touching him, being with him.

Did she actually love him, though? She wasn’t sure. She lusted for him and she certainly enjoyed the way he made her feel. But what kind of relationship could they have when it wasn’t based on truth?

She could only blame herself for that. She was the keeper of truths, not him.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you this but never found the right time. I gues

s now is as good as ever.” She looked up at his words to find him watching her carefully.

“I got a new job with the Sports Channel. I start next week. I’ll be a special correspondent during the playoffs,” he finished.

“Oh, that’s wonderful.” She smiled, truly happy for him. “How exciting. So you’ll be on TV, huh?”

He shrugged, sheepish. “Yeah. I’ve never been comfortable dealing with the media but the executives at the network said I have charisma or whatever when I’m on screen. That’s why they approached me. That and my inside view of baseball.”

Justin grimaced and shook his head. He didn’t look very happy about this sudden turn of events.

“You’re very charismatic. I’m sure you’ll be wonderful at your new job.”