One to Love (One to Hold 4)

That gorgeous smile softened his expression, and he nodded. “Okay.”

Chapter 15: “The sun sets to rise again.”

Slayde

How was it possible she was so amazing? I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, Kenny’s soft body draped over me as she breathed quietly against my chest.

Lifting a long strand of dark violet hair, I slid it around my finger before holding it to my nose, inhaling the scent of the ocean. Everything in me wanted to pursue this. Hell, there was no way I could stop pursuing it... But how would she feel if she knew my whole story? How would she feel about Slayer?

At the same time, it was possible I was expecting too much. She could just be in this for fun, a few dinners, a roll in the sack, and back to friends.

No, I knew that wasn’t the case. It went against all the signals she’d been sending.

Allowing my mind to travel back, I thought of how she looked when I first saw her tonight. The red dress she wore hung on her slim body in a way that drove me crazy. I wanted to slide those spaghetti straps off her shoulders, lift that filmy skirt and explore everything underneath. Topping it all off, she had on these insanely sexy shoes. I was seriously bummed about taking those off her feet.

She was so tiny without them. Her funny old-fashioned hairstyle was like something a former beauty queen would wear, a little lump with gentle curls spilling down her back to her waist. That’s not right. A beauty queen would be all platinum and pink, and Kenny was jet-violet and red. Damn I loved her boldness.

It activated that possessiveness in me that I’d tried to curb. I wanted to pull her hai

r back and claim that mouth. I wanted to claim every inch of her, but I knew from my experience to take it easy.

Only a few times I wavered, lost control. She seemed turned on by it. When I took her like a fucking animal our first time, she cried and twisted, wrapping her legs around me and pumping her hips against mine. It was so hot. I was fucking the shit out of her, and her body was begging for more.

The memory provoked a semi under the sheets, but damn. I could’ve only been surer if she’d told me, yet she seemed as bewildered as I was by our intense connection. I was a self-centered prick, but I loved the idea that she hadn’t been with anyone in a while. It made me imagine her waiting for me—as much as I’d been waiting for her.

“Hmm... Slayde?” She turned her head, and my heart stopped. Was she calling for me in her sleep?

Lifting her head, she blinked a few times, but I couldn’t tell if she was awake.

“What’s wrong, baby?” My voice was so tender, I almost hoped she was asleep. If not, my feelings would’ve been far too evident.

She took a deep breath and bent her elbow. Eyes still closed, a slender hand moved to her forehead, and she pushed a dark lock away. “Is it okay if I spend the night?”

Chuckling, I wasn’t sure if it was possible for me to feel more for her until this very moment. “Yes. I’m not letting you go anywhere tonight.”

She sniffed and cuddled closer against me on the bed. She was off of me now, but her head was tucked into my ribs against the white tank I wore.

Glancing over her shoulder, I could see the length of her long, pale back, so elegant and beautiful. I traced my finger from the base of her skull all the way down the line to the top of her ass. A tiny shiver moved through her, and I remembered the way she’d shook when she came for me tonight.

“Goodnight, beautiful,” I whispered before kissing her head and closing my eyes.

Chapter 16: “Every journey begins with the first step.”

Kenny

Slayde would be at my apartment in less than an hour, and I was totally not ready. After realizing he’d spent most of his small paycheck on our date last night, there was no way I was letting him off without a meal on me. Maybe two or three. Hell, I was ready to suggest he have dinner with me every night. For that matter, he could spend the night with me every night... Laughing, I shook my head as I leaned forward to check the meatloaf in the oven. Talk about going way too fast!

I didn’t know how to cook much, but my mom had taught me to make savory meatloaf and a macaroni and cheese casserole that even I drooled over. Parmesan was crumbled across the top to form a crispy, cheesy crust, and I couldn’t wait for him to taste it.

Chopping the small, English cucumbers I’d bought into slices, I dumped them into a bowl with sliced celery, onion, carrots, and walnuts and threw the entire concoction into the fridge before dashing to the bathroom.

I already had on the beige slip-dress I planned to wear tonight. It was thigh-length with thin straps over my shoulders, so I didn’t wear a bra. My eyes were somewhat done, but I had to powder my nose and finish my hair.

I was bouncing off the walls, and it was only Monday. Mariska had teased me all day, fishing for details, but it was all so new. I wanted to keep us close for now, like my precious secret.

This morning, I woke with a start in his bed at nine a.m. His apartment was empty, but a note was on his pillow. I picked it up, tracing his neat, block handwriting with my fingertip.

Had to go in to work, but not before I watched you sleep for several minutes. God, you’re so beautiful. Thanks for spending the night. See you soon. –S.