He pulled back and shook his head a little. “Damn, you make me lose control.”
“That’s kind of the point,” I told him, easing my grip on his arms. “Isn’t it?”
“I’ve never thought about it that way. I thought the point was pleasure.” Grant eased out of me and set me carefully down on the floor. He rubbed his beard, a gesture I’d noticed he took to when he was contemplative.
I was totally naked while he was mostly dressed but it didn’t bother me. I was comfortable in my skin and didn’t feel any need to hide. I took the few steps to where my sangria was and took a sip. “Where’s your bathroom?”
“First door down on the right.” He pointed to the hallway as he removed the condom and tossed it under the sink. He started washing his hands. “Unless you want to take a shower. Then you can go to my bedroom at the end of the hall.”
“No. I’m starving.” I just wanted to pee. I bent over and scooped up my pile of clothes he’d discarded.
Grant made a sound and I sensed him moving toward me. I laughed and darted out of his reach. “No! No seconds right now.”
He groaned. “You’re cruel.”
To which I stopped, turned, and gave him a faux scathing look. “Grant. Twice now I’ve had sex with you within ten minutes of us being in a private place. If that’s cruel, I can’t even fathom what kind is.”
Grant smiled. “I can’t argue with that. But you can’t blame me for wanting more. We have great chemistry.”
Confirmation of my thoughts. He knew it just as clearly as I did. “We do.” I pointed to the stove. “Now cook us a meal and we’ll see what happens afterwards. We have all night.”
Our only night. We weren’t having sex at his parents’ house, something we both felt strongly about for different reasons. We had to make this night count.
His powder room was what I would have expected. Modern, shiny finishes. Very clean, tidy. I was sure he had a cleaning lady because the image of Grant with a toilet brush in his hand was too hilarious for words. I wasn’t wowed by expensive possessions but at the same time I couldn’t help but run my hands over the walnut vanity and take extra time drying my hands off on towels so plush they might have been a comforter. I redid my topknot as I glanced around, trying to see if I could learn anything about Grant. But it was just a guest powder room and it appeared sterile.
I put my panties and sweatshirt on but skipped the leggings. Getting in and out of them was like filling a piping bag. You just kept cramming until suddenly they were filled. How they could be so comfortable once on your body and yet such a bitch to get into was one of the wonders of the world. Given that I was intending for Grant to want them off again (and likewise) I decided to save him the trouble. I did want my slippers back on though.
When I returned to the kitchen and bent over to pick up my slippers and slide them onto my feet, Grant was stirring the vegetables in the wok.
“You forgot your pants,” he said.
“I’m taking a shortcut. Saving you some trouble later.”
“That’s very thoughtful.”
“I’m just drawn that way.” I padded over to him. “What’s going on here? How can I help?”
“I think I’ve got it.” Grant turned and pulled me against his chest. He had a bemused expression on his face.
He looked relaxed. Not so intense. Not so controlled. Just in his element. Content.
I was feeling things I shouldn’t be feeling. Curiosity. Tenderness. Attraction that included lust but also went beyond it. I wrapped my arms around his waist and studied him.
“What?” he asked. “Are you wondering how it’s possible I’m this good looking?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m trying to picture you without a beard.”
“I look like a naked mole rat.”
That made me laugh. “Good visual. Pink skin. I’m properly horrified.”
“We can’t have that.” Grant bent down and cupped my cheeks. He kissed with the same fervor as before, as if he couldn’t get enough.
It took me right back to desperate need and we moved our bodies closer, tongues teasing at each other. Grant’s hand shifted to my ass and he rocked me forward in a soft rhythm that had me brushing against him. My head drifted back and he kissed my neck, his beard scratching my tender flesh.
Then I realized that the vegetables were burning. Smoke was rising behind his head and the distinct odor hit my nostrils. “Grant, dinner is burning.” I patted his arm to get him to release me.
He didn’t react as quickly as I would have expected. He looked back and just slowly turned the burner off. He waved his hand half-heartedly in the air.