“We don’t have to be looking for a relationship,” I said. “I never thought you expected anything from me. You’re not that kind of a woman. You know your own mind, and you’ve been taking care of yourself for nearly two decades. You’re amazing.” I stroked her cheek. “Why don’t we just take it one day at a time?”
She nodded. “All right. I just don’t want you to feel—”
I trailed my fingers over to her lips, shushing her. “I don’t feel anything but the desire to get to know you better. To spend time with you. I promise you’re not forcing me into anything.”
She nodded, puckering her lips and giving my fingers the softest kiss.
My groin tightened.
I could go again. But no condom. Not that it mattered. She was a virgin, and I was clean. But it was too soon, and I couldn’t ask her to suck me off. Her father hadn’t raped her, but I didn’t know what he had done. And now, basking in the afterglow of our mutual orgasms, was not the time to find out.
She yawned. “I’d better get back and get to bed. I want to hit the yoga class in the morning again, and then, instead of going to lift, I’m going to see if I can talk to Shayna. If she’s still here.”
“Sounds good. Yoga at six it is.”
She laughed. “You want to go again?”
“Sure. Why not?”
She laughed again. “Let’s see how you feel about it in the morning.”
* * *
An elephant had stomped on me overnight.
I could barely move the next morning. My phone alarm had gone off at five thirty so I could shower before Ruby came to get me for yoga, but I was still lying in bed.
Fuck. Today was the wedding, too. I had to escort Ruby down the aisle.
I sat up in bed.
Ouch.
I moved my legs to the side.
Ouch.
I stood.
Fucking ouch.
I walked to the bathroom and reached out to turn on the shower.
Ouch.
I stepped inside.
Bliss.
The hot water pelted me, and I turned it even hotter and stood for a few moments, just letting it coat me. It was heaven on my sore muscles.
Yoga and a little weight lifting. This was the result?
I wasn’t out of shape. I was in damned good shape. I was very active.
What a wuss.
I couldn’t let Ruby see me like this.