“Because,” she breathed a sigh, “it’s the official color of femininity, in my opinion. It has nothing to do with that blue for boy or pink for girl bullshit. I like it for its versatility. It can be soft, gentle, and flirty or bold and badass. Just depends on the shade. Also, and very important, it’s wonderful with my skin tone.”
Dex gripped her tighter and kissed her hair. “You’re beautiful, Cayla. Everything looks good on you.”
Oh damn. The butterflies partied in her belly, and her heart provided the kickdrum. Such a simple statement made her happy that she was not facing him because he would’ve seen her blush three shades redder. Dex had this crazy power over her, and it was scary as shit. They’d done kinky shit together yet him calling her beautiful had her blushing like a virginal teenager.
He probably was the popular guy everyone one wanted. At least he was according to Nick. She wasn’t. Kalilah was the popular one. Cayla had her core group of acquaintances from her extracurricular activities because she was ambitious for real friends which is why Kalilah had to share Natalia. It didn’t matter because they were one hell of a trio.
“What do you like to do for fun?” He moved on seemingly unaware of her mental dialogue.
“Um…happy hour, Pinterest, and shopping.”
“Your ideal date would be shopping then showing each other your Pinterest boards during happy hour?”
Cayla laughed at the ridiculous scene Dex painted. The thought of Dex trying on clothes and getting her opinion, carrying bags while window shopping in the mall, and waving his pins in her face over drinks was hilarious. Then she realized she’d inserted him into the imaginary date. He didn’t say a date with him; he said in general.
“No.”
“Then what do you like to do for fun? What did you do with your last boyfriend?”
The truth was she didn’t know. She’d focused more on career than fun. It irritated her that she didn’t have an answer to such a simple question. Plus, her last boyfriend had been a complete ass who only wanted her naked just to bore her in bed. He didn’t try to do anything with her. Embarrassment settled in her chest and embarrassment made her defensive.
“What the hell, Dex. Is this some kind of interrogation? We’re supposed to be having sex…”
“You were the one mad that I’d never tried to get to know you. Your words not mine,” Dex responded getting defensive. He rolled away from her onto his back. “Now that I’m trying to get to know you, you don’t like it?”
“We agreed to sex, Dex,” Cayla said turning around.
“WE didn’t agree to anything. You have all these crazy rules in your head that you’re not sharing with me.”
“Now, I’m crazy?”
Dex sighed deep and rolled out of bed. “I’m out.”
Cayla was almost okay with letting him go. It would allow her time to think without his nearness constantly arousing her. He looked back at her like he had words hanging on his lips, but he shook the thought away and marched towards the living room. It was then when she heard him mumble.
“You promised.”
Those two words crushed her irritation. She’d promised not to be the irrational hot head she’d just turned into. Her fear and embarrassment made her push Dex away for no good reason. Again. She rushed to the living room before he could leave. Relief flushed her when she realized he hadn’t finished dressing yet. He was still in his boxer briefs.
“I don’t know,” she blurted out.
He looked at her confused. Irritation still coloring his eyes. “What?”
“I don’t know what I would do for fun. Never had the chance to figure it out. I was too busy focusing on my ambitions. I didn’t have any real friends and the only boyfriend I’d had didn’t care enough to help me figure it out.” She took a deep breath and met his eyes. “He wasn’t very adventurous. After he took my virginity, the only thing he wanted to do was have sex. Trying new things were out of the question in and out of bed. Hell, he didn’t even want me to touch myself during sex.”
Dex stared at her, his face was an unreadable mask. His lack of a response concerned her. Cayla had just shared part of her soul, she need him to say something, anything. She hugged herself to keep from running away.
“Then, he left me because I was boring.” She stared at her feet allowing the shame of it all wash over her.
Cayla’s heart stopped when he touched her. She didn’t hear him move. Didn’t see him approach. But, he was there cupping her face with gentle hands. Relief replaced her shame, but the tender look in his eyes broke her down on a level she didn’t understand. She fought back the tears that threatened to escape. She could not cry in front of him two days in a row. Right?
Dex kissed her with heartbreaking kindness. Two tears escaped before she could stop them. He wiped them with the pads of his thumbs then kissed her forehead, her nose, and her lips. He studied her with a clarity she’d never realized he possessed. Sharp, gray, soul-reading eyes assessed her as if she were speaking.
“You are not boring,” he stated softly.
Dex picked her up and carried her back to her bed like it was their wedding night. He placed her in the middle of her bed, and her heart rejoiced when he joined her.
“You are not boring,” he repeated while settling on his haunches between her open legs. Each statement accompanied an action.