Washing her hair had been the best moment of this year. I’d never done it before. Something about that moment said I could...and that I should. Something said that I should spoil her. Something said that I should care for her on all levels, not just her career, but physically and emotionally.
Something said that she was mine.
Mine?
I shook my head and rubbed my face with both hands, not used to this feeling. I’d just been on my own last week and now...I couldn’t think of ever being alone in my bedroom, in this house, in my life, again.
So independent, even hurt and not at her best, she stalked through my mind like a lioness. After the bath, I’d put my shirt on her, wanting my scent on that body. Her lovely legs had stuck out from the bottom of my shirt—thick thighs, curvy hips, fat ass. Her stiff nipples poked in front of the shirt as I helped her to bed. Those full breasts had me thinking twisted thoughts of her nursing me, spilling milk down my lips and chin as she rode me.
She never asked for shorts or panties. We both knew she had nothing but beauty between those thighs…bare ecstasy. Had she been taunting me a little? That had been the question going through my mind as I watched her fall asleep.
She’s not taunting you. She’s weak right now. Leave it alone.
I rose from the chair, left the room, and headed downstairs. Neither one of us had eaten much this morning. We’d had that crazy night. Both of us needed sleep more than food.
Now, I’m starving. I bet she will be hungry too.
I figured the whole staff was knocked out. They’d helped me get Simone warm for several hours. The doctor had come through and left with a fat check that must’ve weighed his pockets down. He’d been so grateful he said he’d return through her stay to check up on her.
My phone bounced in my pocket as I headed downstairs.
I should call Mom and Dad. I forgot to check on them during Christmas. Simone had all my attention.
I glanced at my phone. There were tons of missed calls, mainly from Ru and Midnight. I’d never let them know that Simone was okay and she didn’t charge her phone, so they probably thought she was still lost.
I stopped at the second floor and texted Midnight.
ME: She’s fine. She’s at my house.
MIDNIGHT: It’s about time!
ME: I was busy.
MIDNIGHT: Clearly. Glad she’s fine. We should talk later.
ME: Cool.
For Ru, I figured it would be smarter to call him. He’d been just as worried as I was.
The phone rang several times and then went to voice mail.
“Hey, Ru,” I said. “I just wanted to let you know that Simone is fine. She had a small car accident, but we got to her. She’s walking and talking. I even had the doctor come by to check on her. Call me later.”
I hung up, hoping that was enough to ease his mind.
Chatter came from the kitchen as I made my way there. Classical music played in the background. I walked through the double doors and the entire staff paused from what they were doing. One of the servants dropped her fork into a bowl of raw eggs.
David hurried to me, still buttoning his shirt. “So, sorry, we had no idea you were up again. We’re just getting ready for tomorrow’s big dinner.”
“No worries.” I held my hand up. “I’d actually just come down to grab Simone something.”
David nodded. “Okay, sir. What would you like? We can bring it up to—”
“Oh no. I can take it up myself.”
Chef Judy exchanged looks with one of her helpers.
David leaned forward and whispered, “You want to take the tray up yourself, sir?”
“Yes.” I shrugged. “Is it crazy?”
“Oh, no, sir.”
I ran my fingers through my hair. “It wouldn’t be weird, right?”
“No.” David formed his mouth into a smile. “It would actually be...hmmm. What’s a good term?”
“Romantic.” Judy grinned.
David appeared uncomfortable as he nodded.
“But not creepy, right?” I asked. “Dad used to bring Mom breakfast in bed. Of course, Simone and I aren’t...we’re not together. I just want to do something nice for her. She had a rough night. She’s safe, but it was still an accident. She still could’ve died out there, had we all not been on guard.”
David nodded again. “Very true, sir.”
“So, I just want her to get as many good memories in these days to wash away any unease that came from that situation.”
Judy’s face brightened as she clapped. “I could make something special.”
“Good. I’ll wait over here if that’s not a big deal.” I walked over to the seat by the island counter.
Everyone continued their duties, glancing at me now and then with odd expressions. They shut off the music and didn’t finish their conversation. An uneasy silence fell over the space.