Sweet Little Nothing

“So cozy,” I mumble, as the steady thump-thump rhythm of my dream man’s heart acts as my own brand of melatonin, calming and comforting me. “Wanna stay here.”

“Stay where?”

Something about the sensual rasp of his voice sends a happy shiver through me. This is the best dream I’ve had in God only knows how long.

If I had it my way, I’d sleep forever, just to stay in his embrace.

“Didn’t know you were so snuggly, little mouse.”

My eyes pop open, and I try to scramble back.

Oh my God.

I’m not dreaming. I’m in bed. With Sterling Abbot. Wrapped around him like a hungry boa constrictor.

“Don’t run from me.” He smooths my wild flyaways from my face. “Don’t hide from me.”

“This is so embarrassing.”

“What is?”

“This!” The color in my cheeks rises right along with my voice.

“Baby, there’s nothing embarrassing about the way your body is clinging to mine. I’d keep you here full-time if I could, but it’s a little soon for all that.”

“What?” Clearly, I’ve woken up in an alternate universe.

“Don’t act so surprised. It’s pretty clear I’m into you. I think you’re into me.” I go to speak, but Sterling presses on. “It’s okay if you’re not there yet. You will be. I’ll wait.”

“This really isn’t a game?”

Before I can process it, Sterling yanks my body flush with his and presses his lips to mine. I panic for a split-second over my morning breath, but the way he sucks on my lower lip chases all worries away.

His kiss is soft—far softer than any we’ve shared before—and slow. He takes his time, nibbling and tasting and exploring.

Sterling drags his hand up my body to cup my cheek. I sigh at his unexpected tenderness, and he uses the opening to deepen our kiss.

My heart shudders, skipping a beat before pumping into hyperdrive as he slides his tongue against mine.

His erection digs into my belly, yet he makes no move to take things further. His hands don’t stray and his hips don’t roll. And somehow, his respect and his caution turn me on even more.

Seriously, who even is this man? What happened to the Sterling who took unapologetically... the man who all but slammed me against a wall and demanded my mouth? Not that I’m complaining. If anything, he just got four billion times hotter, and I already had him elevated to a god-like status—looks-wise, at least. If his personality well and truly catches up, I might be totally screwed.

He nips at my lip as he pulls away, ending what was easily the best kiss of my life. “That feel like a game to you, baby?”

“No. Not a game,” I sigh and flop onto my back. “But not quite real either.”

Sterling rolls, propping himself up so that he’s looking down at me. “How so?”

“It feels like I woke up in an alternate universe or something. I don’t know how to describe it. Like, my body and my heart are on the same page, but my brain isn’t even in the same chapter.”

“Are you saying I’m in your heart, Emmalyn?” His voice holds a teasing quality, so I laugh instead of replying with words. God knows, if I spoke my truth and he was only joking, I would die.

“Well, how about we ground you in reality with some breakfast? I know a great place down by the river.”

“I’m all for breakfast. Two problems though.”

Sterling gives me his most indulgent smile. “I’m known to be a real problem solver.”

“Well, a shower and toothbrush would be amazing. But also, clothes.”

“I just so happen to have a shower, maybe even a spare toothbrush. And, if you can handle last night’s jeans, I bet I can find you a shirt.”

I nod. “Then you’ve got yourself a deal.”

“We could shower together?”

Panic surges through me, but the twinkle in Sterling’s silver eyes chases it away. “Ha-ha. Funny man.”

“I’m hilarious, baby.” He rolls off of me. “Now go shower. I’ll make coffee.”

He stands from the bed, making no attempt to hide the very prominent bulge hiding beneath his sweats. I’d like to say I avert my eyes, but I’d be lying. And judging from the swagger in Sterling’s step, he likes the attention.

Once he’s out of sight, I scramble out of the bed and into the bathroom. The sight that greets me in the mirror has me cringing. I look like a train wreck times two.

And yet, he still kissed me. Weird and weirder.

I lock the door and start the shower before undressing. I find a new toothbrush under the sink, all the while telling myself I’m not jealous over who it may have been for. I mean, it could have just been an extra for when his needed replacing, right?

I brush twice and swish with mouthwash before stepping under the spray of the shower. I always thought the rainfall head at my stepfather’s house was nice, but this baby makes it seem builder-grade.