Only With You (The Connor Family 4)

Val: At home already.

It was nearing eight o’clock, and I was surprised that he was still at work. He usually messaged me after he left, and he was always out earlier than I was.

Carter: Damn. I wanted to pay you a surprise visit. You know, we still haven’t set a date. When are you free for dinner?”

I swallowed. Oh... that. Before I could even reply, dots appeared on the screen. Carter was typing. I wanted to wait and see what else he had to say first.

Carter: I’m dying to taste you again. I’m attracted to you, Val. Not just on a physical level. I like how your mind works. I wanted to surprise you by whisking you to dinner tonight - no expectations. But since you’re already home... how about tomorrow?

Val: I have dinner with my family tomorrow. But I have time every evening next week except Wednesday and Friday.

I waited with bated breath for his reply.

Carter: Do you have any plans tonight?

Val: Supreme relaxation. No bribe is high enough to get me out of my house.

Not five seconds later, my phone rang. I didn’t pick it up from the tray, just activated the loudspeaker.

“You didn’t think I’d give up easily, right?”

It was the first time I’d heard his voice this week, and it was even sexier than I remembered.

“It’s your prerogative to try your best, but I’m warning you. I’m taking a hot bath. Nothing can top that.”

“You’re in a tub?”

“Yes.”

A pause and then, “Why do you have your phone with you?”

“I have this fancy wooden tray that I use as support for stuff. Phone, Kindle, drink. I usually listen to music, and all of it is on my phone.”

“You’re naked right now?”

“I don’t make it a habit to take baths fully clothed, so yes.”

Now that he’d mentioned it, this did feel a little... erotic. Hearing his voice while I was stark naked, surrounded by the romantic light of the candles. This was my happy place. I usually set my phone in airplane mode, only using it to listen to music. But I was happy I hadn’t switched it tonight.

“Val....”

Oh God, the way he’d said my name. He’d almost groaned it, as if it was a primal reaction to picturing me naked. The sound sent heat spiraling right to my clit.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you want to punish me for something.” His voice was deeper.

“I want to do no such thing. I’m just relaxing.” Shit, my voice was breathy too.

“You deserve the time out.”

“Thanks. I love this. It’s like my private spa.”

“You don’t like going to an actual spa? With your sisters, or girlfriends?”

“I do, but I’m more of a DIY girl, even for manicures and so on. I don’t like feeling strangers’ hands on me. I went for a massage once. It was weird. I didn’t enjoy it at all.”

He gave a low laugh that sounded suspiciously like he was trying to cover up a groan.

“I’d give you a massage if I were with you. Trust me, you’d enjoy mine. I would touch you so good. Just where you need it.”