Your Alluring Love (The Bennett Family 6)

His reply hits my inbox in a matter of seconds.

Nate: I really did want to make sure you got home okay. But I also wanted to talk to you.

A pause follows, in which my heart seems to double in weight as my mouth suddenly goes dry. I rest my ass against the vanity, trying hard not to imagine scenarios of doom. God, I’m ridiculous. Instead of writing back, he calls, and I answer right away.

“You had me panicking for a moment there, waiting for you to write,” I say into the phone.

“Yeah, I thought calling would be better.”

The tone of his voice has a slight edge to it, which does nothing to soothe me.

“Okay.”

“Tonight was amazing, and I want to be honest. I don’t know how to let people in, Alice.”

I breathe out slowly, carefully choosing my words. “I know.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I’ve been watching you closely since I was a kid. Sure, ther

e’s been a gap in which we haven’t seen each other, but some things don’t change. So yeah, I’m aware you have some solid walls around you.”

“What do you plan to do about them?” There’s a playful note in his tone, and a lump in my throat dissolves. I hadn’t been aware of its existence. I also realize he’s giving me an opening, which I take with both hands.

“Depends. I need more information. What are those walls made of? Ice? Stone? Concrete?”

Nate laughs, and I make myself a promise. I will make him laugh often. You can never go wrong with that. The way I see it, people don’t laugh nearly as much as they could.

“Those are some pretty specific questions.”

“I need to know what tools I’m gonna need.”

“You won’t need any. You’re a force of nature, Alice.”

“Best compliment I ever got.” I fight to stifle a yawn, but it gets the better of me.

“Go to sleep,” Nate says immediately.

“Nooo, I love talking to you. Especially when you’re complimenting me. And especially after you’ve given me an orgasm. I’m still a little high.”

“So, good, huh?”

“Oh yeah. Wait, why do you have to ask?”

“My ego needs it.”

“Men,” I mutter. “Don’t worry, I’ll be louder next time.”

“Next time, you’ll be underneath me, and I’m going to be deep inside you. The only thing you’ll be doing is begging me for more.”

“Oh my. That’s a promise right there.” I intended for my reply to come off as playful, but my voice is breathy and needy.

“It is. Now go to bed.”

“Good night.”

After ending the call, I place the phone back on the vanity table and crawl under the covers. Nate might think this is new territory for him, but he sure is sweet and attentive. His message to ask if I’m home is proof.