He kept his arms around me. “I’m not done.”
“You are.”
“You just had a terrifying dream.” He let go of me, lay down, and gestured for me to come.
“What are you doing?”
He rubbed that sexy chest of his. “Come to Daddy.”
I chuckled, but took the invitation and lay my head on his chest. There was no thought or idea of consequences. I enjoyed the feel of his arms. I loved that I woke up to him in my bed.
Granted, I had told him that we should chill earlier this evening. I’d meant. But damn I liked his touch too.
I rested my head on his chest. In a rhythmic tone, his heartbeat in my ear. I had to stifle a groan of pleasure.
He wrapped those arms around me again, encasing my body in pure warmth and protection.
I closed my eyes and whispered, “Thank you.”
“Thank you? What am I to you? Some idiot off the street? A stranger that you don’t know.”
I grinned.
“This is what we do. We’re friends. Maybe. . .more.”
I bit my lip.
“Goodnight, Jade.”
I fell into the warmth of him. “Goodnight, Kamal. I’m glad you’re here.”
“The more I think about these last days, the more I believe the universe was working to better my life.”
“How?”
“Had the state not been on lockdown, I would have never come home early to find what I did.”
“Correct.”
“And if Amber hadn’t done that, I would have never been stuck in this apartment with you.”
“That’s a great way to look at everything. Sort of a silver lining perspective.”
“This ended up being a perfect situation.” He slipped his hands along my back. “Exactly what I needed.”
I eased into the comfort of him. “I agree.”
In his arms, the night’s terror left. I felt comfortable for the first time in a long while.
Sleep took me over.
A new dream arrived—one filled with a shirtless Kamal and a bigger room. Gold silk sheets covered the bed. He kissed my lips, turned me over, and massaged my naked body with hot oil. I moaned in delight. His fingers had skills. He knew how much pressure I required and what made me shiver with arousal.
I woke up with a groan lodged in my throat and my skin on fire.
Dear God. That was just a dream?
I opened my eyes and realized I was in bed by myself. I sat up and scanned the room. Sunlight bathed the space. Noise sounded from outside the door—dishes clattering and something sizzling. I sniffed the air.
Yummy. What is that?
I pushed away the blankets and left the bed. Unfortunately, my body was still aroused from the sensual dream with Kamal. My hard nipples pressed my pajama top. I’d worn my Shaolin Assassin short set since last night had been too warm for the new long johns Kamal bought me.
That dream though. . .
I blew out a long breath.
I wonder if his hands are really that good. Last night, his kiss was amazing.
I stopped in front of the closed door and paused.
I told him no more kissing, due to the craziness with Amber.
It was a smart move. Everything was too intense. And I really believed he should figure things out, before starting anything with me. His breakup was a fresh wound—one a band aid wouldn’t solve. It required more care. Maybe even stitches.
I placed my hand on the knob.
But what about this attraction that we have?
It was clear we had chemistry. In barely two days, we were in each other’s arms and mouth-to-mouth. But if I thought about Kamal and me for too long, complications entered my head.
How would Zora feel about this? And even her mother?
It could go either way. And was Kamal ready for anything more? If we had sex. . .I wouldn’t just want to be his rebound-plaything.
Whatever. We’re not kissing anymore, so forget about the worries.
I opened the door and entered the living room.
“Good morning, princess.” Kamal glanced over his shoulder as he cooked something in the kitchen. “You woke up just in time. I thought I was going to have to come in there. Are you ready for breakfast?”
“You cooked for me too?”
“Yes. This is your apology breakfast.”
“What are you apologizing for?”
“Involving you in the unnecessary bullshit from last night.”
“Not your fault.”
“I don’t play the fault game. I would rather make amends and learn the lesson.” He turned the stove off, carried the pan over another counter, and began plating. “Sit down. I’ll bring everything over. What do you want to drink?”
“Water.”
“And tea or orange juice?”
“After all that wine last night, I need to hydrate.”
He winked at me, set the pan down, and brought two plates to the table. He put one down at his usual seat.
“I’ll bring some water over in a minute.” He set a plate in front of me.
Fluffy eggs, sautéed spinach, and crispy potatoes lay on the plate. I was about to say thank you and then smiled at the joke in bed last night. “This is awesome, Kamal.”