It's the best thing I've ever seen.

He holds me close for a minute then he separates our bodies and takes care of the condom.

He smiles as he rejoins me on the couch. He pulls me back into his lap.

I melt.

Right now, I know I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

16

Bella

We have breakfast and tea (coffee for Joel) on the couch.

We're not talking about anything important.

We're not really talking even.

Quiet isn't what I expect from Joel, but it's comfortable. Easy. Like we're a normal married couple, two people who have been together for years.

There's no tension between us.

There are no pretenses.

Even though I'm keeping my thoughts about the divorce and about Dad's phone call to myself, I don't feel the usual burden of secrets.

It's not like quiet breakfasts with my family. Joel isn't

looking at me with expectations. He's not waiting for me to convince him I'm doing well in school.

That I'm doing well, period.

Hell, I'm not thinking about school.

I'm not even thinking about life outside this apartment.

The sun is streaming through the wide windows. Waves are crashing against the beach. The sky is blue and bright.

This place is beautiful.

It's distracting how beautiful it is.

I finish my last bite of scrambled eggs, take my plate to the sink, fix another cup of tea.

Joel looks up at me from the couch. His green eyes are filled with affection.

He does like me.

A lot even.

But he seems okay with this ending. At least, he hasn't said otherwise.

Joel pushes himself to his feet. He moves close enough to slide his arms around my waist then he pulls me onto the couch, onto his lap.

My tea sloshes over the sides of my mug. "This is hot."

"Angel, you flatter me."

Tags: Crystal Kaswell Dangerous Noise Erotic
Source: readsnovelonline.net