Liar

“Hmm…” I thought of what else I loved to do. The first thought was to say something sexy because that was what most guys wanted to hear. But Kent looked at me like he wanted to see below the surface. Like he wanted to know what I really liked to do. The truth bloomed in my chest and radiated out, filling every inch of me to almost bursting. “Do you trust me?” I asked, an idea taking root.

His eyes narrowed, but after only a moment’s hesitation, he finally said, “You know I do.”

“Okay. Help me clean up, and we can get started.”

“With what?”

“It’s a surprise,” I said with a wink, returning the taunting he’d given me this morning.

Thirty minutes later, we lounged back on the chaise of my couch. Me between his legs with his arms wrapped tight, his heart thudding perfectly behind me.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

“If I can skydive, then you can do a facial.”

“How much longer do we leave this on for? And what is that smell?”

I tipped my head back to look up at his light green face. He kind of did look ridiculous, especially with the scowl. Somehow, he also looked more masculine with his dark scruff defined jaw.

“I love you,” I whispered.

His face softened and looked down, pouring all his love and adoration into me. “I love you too.” Despite the cream, he hunched over and softly kissed my lips. “But seriously, how long and what is that smell.”

Laughing, I resituated myself to watch Tim Gunn look over a half-finished dress. “It’s cucumber, and I leave it on for one episode of Project Runway.”

“I’ve smelled cucumber, and this is not it.”

“May also be the yogurt.”

“Jesus, woman. What do I have on my face?”

“You’ll thank me for it later. I promise.”

“So, this is what you do while I’m away?”

“Yup. I’m not as glamorous as I seem.”

“Nonsense,” he said before kissing the top of my head. “Do you want to be a fashion designer? Is that your end goal?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think so. I just like design in all its forms. Clothes, interior, or art. I like the concept of taking one small bland item and mixing it with another to create something eye-catching.”

He paused, trailing his fingers up and down my arms, leaving goosebumps in his wake. “It suits you.”

“Daniel said so too. Mom always kind of patted my head and told me my designs were pretty, but Daniel pushed me to do more. He saw more than just a girl who liked clothes.”

“It’s pretty easy to see if someone takes the time to look at you and really see you.”

His words were simple and said without any hesitation, but they sunk in and hit a spot not many people were able to reach—not a spot I let many people reach. Fire burned the backs of my eyes, and I blinked to keep the tears at bay.

“Thank you, Alexander.”

“Only stating the truth, Olivia.”

I hunched over and kissed his arm, just needing to show him an ounce of affection for the impact of his words. “You should stay tonight,” I whispered against his skin.

He stiffened for only a moment. “Are you sure?”

I loved that he asked. I knew how much he wanted me to talk to Daniel. I knew how much it cost him to be around his best friend and not admit what we were doing. But I still couldn’t bring myself to say the words just yet, the fear of the unknown, of losing someone who sees me beyond my cute love of clothes, terrified me, and I wasn’t ready.

I loved him for understanding, and I wanted him in my bed tonight. I may not be able to admit our truth just yet, but I could give him this. “Yes. Now, quiet, they’re about to do the runway show. I also like to critique and see if mine come close to the judges.”

“Yes, ma’am. Judge away.”

My eyes cracked open and caught on the vision staring back at me. I was lying on my side, facing the mirror with a strong arm tossed over my waist. In my bed. Not a hotel bed with impersonal sheets, but my bed, with my familiar teal bedspread and gray pillows.

I loved every moment with Kent, but this had to be one of my favorites. This felt the most real. It was everything I wanted in a single reflection.

The arm around my waist tightened, and warm lips pressed to my neck as his hand shifted to cover my breast.

“Good morning.”

My heart tumbled over his gruff morning voice and fell at his feet. I turned to face him and softly kissed his lips. “Good morning. Do you want some coffee?”

“Hell, yes.”

“Why don’t you stay in bed, and I’ll go make us some.”

He moved all at once, covering my body with his, sinking me into the mattress. My thighs spread around his hips. He buried his head in my neck, kissing the skin as he thrust, sliding his hard cock along my wet slit.