Take It (Sinclair 1)

Kalilah’s stomach growled loudly. Well, at least that was something she could control.

“I’m going to get the food you brought.”

She needed a little space from Nick, even if it was just for a few minutes.

Nick relaxed in her bed and stared into the darkness. Nick didn’t know what caused it, but he noticed a shift in her mood. They’d just shared a wonderful experience, but she seemed more withdrawn. So far, this was not working in the direction he’d expected. He needed to find a way to keep her connected to him.

He needed to feel that she would still be around after their agreement ended. Agreement. Nick sat up in the bed. They didn’t have an agreement. She didn’t ask for anything in return, and he hadn’t offered. Nick pushed his hair out of his face. Why did she agree?

Kalilah returned holding the bag from the bakery and two glasses of orange juice. She placed the items on the night stand and opened the curtains and blinds to let some natural light into the room. Nick was happy that he’d already fixed his clothing. He was even happier that she was still completely naked.

Nick imagined how great it would be to be that comfortable in his own skin. And her skin was wonderful. The sunbeams bounced off her curves giving her an almost ethereal glow. He felt honored to be able to see her body in its natural state. He ached to touch her again. Somehow, he knew now was not the time. Her usually open gaze still seemed…guarded. Nick was well-versed in guarded.

“You’re staring,” She said. Nick flushed.

“Your body is amazing.”

A quick twitch of her lips was the one indication that she’d heard him. Kalilah made no moves to cover her body. She grabbed her glass of orange juice and took a sip. The she looked in the bag for what she wanted.

Nick had no doubt that she would find something she liked because he had filled the bag with all her favorites. She didn’t give any indication that she noticed. She closed her eyes as she chewed and savored her food. The quiet Kalilah unnerved him. Nick decided to focus on filling his belly as well.

She spoke between bites. “Text me your address. I will come get you after I take a nap; we’re going on a field trip.”

Nick nodded. “Uh…okay.”

He was hoping to nap with her, but it sounded to him like she was kicking him out. He stood up to leave. He looked back at her sitting on the bed eating. He picked up his glasses and sighed.

“What is it, Nick?” Her tone was curter than usual.

“I…uh. Nothing.”

“Spit it out, Nick.”

Nick turned and looked at her. “It’s just…you’re sending me home. I wanted to nap with you.” Hold you. Nick looked down. “I seemed to have annoyed you, but I’m not sure what I did.”

Some of the tension relaxed out of her shoulders, and her gaze softened a little.

“I’m not annoyed; you didn’t do anything. I’m not kicking you out. You said you weren’t tired.”

He was tired, and if he went home, he would go to sleep. What she didn’t understand is that he just wanted to be with her. If she said she was going hula dancing right now, he would put on a skirt. He couldn’t tell her that right now. It was too soon.

“If we’re being honest, I didn’t sleep well last night either.”

She smirked at him and patted the bed.

“Lie down.” She was still completely naked and unashamed.

“Are you…”

She cut him off. “Nope. Not putting on clothes until I feel like it. Are you ever going to take off your clothes?”

Nick knew it was an honest question and not a jab, but he couldn’t help but flinch. Her big brown eyes never missed a beat.

“Sleep now. Talk later.” Nick allowed his eyes to take in their fill while she closed the curtains.

He felt her climb in the bed next to him. She grabbed his arm and wrapped it around her side. He rested his chin on the top of her head as he spooned her. He smiled. Nick was exactly where he wanted to be. In her bed, surrounded by her scent, with her in his arms.

They’d only napped for two hours, and it was some of the best sleep Nick had had in a long time. Kalilah had insisted that they remain on schedule. He had no idea what was on the agenda for the day, nor did he care because all he wanted to do was snuggle up under Kalilah and relax. However, her perfectly shaped brows were set in determination and concentration as she drove to God knows where.