Dorie Graham - The Morning After

“I’m sorry to trouble you,” she said as he filled two glasses with filtered water. “I never meant to intrude. I really intended just to drive by.”

He handed her a glass and drank deeply from his own. “It’s no trouble. I needed a break.”

She downed half her water before daring another peek in his direction. The man was hairless and sleek, sculpted like a Greek god. She pressed the cool glass to her cheek. She had to get a grip. “You were working in the garden?”

“Weeding mostly. I have a lawn service that takes care of it. I just like to get in there sometimes. It’s cathartic to yank up those weeds.”

She nodded, not sure how to respond. A moment of silence fell and she set her empty glass on the counter. “Thanks. I feel much better.”

A gust of cold air flowed over her as the air conditioner kicked on. Gooseflesh rippled up her arms, and her nipples beaded beneath the thin fabric of her dress.

His gaze traveled over her, lingering at her breasts before moving up to her eyes. “Would you like to sit down for a while? You probably shouldn’t get back out in that heat just yet.”

“No. I’m fine, really. I should be going.” She cast a quick glance down. The halter top of her dress left little to the imagination.

“Would you like to tour the house one more time?”

Though her earlier excitement about the house stirred, she felt exposed. She folded her arms over her chest. “Maybe another time.”

Disappointment swirled in the blue depths of his eyes. “Sure.”

“But I’d love to see the gardens again.”

He nodded and took her hand. “This way then.”

His grip was firm and strong. Walking hand in hand with him as they strolled the stone path circumventing the far flower garden felt oddly right. He pointed out various flowers, but her pulse throbbed in her ears, making it difficult to hear him. His mouth was beautiful to watch as he formed each sensuous syllable.

What would it be like to kiss him?

“Don’t you think?” He looked at her expectantly.

She bobbed her head in a half nod.

“I had a friend who didn’t think so, but I know it’ll hold two comfortably.” He gestured to the large hammock nestled beneath tall palms.

Tugging her hand, he drew her closer to the hammock. “I’ve never been able to get anyone to try it with me.”

“Oh.” She turned to him. “You’re awfully big.”

“It’s a double. It’s supposed to be for two.”

“Well, I’m sure two people fit then.”

They stood for a moment in silence, then he brought her hand up. “No rings.”

“No.”

“No fiancé, then?”

“No.”

“Boyfriend?”

“No, there’s no one. I wouldn’t have agreed to go out to dinner with you if I was seeing anyone.” Her heart thudded dully.

“Of course.” His eyebrows furrowed. “Still, how can that be?”

“Well, guys just don’t seem to stick around.”

“That makes no sense.”

“True nonetheless.”

“But you’re successful…and so beautiful.”

She cast her gaze downward, and he hooked his finger under her chin, urging it upward. She shivered at the intensity in his so-very-blue eyes. “Truly beautiful.”

He was going to kiss her.

The realization rang through her like a shot. The urge to flee took hold of her, but she stood, unable to move. His lips brushed over hers in a caress that grew steadily more demanding.

She opened to him, meeting the hungry stroke of his tongue, melding her body to his as he skimmed his hands over her back, then down her hips. Angling his head, he pulled her closer as he mated his mouth more firmly with hers, stealing her breath and sending heat rolling over her.

At long last he pulled back, his eyes blazing. “So…”

“So…”

“Um, I’m not great at this and I’m a little out of practice.”

“It’s okay. You…want to explore this…this attraction.”

He nodded slowly. “Interested?”

She swallowed hard. This was her chance to help him. Warmth filled her as she envisioned touching him, stroking him, bringing him pleasure…and peace. But something told her that leaving this man would be one of the hardest things she’d ever do. For some inexplicable reason, the prospect filled her with sadness. She barely knew him. How could she feel this way already?

She kept her voice casual, though her pulse pounded and her lips ached for more of his kiss. “Could be.”

His brow furrowed. “I can’t make any promises. I’m not looking for anything serious. You should know that up front.”

A rueful laugh escaped her. She tried to squelch the bit of disappointment that surfaced. “You mean no extras? No frills? Sex only?”

“I owe you dinner. We could go out. It’s up to you.”

She’d been down that road too many times before. She and Brad had dated for three weeks before she had finally slept with him. The outcome had been the same. With the way she felt about Dylan in the short space of time since they’d met, only disaster lay that way. Better not to get too close. “I don’t need any frills.”

He nodded slowly.

With a boldness she didn’t feel, she ran her hand up his torso. “Let’s not put off until tomorrow what we can do today.”

“We don’t have to do this now if it’s too soon. We could go to dinner first, then see how you feel.”

“I’m not hungry…at least not for food.”

He moaned softly and crushed her to him, claiming her mouth once more.

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