The Arrangement Anthology 1(43)

Shaking my head, I say, “I’m fine. Something got in my eye.” Sean nods and takes my wrist, pulling my off the bed. “Where are we going?”

“I want to take a bath with you. Can we do that?” his eyes meet mine, and although I don’t understand, I do as he asks.

Nodding, I say, “Yes, that would be nice.” I press my lips together and manage to stop the tears.

Sean fills the huge tub in the bathroom and invites me in. The room is blush colored marble, with white accents. It’s beautiful. Sean takes my hand and pulls me to him. Wiping the moisture from my cheeks with his hands, he pulls me to him and holds on tight. He whispers in my ear, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” he sighs and pulls back, looking at me. Smiling sadly before glancing at the tub, Sean waves his hand, like I should step in clothed. I nod and step into the warm water. When I sit back, he takes my hand.

Sean smiles at me, but I still feel sick. I must look green because he says, “We don’t have to do this.”

“Yes, we do. I have to get over it and just do it. Nothing in my life turned out the way I thought it would. Why would this be any different?” I sound bitter. I can’t hide it.

Sean sits on the edge of the tub and looks down at me. My white panty set is see through. When his gaze flicks back to my face, he says, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to look before you’re ready, but you’re beautiful. I couldn’t help myself.”

I manage a weak smile. “You weren’t acting like yourself.” It’s a statement, a fact.

His eyes dart to the side, like he’s ashamed. “I didn’t know how to act.”

“I thought you’ve done this before.”

“I have, it’s just. This is different,” he says, pushing his hands through his hair.

“Why? I don’t understand.”

“I know you don’t Avery. Just believe me when I tell you that it’s different. I didn’t know the others. I know you. I like you. It changes everything.” His voice drops to a whisper and he won’t look at me.

I swallow hard, and stand in the water. Water pours off me in sheets as I stand and reach around to unhook my bra. The clasp comes undone and I drop it on the bathroom floor at Sean’s feet. He watches me, his eyes darkening by the moment. He looks at my breasts like he wants to lick them. I shimmy out of the wet panties and toss them to him. Sean catches them. A smile flicks across his face.

“A sudden case of exhibitionism, Miss Smith?” he can’t seem to pull his gaze up to my face.

I take his hand and pull him to me. His feet are on one side of the tub. I press my naked, wet body against him and drag my fingers through his hair. I decide that I have to do this all the way or not at all. I’m holding back and so is he. I hope that removing my barrier will cause his to come down as well.

Looking into his eyes, I say, “Shut up and kiss me.”





CHAPTER 13





Any remaining wall that Sean has up, crumbles and falls. He presses his body tightly against mine before sweeping his lips over mine. The kiss is gentle at first and then becomes more demanding. His tongue sweeps over my lips, demanding that I part them. When I open my mouth, he dips inside. Sean kisses me harder and I love it. My fingers tangle in his hair. The damp shirt clings to his chiseled chest. I press my breasts harder against him, wishing that I could feel his skin against mine. As if he can read my mind, Sean pulls away and strips his shirt off. When he takes me in his arms again, our bodies are plastered together. My breasts smash against his hard chest. The ache in my nipples feels better when I rub against him. I writhe in his arms, sliding my body against his. Sean’s hands trail down my back and cup my butt. He pulls me to him and lifts me out of the water. I wrap my legs around his waist and he carries me to the bed.

Looking into my eyes, he lays me back. “Tell me when to stop. I want you to like this, too.”

I nod. My entire body is hypersensitive and craving his touch. As soon as his chest slips against me, I want his hands in places hands shouldn’t go. My legs fall apart and Sean slips his fingers between them. He strokes me gently as he kisses me, finally slipping his finger inside of me. I push my hips into his hand, wanting more.

Sean pulls away, smiling and says, “Easy. Go slow. I don’t want to hurt you.”

I nod and lock eyes with him. I don’t feel scared anymore. I just want him. I want to show him how he makes me feel when he looks at me with those sad eyes. I want to make him smile and I don’t want it to stop. Taking his face between my hands, I pull him back down to my mouth. His hand slips between my thighs again and he presses inside me.