The massive California King four-poster bed is covered in a dark blue comforter. The nightstands on both sides are made of the same dark walnut stain. A large flatscreen was anchored to the wall above the dresser. It oozes masculinity and I allow myself to imagine him sprawled out beneath the darkened sheets. Night after night, naked maybe. My head feels woozy from the images I’m conjuring of him.
He led me into the master bath and I took one look at the large Aqua Eden Freestanding bathtub and bit my lip to keep from moaning. I can visualize myself soaking in that tub for hours. The large glass shower has a smooth stone backsplash and a wooden bench that caused my belly to flip. Oh, the possibilities.
Merick grabs something out of the closet. He turns to me and sticks his hand out. “Spare toothbrush.”
I take it from him. “Thank you.”
“Get cleaned up, but avoid getting your dressing wet for now. I’ll lay out some clothes for you and wash what you’re wearing.” He reaches out ever so slowly and strokes my cheek with his thumb. His chestnut brown eyes are so bright they almost look like they are glowing. “I want to talk to you about how you ended up in the forest last night.” Merick leans down, brushing his lips against mine before disappearing out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.
I touch my lips and smile. What is wrong with me? Last night I nearly died, well maybe not died, but something or someone was trying to get into my cabin. A shiver ran down my spine thinking about the figure I saw walking by my window.
I push the fear aside and get cleaned up. In only a towel I poke my head out of the bathroom and find his bedroom empty, and a stack of clothes on his bed. I throw on the basketball shorts, folding the waistband over and over until they somewhat fit.
The sweatshirt hits me mid-thigh and when I hold it up to my nose, the soft cotton material smells just like Merick. It causes an ache between my thighs. I ignore it, knowing that it is the last thing I should be focusing on at this point. One by one I pull on the wool socks that go to my knees. I’m petite for a woman, and in his clothes, I looked like a child.
I let my brown locks down and go back into his bathroom, grabbing Merick’s comb and run it through my hair. I leave it hanging down my back. As soon as I finish I make my way down the stairs. The living room is empty and the fire is roaring. “Merick?” I called out.
There is no response and I move around to sit in front of the fire. I’m warmed all over and I curled my legs under me.
I rub my fingers over my lips, still feeling Merick’s gliding over my own. My nipples harden to painful points, rubbing against the fabric of his sweatshirt. I ignore the way my body feels like it’s short-circuiting.
My eyes begin to feel heavy and I welcome it. I am both emotionally and physically exhausted.
I feel my hair being brushed out of my face, opening my eyes to find Merick sitting next to my hip. “Sorry, I fell asleep.” My voice is rough.
He smiles down at me, rubbing his thumb back and forth over my bottom lip. “That’s okay. You needed sleep. I grabbed you some pain reliever and some water.”
Merick helps me sit up and then hands me two white pills and a bottle of water. I swallow them down and half of the water not realizing how thirsty I truly am. He takes it from me and stays close. “Can you tell me what happened last night?”
Grabbing the blanket that is over me I pull it up to my neck as the fear comes back.
Merick strokes my hair and talks in a soothing voice. “You’re okay. You’re safe here.”
I take a deep breath. “I was asleep and I woke up to noises. They startled me. First, I heard something scratching at the back of the cabin. Then hissing started, it was so loud I covered my ears. That didn’t help, so I let go and grabbed a knife when the banging started.” I run my fingers through my hair. “It was when I stood up that I saw the shadow of someone. The only thing that kept running through my mind was, I had to get to you. I knew you’d save me.” His eyes creased at the corners and his nostrils flared.
Merick grabs my hand and brings it to his lips. “You’re safe, I promise.”
He speaks with such conviction I can’t help but believe him. “Thank you,” I whisper softly. Merick leans in, tilting my chin up so he can reach my lips. The kiss is slow and sweet. I lick the seam of his lips until he opens. He spears his fingers into the hair at the base of my skull, holding me in place.
All too soon the kiss is over and Merick is pulling away from me. “You make me want to lose control.” He runs his nose along the side of my face. It’s like he’s trying to inhale my essence.
My hands rest over his heart that is pounding against his chest. God, his body is hard and he radiates so much warmth. “What are you?” I ask so quietly I’m not sure if I actually said it out loud. And then I ask something that has been toying with me for days. “Are-Are you
