“Great.” I clap my hands together, then rub them. “So, you gonna eat that pizza?”
Pushing her plate into the middle, she smiles. “I just don’t have any appetite right now.”
I reach for a slice. “Good thing you didn’t get anything weird on here like green olives.” I shiver. Green olives on pizza is disgusting.
“Never.” She giggles, and the sound gives me hope that she’ll be okay.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Daisy
Gage showed me to the guest room, which happens to be right next to his bedroom. It’s a bit sparse with blue walls and a blue comforter on a full-sized bed. Even though there’s no other decoration, it’s still way better than sleeping at a Super 8 motel. Plus, the color blue is calming and cool. He placed my bags on the bed and left me alone, saying, “Feel free to shower. Bath is across the hall. Towels are under the sink.”
So that’s where I am. The warm water feels amazing as it runs over my head and down my body. I feel sore and like I’m hungover, but I haven’t had a drop to drink. No, this is an emotional hangover, one that’s left me exhausted.
Gage’s bathroom is very nice. I saw it last night when I was here, and I was surprised at its spa-like feel. The shower is large, probably big enough for two. Which gives me thoughts of showers with Gage. Thoughts I need to forget about because he’s not going to want anything to do with someone with as much baggage as I have. “Stop dreaming,” I grouse.
Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I continue to peruse his design choices. The tile in the shower is a mix of gray and white mosaic. There are even some metallic pieces throughout that make it rather glamorous. The clear glass doors help make the bath feel larger. But the best part? The two showerheads. They’re heavenly. Keeping in mind this isn’t my house or my water bill, I reluctantly make my shower quick even though I’d love nothing more than to stand under the warm spray for an hour.
When I step out, my feet sink into a plush rug in a dark gray. They match his towels. Wrapping myself up, I step up to the vanity, the top of which is the same stone as in the kitchen. I’d guess granite. It’s sleek and modern looking, and it matches the shower tile perfectly.
Reaching into one of my bags, I retrieve the toothbrush and toothpaste I purchased earlier today. I scrub my teeth, then run a brush through my hair. Tearing open the new package of underwear, I slip on the pink ones. I love pink. It’s cheerful, and that’s something I need right now. Since I forgot to buy pj’s, I opt for leggings and one of the tees I bought. It’ll have to do for now.
Before exiting the bathroom, I tidy up as best I can, leaving my toiletries out so I can use them tomorrow. “I hope you don’t mind, Gage,” I whisper to myself.
Opening the door, I take one step out and hit something solid. Gage’s chest. “Oh.” I laugh. “Sorry. I guess I wasn’t watching where I was going.” And now that I’m here, I’m in no hurry to move away from him.
“You feeling better, sweetheart?” He raises his hand like he wants to touch my face, but he drops it quickly.
Blinking, I look up into his eyes and smile. “Now that I’ve had a shower, yes. Definitely.”
Neither one of us is moving. I could ask him to step aside, but as I said, I’m in no hurry. “Are you sure this is okay?” I hope he knows I’m referring to staying here.
“I’ll talk to my captain tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll understand.”
He’ll understand? That doesn’t really sound like a ringing endorsement. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah.” He smiles down at me. “I’m sure.”
What are we doing? We’re just inches apart in his narrow hallway, staring at each other. I feel like one of us should either make a move or ask the other one to back away. I’m for option A, by the way, but I’m not the kind of woman who makes first moves. Or second ones. But I’ve also never met someone like Gage Golden, nor have I ever stood as close to someone who looks and smells as good as him either. No, this is new. My life is a freaking disaster, so I’m hesitant to embarrass myself. On the other hand, my life’s already a freaking disaster, so why not take the risk?
With courage I didn’t know I had, I raise my hand and place it on the back of his neck. His blond hair tickles my fingertips, making this feel very real. I push myself up onto my tiptoes, my nipples pebbling as they brush over his chest. Sure, I’ve got on a tee, but there’s no bra under it. He must feel it too because I hear his breath catch the second we make contact.
“You sure about this?” Gage asks in a husky voice. A voice that makes my nipples harder and my panties wet. “Because there’s no going back.”
“I’m sure.”
And with that, his mouth is on mine. The kiss is best described as feverish. Passionate. I open for him the minute his tongue touches my lips. Mine moves past his until they’re tangling and twirling around each other.
Okay, full disclosure. I’m not a virgin. Well, I’m not a virgin in the traditional sense. My hymen is gone, yes, but not thanks to a man. No, I took care of that with one of my toys a few years ago. But I’m more than ready to experience sex, especially if that sex is with Gage.
I wrap my arms around his neck so I can get even closer. That’s when his palms find my ass. His touch is so good that I moan into his mouth. When I’m lifted off the ground, I hang on tight and
