Page 79 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

SPRING SUMME R FALLING | 79

I reach for the bag the clerk had placed on the top shelf the night before. I have
to get on my tippy toes and stretch. My fingers barely clasp the handle, and I pull
slightly. The bag starts to fall faster than I expect. I flinch and cover my face waiting
for impact. It never comes. Henry’s strong body is pressed against my back. He
holds my bag above my head. Concern worries his features.

“Did it hit you?”
I shake my head. I’m breathless. My head rests against his naked chest, and his
other big hand is on my waist. I see a glimpse of color; he’d donned underwear
before I almost knocked myself out.
He drops the bag on the floor and turns me in his arms. He studies my face.
He smells like his usual delicious self. My hands rest against his chest. I can feel his
heart beating rapidly. I want to make his heart race in ways that have nothing to do
with fear. I’m dying to run my hands along the body that has been giving me the
naughtiest fantasies. Or, what if I slowly drop to my knees and take his underwear
down with me?
“You scared the shit out of me.” His words pull me out of lewd musings. My
eyes move up his body to meet his. “Just ask for help next time. I don’t want you
getting hurt.” The sincerity in his voice throws me; I nod.

“Have a seat; tell me what I need to know about Teo. Where did you meet?
Why does he believe he can constantly disrespect you?”
I settle into my new favorite spot on the bed.
“Would you believe me if I told you I used to be a party girl.” Henry looks
slightly doubtful.
“Really?”
“Yes.” I smile at the memory. I tick off items with my fingers. “I knew all the
parties, all the hot spots, all of the drink specials, and all of the dances…everything.”
Henry steps into some jeans as I speak.
“I was on the list. I got Lizzie into a lot of VIP spots. We would party hard then
sleep it off. Well, one night I was up to my usual antics, and Teo saw me. He
pursued me hard for weeks. He would buy my expensive gifts so show off is wealth,
call and talk about how beautiful I was, lament on how he had to have me, and so
on.” I wave off the memory. “I folded. He tried to change me. I went to fewer
parties, had fewer friends, and only saw his people – the asses we’re stuck with all
weekend.”