Summer Time Sweets by Alexa Riley

Chapter 6

Lucy

Ican’t believe I just said that. Maybe it’s a personality quirk I don’t know I have where I blurt out whatever is in my head. I bite my lip as he slowly turns to look at me. I can tell he likes my suggestion but is fighting himself. I’ve noticed this about him. He’s timid around me, like I could spook at any moment. Maybe it’s because he thinks I’m still hurt. I do feel achy all over, but when I was in his lap all I felt was pleasure.

It was wonderful. I’d forgotten about everything else that was going on. I forgot about how my body still hurt some and got lost in him. It was perfect, and I want more of that. I pull off my socks, then I slide from the counter and my feet hit the cold marble floor. I reach for the shirt, pull it up over my head and toss it away next. My eyes stay on Orlando because I want to see his reaction. His eyes travel down my body, lingering on my breasts for a moment, then farther down.

When his eyes reach my panties, I hook my fingers into them, slide them down my legs and toss them away.

“Fuck,” he mutters. My nipples tighten as I make my way towards him. He doesn't move. When I’m a few feet from him, he reaches out, his fingers trailing along my ribs. “Does it hurt?” he asks, and I can tell he’s trying to distract himself and remind himself that I’m hurt. I glance down and see the purple and yellow mark.

“Only a little,” I admit.

“The bath might help.” His dark eyes stay on the bruise. Then he drops to his knees in front of me, getting a better look at me. I suck in a deep breath when he kisses me there. Not once but three times, ever so gently.

“Will you be joining me?” He looks up at me with a pained look.

“I shouldn't. You should relax.” I can tell the words are forced. Something blossoms in my chest seeing this man on his knees in front of me, fighting for some kind of control. I reach up and run my fingers across his short hair. His eyes fall closed, enjoying my touch as much as I enjoy touching him. “I don’t want to rush anything. You need time.”

My hand stops. I don’t want time. He’s my husband. The one person I trust in the whole world right now. I look down at my hand. “Where is my wedding ring?” I ask him. What if I lost it in the accident or something.

“Being sized.” His eyes open as he stands and my hand drops away. He turns, shutting off the water. He gestures to the steaming bathtub. “Relax. I need to check on a few things.”

He leans down and kisses me, stopping me from trying to talk him into joining me again. I’ll let it go for now. He pulls back and helps me into the bathtub. I let out a sigh as I lean back, letting the warm water wash over me.

“God, that feels wonderful.”

I open my eyes to see him looking down at me. His eyes roam all over my body, and I lick my lips wondering what he looks like naked. “Stop looking at me like that or I’m not going to be able to control myself.” My eyes fly back to his, realizing I’ve been caught checking out his body. The man is built.

“I’m not stopping you,” I tease. He shakes his head, running his hand down his face with a growl.

“I’m going to be in my office for a little bit. Enjoy your bath, little one.” He leans down over me and kisses me. I wrap my hands around his neck, deepening the kiss. I don’t care that I’m probably getting him wet. For some reason, I know he won’t care. Even if I don’t remember him from before, there is something inside me that tells me he’s safe. It’s been there from the moment I woke up. I knew he was mine somehow.

When he pulls away, I laugh out an apology at his wet shirt. I’m surprised when he pulls his shirt off and tosses it away, revealing his broad chest. He winks and walks out of the bathroom.

“Tease,” I call out to him and hear his deep chuckle in reply.

It’s crazy how happy and light I feel with everything that’s going on. A relaxed and free feeling settles over me. I don’t know how long I soak in the bathtub. When the water finally turns cold I pull myself out, grab a towel to dry myself, then brush my wet hair out.

I go in search of something to wear. I see a few things in the closet that must be mine. There’s only a dress, a few shirts and some pants. When I go to grab one, I pause. My stomach twists. I don’t want to put the clothes on. I turn and go over to Orlando’s clothes and grab another one of his big shirts.

I drop the towel but freeze when I catch my reflection in the tall mirror on the far wall. I walk towards it and touch the bruise on my ribs. When I get close, I swear it looks like a boot mark.

I close my eyes and my mind flashes to being on the floor and someone kicking me hard. I can remember all the air leaving my lungs. Panic taking hold. My eyes fly open and I turn from the mirror. That sense of panic lingers all around me. I want to run to Orlando.

I remember flashes of an accident, but there has to be more. There’s something my husband isn't telling me.