Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 107673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“I don’t like me. How’re you goin’ to?” I whispered hoarsely.
“I don’t know the answers except to say, you’re here. For you to leave without giving us a chance…” Dash stopped speaking and shook his head, dispelling whatever more he had to say. “Let’s go to sleep. You have a long drive tomorrow.”
This time, taking Dash into my arms was as natural as sleeping in this bed. When his finger began caressing across my muscles, lulling me into sleep, the smallest of goosebumps sprang up against the touch. A raw reaction that I couldn’t hide away. My tight control was slipping.
My eyes closed as I realized I’d never considered Dash’s pain. Not really. He’d always been there for me. Never failing to assure me that he was waiting. I hadn’t given him the same peace of mind. Luckily, before I fully explored my selfishness, the years of always keeping one eye open, ready for whatever came at me, faded into oblivion. I coasted off to sleep.
Dash’s uniquely exotic scent surrounded me, tightening my lax body. I searched for him, patting the bed beside me, wanting my good morning kiss before I started my day. My straining cock hoped his lips agreed to travel lower and take care of my need there too.
I stretched, extending my toes in one direction, my arms the other.
My eyes fluttered open. A long yawn followed as I burrowed deeper into the luxe mattress. I closed my eyes again, remaining that way until the reality of where I was and what I was doing there cleared my hazy mind. This time, I snapped my lids open, my body instantly tensed, and I raised my head to see Dash, fully dressed, sitting in a cozy style chair drawn near my side of the bed. A detail I didn’t remember from the night before.
The textbook in his lap held his concentration. Lost to the pages as he turned one over another. He deserved to be on the pages of GQ magazine with the way he dressed: neat slacks and a color-coordinated sweater pullover, jewelry around his neck, bracelets and a watch at his wrists. The impeccable style of his hair, something I’d noticed yesterday, made him seem untouchable to the common man. I lifted further, looking past him to the sunlight filtering through the window.
Damn. I had to hit the road before the day progressed any farther.
In a single motion, I flung the bedspread aside and planted my feet on the floor. I rubbed my eyes, trying to let go of the sleep. “What time is it? I gotta go.”
“It’s two thirty,” Dash said, unfolding from his seat, closing the book. It landed heavily on the bed. “I brought your bag inside.” His nod led me to the floor by the sofa across the room.
I stretched my arms above my head, yawning again, sure I hadn’t heard him right. “What time?”
“Two thirty in the afternoon,” Dash stated calmly, better enunciating each word.
What the fuck? Instantly awake, I got to my feet. Was this a joke? I scanned the room for a clock. Dash stood, wiping at the wrinkle in his slacks.
“I rise early. I don’t sleep until two in the afternoon.”
“Two thirty,” Dash said, correcting me with a broad grin and putting his hands on his hips. “I was unsure what to do. I wasn’t quiet while dressing and got up about eight this morning. I called your name several times and shook your foot and arm, but you turned away and stayed asleep. I decided you needed the rest. I’ve been sitting here studying since. Do you want coffee?”
Shit. “I gotta get on the road.” I started past Dash to grab my duffle to dress.
“You can shower. It’s ready for you. I’ve packed. I’ll gather my textbooks…”
“Where’re you goin’?” I asked, tossing the strap over my shoulder. Dash had bent to gather two books off the floor when our eyes locked.
“I’m going with you,” he said as if I were the dumbest person ever and stood to his full height.
“No, you can’t do that.” For two, maybe three spellbinding seconds, I got lost in all that stood before me. He was just so damn well put together. I gave a forceful shake of my head to clear it of all the nonsense. “I’m goin’ back alone. I’m not opposed…”
“No way, Beau,” Dash said with authority. “If you leave here alone, you won’t come back. Your head’s not in the right place.” He tossed additional books, one after another on the end of the bed. “I’ll tag along as your friend. I promise no boundary-pushing, but in private, we need to discuss the future. A road trip to and from Alabama is a great amount of time to figure it out.”
Dammit, there he went again. With a groan, I dropped my head back between my shoulder blades, this time, not near as intrigued with the ceiling tiles as before. Why did we keep going in circles? We talked forever last night. What more did we have to discuss? Nothing, that’s what. I left him there and started for the bathroom. “I’m goin’ back alone, Dash. There’s no place for you there.”