Belong (Seven Year Itch #3)(31)

Chapter 16


Like the flame only feet away from where we sat, my body had ignited, Chad being the match. His engaging stare was fixated on mine, enticing me to follow his lead, no matter how far he intended to take things. I’d stopped fighting him, letting our natural impulses lead the way. His kisses were practiced and heart-stopping. My salacious appetite was obvious, even after only a few lustful kisses.

We were playing a dangerous game? raking over the anticipation of pleasuring each other the way we’d done years before. A connection like ours couldn’t be severed with time. I was coming to realize it had only intensified my need to relish every amatory detail of this encounter.

We both knew we’d never get back the time we’d lost, but rather than dwell on the negative, we were flourishing in the idea of rediscovery.

Chad broke away from me, coming to a standing position. “I’ll be right back.”

I was almost inclined to think something had changed his mind. The few minutes which passed before his return left me wondering the same about my own choices. Then he resurfaced, carrying a tube of lotion. “How long has it been?” He curiously asked while sitting back down near me. Before I could reply he’d removed one of my pumps, catching my foot with his strong hand. He opened the tube and squirted a small amount over the smooth skin on the arch. It was cold, causing me to retract a few inches. His snicker was amusing.

“I can’t remember.”

“I’m not rushing things, Rach. There’s no need to. I don’t plan on going anywhere for a while.”

I could have asked about California, or his obligations, but I was too focused on the way his hands worked out the kinks in my neglected foot. “I missed this.”

Grayson had done his best to pamper me, but Chad had always been excellent at massages. He seemed to enjoy giving them as much as I favored getting them. At first I’d assumed he had some weird fetish, but come to find out he was just a thorough lover. Little details like this may have slipped my mind, but he was proving some things can hardly be forgotten.

“That feels amazing.”

A smile radiated off his face as he continued working my stressed muscles. I watched him lick his lips before responding. “You should already know what to expect from me. Don’t act like you’re surprised. If I’m nothing else, I’m patient.”

“Take your time. I have forever.” My eyes flew open when I understood how powerful the statement was.

Chad smirked. “Yeah, if only it were that easy.”

“It was an impulsive statement. Maybe I should keep my mouth shut and let you work your magic.”

“That’s not necessary. I happen to enjoy hearing you talk to me. Tell me what’s been going on with you. Talk to me about Steph and the baby. What’s her man like? Does he treat her right? Did Grayson get to walk her down the aisle?”

I smiled. Of course he’d be fine talking about my husband. That’s why Chad was always too good to be true. He actually cared about others. How his wife could have walked away from him was beyond me. She obviously couldn’t get past her own problems to see how lucky she’d been to have him.

“He walked her down the aisle three years ago. Her husband is a mechanic. He works in Rockville. They have a nice little place outside of town. It’s in a cozy neighborhood where a lot of young people are starting out. Stephanie teaches art to elementary school kids. She loves her job, and having her summers off.”

“Are you excited about being a grandma?”

I was almost afraid to see if he was teasing me, but answered honestly. “You know I love kids. I hate the idea of being called a grandparent, but at least I’m young enough to enjoy it. I can’t wait. She’s letting me be in the room when the baby comes.”

“It’s an amazing experience. Some of it is the most disgusting thing one could ever see in their lifetime, but then something beautiful happens and you sort of forget about the nasty parts.”

“I bet it was amazing to see your daughter being born.”

“Of course. You know I wanted kids.”

“How come you only have one?”

“Long story short, Veronica didn’t have time to be pregnant again. She’s too busy with work. We had a nanny, but since Harper has gotten bigger she only comes sometimes. I like taking her to work with me. She’s got a bunch of toys at the office, and I don’t have much stuff to do while I’m there. It mostly runs itself.”

“I try to keep up with my office, but it’s the same. I don’t really need to be there, but it keeps me occupied. If I had to sit home alone I’d go crazy.”

“I bet.” He paused for a second. “Do you think Stephanie would like a newer car? I don’t know what she drives, but my grandfather has too many. I know he’s got a Subaru that would be great for a new baby. She’s welcome to it.”

“You’re crazy. Sell it.”

“I don’t need the money, Rach. You and I both know that. It’s my pleasure. It’s my gift for the new baby.”

“I think you’ve given me enough.”

He sat my foot down and picked up the other one, removing the shoe and putting a dab of lotion onto the skin. “Nonsense. I’d give you the world if you’d let me.”