Best Friends (New Species #15)(83)

He shrugged. “I don’t care. Why do you?”

“I was curious.”

“You’re examining me.”

There was no denying it. “You’re really fit.”

“I’m Species.” He openly gazed at her body. “I like that you’re not.” He reached out and brushed his knuckles over her stomach. “I like your softness.”

She felt insulted. Was he saying she was flabby? “I work out.”

He grinned.

“I do yoga and Zumba. I just don’t lift weights or have the time to do them every day. I have this thing called a job.” She turned and pointed her toe downward to flex the muscles in her calf. “I have great legs. I spend a lot of time walking at the diner.”

“I like your legs wrapped around my waist.”

She turned her back on him and stepped under one of the showerheads, closing her eyes to wet her hair and face. She was done talking to him. He was being a man. She had tried to have a serious discussion with him but he seemed fixated on sex.

That soft remark irritated her. She did have some extra pounds, but he didn’t have to point that out. She was at least trying to lose it. Her problem was pie. It loved to tempt her, and her boss’ wife made killer ones that Joel sold at the diner. She got free slices working there. Who could resist that? Not her.

Lash wrapped his arms around her from behind and jerked her against his front. “You are perfect for me. Feel how I react to looking at you?”

She twisted her head and stared up at him. “There’s no missing that thing. It feels like a lead pipe against my spine. What did you name it?”

“Why would I do that?”

“Come on. All men name their dicks.”

“I didn’t. That seems strange.”

“It is, but it’s a man thing.”

“It’s a human male thing. I’m not one of them.”

“That’s true.”

“Do human females name their sex?”

“Not many, but some give their breasts names.”

He leaned forward to glance at hers. “Did you?”

“I just call them my girls.”

“Stop. It is silly.”

She laughed. “It is.”

He reached out and grabbed the shampoo. “I’m going to wash your hair.”

“I can do it.”

“I want to.”

That surprised her enough to agree. “Okay.”

She’d never had a man do that for her. Lash was either really out to impress her, or he just wasn’t like anyone else she’d ever dated. She did have a type of man she was attracted to, despite being more than aware of their flaws. They were usually conceited, a bit selfish, but she’d liked their confidence.

Lash gently fisted her hair and tugged. She tipped her head back and closed her eyes. It felt really good when he used both hands to massage in the shampoo. He gently scrubbed her scalp, too. There was something very personal and intimate about the act. He took his time, as if he wanted to make sure he cleaned every strand.

He turned her around until she faced him. Then he rinsed her hair, using his hands in the same way to make sure all the soap washed away. He tugged her closer and out of the spray of water.

She opened her eyes and met his gaze. He was extremely handsome, now that she could see past his wild mane of hair, his strange facial structure, and the fear that had come with her first glimpse of him. He smiled…and she realized she was starting to like being around him too much. He wanted to keep her, and it didn’t seem like such a bad thing anymore.

What am I thinking? I have a life.

He distracted her from her thoughts by breaking eye contact to get the conditioner. Her eyes lowered to stare at his chest as he massaged the creamy substance into her hair.

She ran her fingers over the patch of fur there. It was short but soft, even wet. It looked good on him. It was sprinkled between his nipples and little higher, spreading out a bit. There was skin under that fur.

He growled low. “Stop touching me, or I’ll mount you right now.”

She looked up and found him watching her. “I’m starving. Hold that thought.”

He grunted and tugged her head back under the water. She thoroughly enjoyed being pampered. He even scrubbed her back. She was out of luck when she asked him for a razor to shave her legs.

“You better get me some, unless you think hairy women are hot.”

“I like you as you are.”

“Two words for you, Lash. Armpit hair. It’s bad, and I don’t want you to see that. I don’t want to see that on me, either.” She pointed down at her groin area. “Plus, this isn’t the nineteen-seventies. I’m not a big fan of lots of hair in that area. You wouldn’t be, either, if I let it grow out.”

“I’ll get you razors.”

“Good man.”

“Humans require a lot of upkeep.”

“You could let me go.”

He shook his head. “You’re mine.”

“We’ll see.” He might change his mind if she were demanding. “I need a toothbrush and toothpaste. Don’t forget that…and clothes.”

“There’s extra toothbrushes in the drawers.”

That drew a frown from her. “Do you have women over often?”