The Feel Good Factor(54)

I send instructions to my body not to get turned on while watching a flick with the kids. For the most part, my body listens dutifully.

But there’s an organ that doesn’t listen so well.

And it’s not the one between my legs. It’s the one in my chest. Because Perri’s answering questions from Molly all through the movie, then letting my niece cuddle up next to her while she holds the baby, then making funny faces.

The next thing I know, Molly asks what Perri’s been making.

“A little knit cap for Devon. But shh, don’t tell her,” Perri whispers.

“It’ll be our secret,” Molly whispers in return.

And my heart slams against my chest. It thumps harder, faster.

She’s making a gift for my sister’s kid.

Plus, she was completely cool with the surprise of three little six and under stinkers showing up on her couch tonight.

What’s more, I knew she’d be cool with it because that’s who she is. I’d never describe her as laid-back, but she is a roll-with-the-punches kind of gal. She’s unflustered and completely chill.

She also has one hell of a huge heart under that fiery exterior.

As the movie nears its end, I watch her and Molly, enjoying the little whispers, the smiles, the laughs. My heart races, beating a thousand times faster, and my skin heats in a whole new way.

This woman is not out of my system.

She’s not only a fantastic fuck.

She’s not simply a fine roomie with temporary benefits.

She’s the woman I’m falling so damn hard for that it’s scary. Much scarier than the horror novels I read.

But like those, I can’t seem to stop turning the pages.





*



Near the end of the movie, Perri rests her head on my shoulder. Her eyes are fluttering. I press a soft kiss to her forehead, and she murmurs something then slumps against me moments later, snoozing.

She sleeps through the credits, stirring when Jodie arrives later to corral the kids. She stretches and says hi to my sister. “Your kids are darlings.”

“They have their moments. And I can’t thank you enough for helping out.”

“All I did was point the remote at the right flick,” she says with a smile.

“Not true,” I chime in. “You chatted with Miss Chatterbox the whole time.”

Perri smiles. “It was a blast.”

“You also willingly let us pile like a pack of puppies on your couch,” I add.

“Well, I like puppies, so it was no problem,” Perri adds, then turns to Jodie again. “We had fun. Also, your walnut blue cheese bread is the best.”

“Come by this weekend, and I’ll give you a loaf.”

She waves a hand. “I’ll buy it.”

Jodie shakes her head adamantly. “Your money is no good at my booth.”

I help Jodie out to the car, load up the kiddos, and kiss them goodnight. My sister closes the doors, walks around the car, and crosses her arms. “You did it.”

I knit my brow. “Did what?”

Shaking her head, she smiles that knowing big sister smile. “You fell for her.”

“Did not,” I say, lying through my teeth.

“You can’t fool me. What are you going to do about it?”

That’s the million-dollar question with the far-too-frustrating answer. “There’s nothing to be done. She doesn’t want a relationship, and I don’t either.”

“I don’t believe you. You’re in love with her.”

I wince. Hearing the stone-cold truth spoken aloud makes all these crazy emotions feel even more real. I definitely don’t have the time, space, or inclination for this level of feeling, but it’s fucking here, making itself known. Trouble is, I’m not sure how to deal with it, because I don’t want to get hurt again. “There’s nothing to do,” I say firmly. “But I love you. And good night.”

“Good night, Derek. I love you too.”

I go inside, doing my best to leave the conversation and all its dead ends behind me. Perri’s stretched out on the couch. She smiles up at me, her eyes fluttering open.

“Hey, gorgeous.” I bend over her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Are you tired?”

With a yawn, she answers, “Long day.”

“Let’s get you to bed.”

She shakes her head. “Not yet.”

“Why not, sleepyhead?”

“I need something first.”

My heart lurches with hope. “What’s that?”

She reaches up for me. “You.”

And I’m ready to go. Damn, my dick likes her all sleepy and sweet.

And my heart does too. That dumbass organ leaps out of my chest and lands next to her, curling up, finding its home.

Fucking hearts. Fucking dicks.

I can’t resist her with either one.

I join her on the couch, grabbing her jaw, and pressing a soft kiss to her lips that turns hungry, greedy. She yanks me closer, stripping off my shirt, unzipping my jeans.

Her clothes come off too, and in seconds, she’s spread her legs, inviting me home.

I grab a condom, cover myself, then slide inside, gasping at the indescribable pleasure of the warm, welcome feel of her.