How quickly everything changes... — a quiet inner voice murmurs, still trying to pull me together. — You hate him! Stop staring at him like that.
Just moments ago, Dwayne and I were talking about how my life felt like it was over. We hashed out the painful actions of that jerk Jenson, the doubts, the obstacles that seemed impossible to overcome…
But now, all those thoughts have vanished. My mind is consumed by one thing only — his lips. They’re so close I can feel their warmth without even touching them.
The world around us ceases to exist. On this vast planet, on the tiny Dingle Peninsula, it’s just the two of us.
In this moment, I realize I want him. I want to kiss the rough-around-the-edges Dwayne Doherty, to feel his lips on mine. I want to forget my fears and troubles, to just be with him. Right now, in this very minute. All other thoughts dissolve. All I can think about are his lips.
Wait, no… there’s something else I remember.
— Did you lock the door? — I almost moan as his rough fingers trace along my cheekbone, outlining its shape. I close my eyes, soaking in every touch. It feels so good.
— No one’s coming in here, — Dwayne rasps in response.
— What if Ollie suddenly needs you? He’s been giving me weird looks. I think your brother knows what’s going on in my head.
Oh, you idiot! Why am I even telling him this?
— My brother’s busy with his fiancée. Let me focus on you, — his fingers slide down to my back, tracing the line of my spine. And his lips... his lips are driving me wild, brushing against my neck.
No, I’m not against his good mood. But I don’t want to have to explain myself to his brother again, or risk ruining the good rapport I’ve built with Ollie. He makes me delicious soup, croissants, omelets… honestly, anything the younger Doherty touches turns out amazing.
— So, what’s going on in that head of yours, princess? — Dwayne teases. — I want to hear it straight from you.
My own body betrays me. I start breathing heavier, trying not to suffocate under the weight of my emotions.
— In my head, I hate you… — I wrap my arms around his neck and pull myself closer.
— That’s mutual, princess. I really, really want to... hate you. Will you let me?
— Yes.
***
I wake up alone the next morning. The room is quiet, save for the faint sound of the ocean drifting through the open window. Bright sunlight gently caresses my barely covered body, sending shivers across my skin. A sense of peace washes over me, mingled with a sharp, boundless feeling of happiness.
Yesterday was the best day of my life.
Memories of last night slowly trickle back, like dreams I’ve just woken from. My head spins with vivid impressions of the night before. We erased every boundary possible, and now those memories feel like a dream. But this is real. I’m in his room, my clothes are strewn somewhere on the floor, and my body aches pleasantly from his commanding, passionate touches.
Fully awake now, I stare at the ceiling, trying to recall every detail of last night. It’s the kind of story you could write a whole book about. My gaze wanders around the room — everything feels so unfamiliar, so foreign. Dwayne’s room is completely different from the rest of the estate, and I love that. I also love being here. It’s as if he’s let me in closer, almost into the very depths of his soul…
But I don’t want to get out of bed just yet.
It feels like if I leave this bed, the memories will vanish, like a dream that fades with the morning. I want to stay here, to lie in bed and bask in the recollections. His lips, his gaze... How do I not lose my mind after a night like that? And how do I even begin to understand what’s happening between us? Because I want more.
I run my hand over the cool sheets, trying to sort out my feelings. A faint pang of sadness tells me I’d give anything to be in his arms right now, to feel him stroke my hair, to have his rough fingers tangle in my locks. To have him look at me like he did last night… as if I’m the best thing that’s happened to him in years. But at the same time, my rational side is relieved. I’m not ready to look Dwayne in the eye just yet. I feel a little shy.
Quick, confident footsteps echo in the hallway, and I can’t help but smile. I’m such a fool. A real girl whose mood swings like a roller coaster.
Should I pretend to be asleep? Let him wake me up with tender kisses.
I dive under the covers, my heart pounding as I wait for the door to open. The door swings open. The hurried footsteps grow closer and closer, and suddenly the blanket is yanked off me. My eardrums nearly burst from the piercing shriek:
— Who the hell are you? — a strange blonde woman screeches, looking me up and down.
— And who the hell are you? — I shoot back with an equally dumb response to her ridiculous question. I grab the blanket and pull it over myself, covering up.
Who is this lunatic? Has she ever heard of personal boundaries?
— I’m Kaylin! What the hell are you doing in my man’s bed?