Oral Care

Chapter 22: What's Offered

*** Evelyn's POV ***

I am up surprisingly early the next morning despite the late night. Rafael was insatiable after my stunt at the lookout. And while I had left my place heavy with Miguel's observation, Rafael managed to dismiss my concerns once I opened up. He surprised me with the exacting precision he used to draw out and then excise my fear.

Now, after a night of unforgettable sex, I am traipsing about his place. I am wearing his button-down and my panties, appreciating that he doesn't have roommates or guests I have to dress for. I first find his coffeemaker and supplies to get the morning joe flowing. Priorities.

The space is not what I anticipated. I expected the traditional stark bachelor pad. But his house has old-school charm from its brick exterior to its tastefully decorated interior. He has some pictures of family and art on the walls, neither excessive. His bathrooms are clean. His living room is cozy, complete with a folded blanket for snuggling when cold. He seems to have more space than he needs. The house has had some upgrades too, including a remodeled kitchen. I find myself wondering if he had them done or if they were selling points for him.

The coffeemaker draws my attention to its completed state. I find mugs and pour myself a cup. I am drawn to the sunlight streaming through his patio door. I peak outside to assess the privacy. Satisfied with the result, I slip out and take in his beautiful lot. You can see the rolling landscape and it is early enough that fog lingers in the air.

I breathe in deeply and cup the mug, truly appreciating everything about this moment including the man who still lays in bed, snoring gently. Being here helps me to better understand him, and I like that. I am starting to realize that I may want more with Rafael than I have ever allowed myself before.

He doesn't rail against my rules and excuses. He just rolls right along and keeps his end of the bargin mostly. For that, I am incredibly grateful. I sense he wants more with me and I see myself conforming eventually. Why should I refuse him when I really do like everything about him? I just want to take it slow, is all.

"There you are." Rafael's raspy morning voice calls to me from the patio door. He takes in the sight of me as I admire his bare chest and the pajama bottoms that sit low on his hips. "Don't go anywhere. I'll be right back."

I laugh at his urgency. He returns moments later with a coffee mug in hand. Before plopping down in the chair next to me, he leans down and greets me with a lingering smooch on the lips. I taste that he freshened his perfect mouth before coming out here. Once he sits, he interweaves the fingers of one hand with mine and brings his coffee to his lips with a contented sigh.

"That good?" I question.

"Heck yeah. Better than good. Blissful." He admits.

"Wow, you're making me feel pretty special, doc." I chuckle, looking over the vista ahead.

"You are pretty special, Evelyn." He rumbles in a low tone that makes me blush under the weight of his sincerity. "Did you sleep okay?"

I laugh and look at him. He hides a sheepish smile behind his coffee mug. He knows the answer already. "I don't know. I kept getting woken up by this pointy rod in your bed. You may want to get that checked out."

He chuckles and shifts in his seat. He glances over at me with a devilish grin. "It only seems to act that way when you're around."

I lean over to check his status. I see the outline through his pants. "He seems sluggish today."