Queen of my Heart

29

I STARED AT SANDER.

He was still asleep, one arm slung around my waist and his face buried in the crook of my neck.

Last night was, by far, one of the best I've ever had. Granted, he wasn't Bryan, but I wasn't longing for Bryan last night.

I didn't know what I was doing right now, but it felt like cheating, if I thought about it. Still, I'd stay with Sander until he sorted out his thing with Shiela. We weren't in love with each other or anything, but I guess . . . I guess a sexual relationship wasn't too much for us.

Besides, we did pretty well with each other, if I did say so myself.

I felt him kiss my neck. I smiled. I hoped we wouldn't get awkward later, when we went to work and all. I hoped this—whatever this friendship we have—wouldn't be stained by this sin we committed.

“Good morning,” he whispered, his voice deep and raspy from sleep.

I played with his soft hair. I swear, his hair was better than mine. “Hello to you, too.”

Shifting so his arm was cradling my head, he said, “I enjoyed last night.”

He said plain and simple, not at all bragging his expertise in bed, and I realized again how lucky I was to be . . . devirginized by this young lad.

I hummed. “Me, too.”

His other arm pulled me closer. “Let's take a shower. We'll be late.”

“Together?” An image of a naked Sander popped in my head. Last night . . . Well, we were preoccupied, so I wasn't able to gawk at his splendid physique, but now . . .

He grinned mischievously. “Why not?” He got up, bum-naked and completely unabashed, and threw me an expectant look.

I couldn't look away from his body. I didn't know he was this . . . fit. For goodness' sake, he has abs! And that letter V leading down to his huge . . . I blushed furiously and looked away.

When did it get so hot in here?

I slowly stood up, the blanket wrapped around myself. We both eyed the blood on the sheets. My face heated up some more.

I couldn't believe I wasn't a virgin anymore.

Sander was standing in front of me, looking like a Greek god. “You won't need this,” he said as he unwrapped the blanket from me and threw it on the bed.

I shivered at the sudden cold, then gaped at him. Here I was, on full nude display before this block of perfection, and I felt self-conscious.

His eyes were on mine, his gaze so soft and intimate. “I won't touch you if you don't want, but I just want to say—you're perfect.”

Tentatively I put my hands down from my chest and private area. I looked down, biting my lip. “It's okay,” I mumbled.

He chuckled and closed the distance between us, his arms around my waist. “You don't know how amazing you are, Juliet.” He kissed my neck. “Bryan is so lucky to have you.”

I sighed against him, my body aware of his arousal. Good Lord, this bloke didn't know how to control himself. “Thank you, Sander. Shiela doesn't know what she's missing.”

“Let's brush our teeth so I can kiss you already.” I laughed as he pulled me into the loo.

• • •

I was cleaning the last table for the day when Shiela came up to me, her eyes fierce and determined.

“We need to talk.” Four words, and I was ready to run away.