LillyI race toward the water, ignoring the sting of the pebbles under my feet. Michael’s harsh breaths are just steps behind me. I splash into the cold surf and dive under as soon as I can, cutting through the water. He’ll catch me. Any second now. He’s a strong swimmer, with those long arms and al
“Fuck, baby. You’re so hot. I love how you feel around my hand.”“Get inside me, then.”He groans. “You’re trying to shred my control, aren’t you?”“Yes. Oh, that feels good. Do that again.” I’m wet and needy, and every time he twists his fingers, I clench around him. “Michael, ah. Yes.”“I can’t re
His hand comes up to brush my cheek. “What’s that look, Lillyy?”I love you. I can’t bear to be the one who begs, but for Michael, I’ll do anything. If both of us are stuck, we’ll never move forward. Maybe he needs the encouragement. Maybe he needs to hear it first. I take a deep breath, needing the
“Ten years?” I whisper.He nods shortly. He hates this. His eyes are shadowed, and his face is tense. “Do you want to know why I stopped having sex?” His voice is low and rough. I nod, even though I sense something terrible is about to happen. “Because the first time I slept with my then-girlfriend,
“Lilly, wait. Don’t leave.”I whirl. “What am I supposed to do? Keep waiting for you?” I can feel my eyes heating with tears. Don’t cry. Just wait until you’re alone. “Should I stop dating just in case you decide to love me? Should I come to holidays and pine over you?”“Just give me time. Maybe I c
LillyI pack woodenly, carefully wrapping any delicate items in the bags they came in. I run my hands over the thick silk crepe of the red dress. It’s been dry-cleaned by the hotel and is ready to wear again. I make a choked sound as I remember Michaelzipping it up my back. His touch was reverent th
“Do you want to talk about it?”“I’m not sure.” If I tell Levi, is he going to go crazy? He’s never been that kind of brother. Protective, but not overly so. “I think that pretending to date Michaelwas a bad idea,” I say carefully.He nods and sips his beer. “I might not be experienced in love, but
MichaelThe pilot calls me the next evening to let me know the jet is back at the jetport. It took him a little longer than normal with all the private jet traffic coming in for the wedding. She’s gone. I knew she’d leave. I wouldn’t have stayed either. I can’t blame her. Last night was a train wrec