12. Night with Sharon [*]

Josh only smiled slightly. 

Somehow, his heart felt heavy at the thought of giving in to Sharon’s wishes. He didn’t have the energy, to be honest, with her. His body and mind were completely drained from dealing with problems he never expected. On top of that, he worried that if any trace of Ashley’s scent still lingered on his clothes, Sharon would definitely notice.

A quiet sigh escaped his nose. His fingers, which had been gently caressing her cheek, now traced down to her full, red lips.

“Do you want to do it?”

Even so, he couldn’t bring himself to reject her outright. He had already hurt her enough by betraying her—by marrying another woman. Now he couldn't disappoint her more.

Sharon grabbed Josh wrist and kissed his thumb. “I don’t know. I’m just not in the mood. I’d rather hit you than sleep with you.”

Josh tilted his head spontaneously. Quite amazed that the girl wasn't excited. Usually, it was he who struggled to keep up with her.

“How about you hit me after I shower?” he smiled, then brushing a kiss over her lips. “You can do anything to me later.”

Sharon’s eyes gleamed even more. “Anything? Don’t regret it.”

Josh chuckled. “Right. Anything.”

He ruffled her hair before rising from the couch. His feet carried him to the main room of the apartment and into the bathroom.

Josh took his time washing up, making sure to clean himself thoroughly from head to toe. Without rushing.

At least here, under the warm stream of water, he could detach from everything—to calm down and breathe freely. Even if only for a moment, it was enough.

Because once he stepped out of this bathroom, there was no telling what he would have to face again.

Ever since Sharon found out about his marriage, her emotions had become like an atomic bomb that could explode at any time—unstable, unpredictable.

At one moment, she might be as normal and cheerful as ever. But a second later, she could be furious just because provoked by something trivial.

Josh couldn’t blame her. Any sane woman would definitely do the same if they were in her position. Especially when the two of them had been in a relationship for almost eight years.

When he was done, he stepped out with a towel wrapped around his waist. Another smaller towel in his hand as he dried his damp hair. His feet carried him toward the wardrobe. In front of one of the sections, he stopped and scanned his neatly folded clothes. He was about to pick out a casual T-shirt and comfortable pants when—warm arms wrapped around his bare torso from behind.

He almost didn't notice Sharon walking in.

She held him tightly, pressing her cheek against his back, breathing softly against his skin. Josh remained standing still in his place. He let the girl hold him, let her cling to him as if she were afraid he would disappear.

“I missed you,” she whispered.

The various tension and problems that had occurred between the two of them had obviously exhausted her—he couldn't deny it. Ignited many quarrels, fights, prejudices, and constant suspicion. Their relationship lately only contained unpleasant things. Their opportunities to meet had also become limited and greatly reduced. And every time they were apart, Sharon’s coldness only grew stronger.

Josh, too, actually missed her very much. More than he could admit. But his mind was too cluttered with urgent matters that he needed to resolve before he could focus on her again.

He barely even remembered the last time they had spent time together warmly, pleasantly. Without worrying about anything.

“Me too,” he murmured.

A small smile tugged at Sharon’s lips. She pressed a light kiss to his back, her hands sliding lower, slipping beneath the towel.

Josh’s breath hitched. His right hand instinctively braced against the wardrobe as her fingers moved with increasing agility.

“Shouldn’t you be apologizing to me?” she suddenly asked.

Sharon stopped the activity of her hands. Slowly, she pulled back, releasing him. She looked up to search Josh's face from behind those perfectly muscled arms. Her large, doll-like eyes stared at him, filled with a manipulative look of innocence.

Then exhaled as if overcome with deep disappointment, “Forget it… I don’t think that’s necessary,” she said. Again, sighing dramatically.

Josh raised a brow. 

“I mean, isn’t it your fault for leaving me? For marrying someone else? For making me suffer alone? For not needing me anymore? For throwing me away like I meant nothing?” Her forehead creased. “And yet, somehow… Now I feel like I’m the one having an affair with you.”

Josh immediately turned around to face her. He cupped her face between both hands.

“No, I’m not. Please don’t ever think like that, okay? You’re the only one I love,” he said firmly. “Yes, I hurt you. But I have nothing to do with her. It’s just business. Our relationship—will remain the same as before.”

Sharon’s eyes searched for the truth in his eyes.

“Are you sure?” she whispered, still looking at him with a sad look. “Are you sure—you won’t change? That you won’t… fall for her? That you won’t touch her?”

“Yes, yes,” Josh answered without hesitation. He leaned in, pressing a firm kiss against her lips. “Of course, I’m sure.”

“Don’t leave me… please,” she whined.

Josh kissed her again. “I won’t leave you.”

Then their lips moved hungrily against each other. Shared a burning desire. Without breaking the kiss, Josh lifted her into his arms, carrying her to the bed. He laid her down gently. His fingers reached the straps of her nightgown, pulling them down over her shoulders.

His lips traveled across her skin, leaving a trail of heat wherever he touched.

Sharon let him take control. Let him explore every inch of her greedily. 

Her back arched as he got to her lower body. Lingering at her navel for a while before venturing down further and further.

Soft moans spilled intensely from her mouth—breathless and uncontrollably. Her body trembled beneath his touch, and her lips kept parting and biting gently, trying to hold back. It looked even more sensual as filled with saliva from the kisses before.

“Stay with me forever,” she gasped. “Hm... Josh…?” Her breath started heavier.

“Yes. Nothing can keep us apart,” he replied between his mouthfuls of activity, ”I promise you.”

“Josh,” her fingers ran through Josh's hair, “I was so sad… when you were with her.”

Sharon whispered, eyes fluttering shut. Her body arched even more as she felt the pleasure the man was giving her.

Josh paused for a brief moment, then moved up.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, “I’m sorry.”

No matter how many times she needed to hear it, he would say it. Over and over. Because he meant it. Because he would do anything for his girl.

“I love you, Josh,” she tried to catch her breath when Josh entered hers. She wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, following his rhythm. “I love you…”

Josh only responded with a soft hum, kissing her again, deeper this time.

“Don’t go…” Her fingers tangled in his hair as he moved faster, “Give it to me… Josh… I want to have it, have you... All of you, completely,” Her head tilted upwards.

“I’m yours, Sharon,” he whispered between his kisses, “Only yours.”

“I don’t want to share with anyone… Give me everything… Give it to me, inside of me… I want all of you…”

And so, they lost themselves in each other. Giving themselves to each other.

Over and over again.

In a night that lasted endlessly.