Rising Storm (Westin Force #2) - Julie Trettel Page 0,34

laid down and stretched out on my back. He rolled to his side and stared down at me.

“What are you thinking? I can’t tell.”

“You surprised me today. I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t this.”

I cringed. “Was it a good surprise or the bad kind?”

He leaned down and kissed me. Unfortunately, he pulled back far too quickly leaving me wanting more.

“The best kind,” he whispered.

“I’m not a typical gorilla. Even there, I couldn’t fully fit in.”

“Oh, I can imagine you’ve given many silverbacks a run for their money over the years.”

“I can be shy and quiet, sometimes. Okay, rarely and only when I try really hard. Fine, only around strange humans until I figure them out. I was never great at following rules. I talk a lot, too much, especially today. I can’t remember the last time I really talked to a human and I think it’s just been bottled up inside or something. I’ve always had a mouth, and a temper, but not quite this bad.”

“You talked quite a bit, even as a gorilla, you know. I didn’t really notice it as much then, but you were always curious and communicative. I like that.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I like that you’re open and honest and ask questions or communicate your needs when necessary.”

“Like right now if I told you I think I need another one of those orgasms?”

Painter started to choke which turned into a massive coughing fit.

“New word you learned?”

I shrugged. “It’s not like I’m completely ignorant of how things work. I just didn’t know what it was called. Shelby told me.”

Painter groaned. “You two are going to be trouble together. I can feel it.”

He suddenly got out of bed and I feared I said something wrong.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “Should I not have said that?”

He leaned back down and gave me another quick kiss. “Sweetheart, you can tell me that every second of every day and I’ll do my best to oblige.”

“But you’re leaving.”

“No, I’m changing out of these pants and taking a couple pain meds.”

“Is your leg still bothering you?”

“A little. I probably overused it today. It’s bearable though.”

“Should you shift? I knew you ditched your gorilla too soon when you woke up.”

“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

I scrunched up my face. “But I do worry about you.”

He smiled back at me. My worrying had made him happy, even though he had just told me not to worry.

“Do you want some water?”

“Yes.”

I laid back down and tried to get comfortable. There was no use. I felt like I was getting tangled up in his shirt.

He returned and handed me a bottle of water. I struggled to open the lid, so he took it from me and twisted off the top before returning.

“Painter?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m not very fond of clothes. Are they absolutely necessary?”

“Outside of this apartment? Yes.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not entirely dumb. I knew that much. I meant in here.”

“As long as it’s just the two of us in here, then no, of course not. Though if we get company I would certainly prefer if you put some clothes on. My gorilla doesn’t like other males looking at you, especially naked. He and I are in perfect agreement there.”

I nodded. He was feeling territorial over me. I could understand that because I was feeling territorial over him too.

Happy to hear that clothes were no longer a requirement, I stripped off his shirt and threw it on the floor. The bed felt more comfortable after that.

“Better,” I proclaimed.

Painter was mumbling something under his breath as he turned off the lights. Only the lamp on the table next to the bed provided light by the time he returned.

I frowned.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Unlike me, you are quite fond of clothes, aren’t you?”

He laughed and slipped off the shorts he’d just changed into before slipping into bed and turning off the last light.

“Better,” I said again as I snuggled close to him. I could smell the outdoor scent of his soap still on his skin. I leaned in and sniffed.

He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me even closer to him.

I remembered how good he had made me feel when his hands had explored my body and wondered if my touch could make him feel that good too.

I laid my head on his shoulder and sang as I let my hand roam over the hard ridges of his chest and stomach. I really didn’t know what I was doing exactly or if it would feel good to him, I was