Loner by Harloe Rae Page 0,31
a dull ache between my thighs, proving I didn’t conjure up all those filthy positions. I’m deliciously sore in all the best places. Each twinge and cramp are a badge of honor. Patches of tender skin speckle the expanse of my chest, torso, and lower belly. The polka dot pattern is almost a brand, evidence left behind from my lover’s stubble as he had his very thorough way with me. Crawford didn’t miss an opportunity to explore his conquest. That word stings, even after I’ve had time to let it simmer and sink in. All I am is a quick roll in the sack. But that’s all I expected from him. I can’t be upset.
Crawford and I had agreed on one night only. We sure as hell made the evening count. His insatiable need matched mine with the type of natural flow that envy breeds on. The memories currently playing on repeat will keep me company once he leaves. There’s enough material to keep me satisfied for the drought that’s sure to follow. I wasn’t joking about him wrecking me. That confession wasn’t a flippant fib carelessly spewed while in the throes of passion.
I’ve always been a tame, albeit open-minded, sexual partner. The man snoozing next to me has altered that in a permanent manner. He makes me feel like the sexiest woman in existence, and that knowledge is crazy powerful to my self-esteem. I’m usually far more resistant to showing off all my dents and jiggle. Since Millie was born, I prefer under the covers with the lights off sex. Stripping naked in front of a practical stranger is a no-go. But Crawford didn’t give me a chance to be self-conscious. The way his eyes hooded while roaming over my body was a serious boost to my bruised ego. After that, I bloomed under his undivided attention and released all of my reservations. I took advantage of what he offered without a single ounce of guilt.
The rising sun attempts to streak in through the curtains, urging me to get a move on. I turn to glance at the clock, a sigh slouching my shoulders. It’s barely eight. Alice made me promise not to pick up Millie until at least eleven. They’re taking her out for breakfast to get blueberry pancakes with sprinkles. My stomach lets a loud rumble loose at the thought of breakfast.
A yawn fit for a lion has me whipping around. The bedframe groans from my erratic motions. It’s a shock the antique wood is still holding strong. Crawford rouses with a stretch, showing off slabs of chiseled muscle and temptation. The sheet tents when he rolls to his back. Much to his credit, that defined ridge delivered more orgasms than I care to count. A spasm twitches in my thighs, and I swallow a moan. Such a pity this won’t go further. I shift onto my side, the movement jostling him again.
Crawford pins me with a heavy-lidded stare. “Dammit, woman. Why is your mattress so bouncy?”
That’s one way to start a conversation. I huff at him, tacking on an eye roll for good measure. “Didn’t hear any complaining when those springs were working in your favor.”
“No, you definitely couldn’t over all that screaming.” A low growl rolls out of him. “Kinda surprised your voice isn’t shot to shit.”
I feel my face go up in flames and fight the instinct to burrow under the covers. “It takes a lot more than that.” In reality, my vocal cords are rubbed raw and scratchy.
His brows shoot up. “I find that hard to believe.”
“You would.”
“Without a doubt.” Crawford rolls toward me, the comforter shifting to give me a peek I didn’t need.
The gleam in his greenish brown eyes reflects immense satisfaction. I’m sure mine mirror the same. He’s sleep rumpled, yet more attractive than any man should be. His hair is disheveled, much like the rest of him. Lines from the pillow crisscross his cheek, adding to the already angular edges of his scruffy jaw. Just gawking at him gets my engine purring again. Good grief, I should be more than sated. I’ve had more sex in the last eight hours than the past three years combined.
He gives me a lazy perusal, those hazel depths scorching a path along my body. I tremble as the embers of lust spark in my lower belly. In that moment, and not a second sooner, I become all too aware of my nakedness. With a yelp, I tug the sheet up to my neck.
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