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Chapter 11

Alexa

Laying in his arms, I feel something I have never truly felt before. Home.

And the thought that I'm finding this with a stranger slightly terrifies me.

The quiet rhythm of his soft snoring is oddly soothing as is the rise and fall of his chest beneath my cheek.

Surely, there is something wrong with me? I fell into his bed so soon… I’m sure shrinks would have a field day with this. I’ve been with a man before, if a drunken, fumbling, high school senior counts as a man. It was nothing compared to what just happened.

But surely, I’m jumping to conclusions, my heart playing tricks on my mind because of an orgasm, or four. I don't even want to explore the Freudian aspects of this discovery.

Not to mention flying across the country with a stranger. My rational side scratches to the surface, but I quickly shut her down. Not ready to leave the warmth of his arms, I snuggle deeper into his secure embrace.

Chasing away reality, my mind drifts back to what we just did... It wasn’t just sex, but I’m not sure what it could be classified as. I don’t dare label it as lovemaking but… he was gentle in his touch, tender even. All the while, never losing that undercurrent of dominance that radiates from a powerful man like him.

Since we arrived in NYC, I can almost feel the internal struggle he fights to hold the reins and not drop his guard completely. But I’m hoping Ben from the diner will make an appearance... soon. Glimpses of him have emerged now again, but they’re fleeting.

Turning in his arms, I look up at him, gently running my fingers down his cheek. Brown floppy hair with flecks of gold, sticking out in all directions, has me resisting the urge to run my fingers through it, for fear of waking him and breaking the moment. His thick, dark lashes splay across his cheeks, a delicate balance to his chiseled jaw and nose.

Unable to help myself, I lean in to place the gentlest of kisses to his lips.

Drawing back to glance at this beautiful sleeping man, who rescued me and doesn't even realize the weight of those words, I find him looking right back at me.

Rich brown eyes with flecks of green stare into my own gaze of blue. Feeling my cheeks heat in embarrassment at being caught watching him sleep, I quickly attempt to tuck my head back into his chest. But, as he pulls me tighter to his body, I feel him growing hard... My eyes find his once more. I become flushed in other places, longing I never imagined flowing through my veins.

Because the look in those eyes tells me he's not finished, not by a long shot.

“Alexa,” he moans before capturing my mouth with his.

*****

Ben

Sitting up, propped up against a mountain of pillows, we take a break from our Netflix marathon. We’re having a lazy morning in bed, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I stay home from the office. There isn’t much going on today anyway, so for just a little while, we get to be relaxed Ben and Alexa, away from prying eyes.

I’ve been able to keep Tess away, but the possibility that we could run into her at any one of these events lurks in the corners of my mind. I’m only afraid of what she will say or do that could hurt Lex; I couldn’t care less what she says about me. Leaving that paper on my desk was careless, and if I know Tess, she’s been digging.

Focusing on the task at hand, I turn my attention back to the blonde beauty next to me, watching her perfect lips as she explains how pancakes are her favorite food and should in fact be their own food group entirely.

I love laying here with her, getting to know each other. Pillow Talk she calls it, and it’s quickly becoming my new favorite thing. So far, we have covered the basics. Favorite foods, movies, music. Of course, business. But, I’m always left wanting more.

“So we know about your obsession with pancakes, dark roast coffee, Spotify and Jon Snow’s arse…” I smirk. “Let’s see what else. You’re a brilliant student…oh, yes, graduation. Why aren’t you planning to walk with your class?” I ask her, genuinely curious why she would miss such an honor.

Her cheeks heat and she looks away. I’m quickly learning the difference between the rose flush of passion and the tainted red of embarrassment.

“Forgive me. I wasn’t trying to make you uncomfortable.” I reach for her, gently pulling her into my side.

“It’s okay. It’s a lot of reasons I suppose.” She speaks into my bare chest, making no attempt to move. “I’m here with you for one,” she explains.

Before I can tell her I would fly her back in a heartbeat, she continues.

“I couldn’t afford the cap and gown anyway. Plus, I didn’t think my family would come. It’s just my dad and his new wife. I’ve pretty much been on my own since they married when I was fifteen. I didn’t want to walk with no one there to see it. Vince and Dottie would, but who could run the diner? So, if it’s only me… What’s the point?” I feel a warm tear run down my chest, and my heart breaks for this incredible woman.

“What about your mom?” I ask, hugging her tighter.

“She passed away when I was thirteen – breast cancer.” Her voice quivers, and I know it’s time to wrap this up.