Page 100 of Carter

“I do,” I say as I get up and stretch, lifting my arms above my head. My back cracks in a few places, and when I drop my arms and look at Nash, he’s watching me like a man starved, his gaze on my stomach, where my skin was showing from my lifted shirt. I offer out my hand. “Come on then.”

His gaze drags to mine, holding it for a few seconds before taking my hand and letting me lead him to the bedroom like this is my house and he doesn’t know where to go.

I flip on the light. The light in here is just as bright as the other rooms, but the walls are painted a dark blue with hardwood floors, so it doesn’t brighten as much. It’s comfortable, though. Perfect for sleeping and relaxing. I like the moody vibe of it. If only there was more stuff in here, other than one dresser, two end tables, and a bed.

“I’m just going to brush my teeth,” I say, gesturing to the attached bathroom.

I’d already put my things in the bathroom when I got here, so I quickly brush my teeth and wash my face. When I’m done, Nash takes his turn while I crawl into his king-sized bed. The sheets are soft and cool, a few shades lighter of navy blue than the fluffy comforter on top. The moment I pull the blankets over me, I feel myself warming up.

The bathroom light flicks off and Nash walks out shirtless. I take in the sight of him, never having such a perfect view. I swallow hard, gripping onto the blankets. Is this man really about to get into bed with me? Likethat?

His shoulders are wide, arms and stomach toned. Dark hair trails along his chest and down his stomach, leading right into his sweatpants. The man is so attractive it makes me sick.

He turns the bedroom light off, and we’re basked in darkness. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dark room, and that’s when he pulls the blankets back on his end and climbs in.

His body heat warms me, and I move closer to seek it out.

“You’re so warm,” I say, sliding my arm over his stomach.

“If you’re cold, I can turn the heat up.”

“I’d rather just cuddle with you.”

“Fine by me.” I hear the smile in his voice.

It takes us a moment to get comfortable and the blankets right. I cuddle up to his side with my head on his chest, while his arm is around me, holding me to him. I close my eyes and allow myself to enjoy the peace that I feel right now, in this moment. Peace I didn’t think was possible.

His chest rises and falls rhythmically, the sound soft and soothing, lulling me into this perfect, calm moment.

“Is it weird having me in your bed?” I ask softly.

“Not at all.” He squeezes me a little tighter. “I like it.”

“So do I.”

I settle against him, feeling his warmth and inhaling his musky, spicy scent. It suddenly hits me that I’m lying half naked in bed with this man, and I’d already considered our options, but I’m realizing now that we’re here.

Nash has barely made a single move first, and I know, without him having to say, that it’s because of me. He’s never treated me like I’m fragile, not like some others I know have, but he is cautious at times. He wants me to make the decisions, be in control, and somehow, even with that, I know he wants me as badly as I want him. There’s something in his eyes, in the way he looks at me, that tells me so. I don’t doubt it for a second.

Which is why I don’t second guess myself when I slide my hand lower on his stomach and run my fingers through the hair there.

His breath stutters. His stomach and chest freeze for just a second before he catches his breath again. Slowly, I run my finger back and forth below his belly button, at the waistband of his sweatpants.

Nash shifts, his hips lifting just slightly as his hand squeezes my side. I’ll take that as a sign he wants me to keep going, and my dick being hard says the same thing. I dip my fingers into the waistband, still running them back and forth, teasing him, listening to the way his breath hitches and the way he trembles.

This man, this detective who has done nothing but make me feel safe and protected, is shivering under my touch.

I’ve never felt so powerful. This is what he gives me.

For three years, I have felt so out of control, but with Nash… it’s different.

I move my hand down more, feeling the thicker hair settled around his cock.

He groans softly. “Carter…”

“Hm?” I say.

“Take what you want. Whatever it is, I’ll give it to you.”