“Thanks. I really appreciate it. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will. It was really good to talk to you, Dylan. Let’s keep in touch.”
“Definitely,” I said even though I knew we wouldn’t. “Be well, guys.”
I felt better. It wasn’t perfect, and I hated that Jill’s thoughts confirmed my worries, but it was the best I could do considering Kayla would barely talk to me. There was a much greater chance that she’d open up to Jill. Satisfied that I did what I could to help, it was time to stop worrying about the woman who belonged in my past and focus on the woman I hoped would be my future.
Perfect timing.Juliette knocked on the door just as I put the lasagna in the oven. I opened the door with a giant grin on my face. I was too happy to care if I looked goofy.
Juliette walked in and came straight into my arms.
“Hi, baby.”
“Hi, Dylan.”
I released her to lock the door, then held her hand and led her in. She looked beautiful, as always, but different in her work clothes. She looked elegant in the gray slacks and cream-colored blouse with little ruffles on the sleeves.
“You look like a sexy substitute teacher.”
“Not a sexy OT?”
“The sexiest OT. But you’re the first OT I’ve ever fantasized about.”
I laughed as she fidgeted with the hem of her blouse, and I kissed her the way I’d been dying to do. I pulled away long before I was ready. She wanted more, too, if the way she tried to hold onto me was any indication.
“Dinner will be ready in an hour. Do you want to go put your stuff in my room and get comfortable?”
She nodded and we walked into the bedroom. I stood in the doorway, watching her as she placed her duffel bag on top of mydresser. She took a toiletry bag into the bathroom and left it in the corner of the counter. I imagined her naked in my bathroom. Shaving, rubbing lotion on her legs. I adjusted myself, futilely hoping she wouldn’t notice. She returned to the bedroom and looked in her bag. It felt strange that I wished she’d unpack a little. Not that she needed to for just a few days, but the thought of her clothes in my closet gave me a weird feeling of rightness.
“Do you want to change into something more comfortable?”
“Yeah.” She watched me for a moment. “Um, can you leave?” she asked nervously.
“Yeah, I’ll leave. But only because after you change, I plan on sitting on the couch with you, rubbing your feet, or maybe your back. I’ll let you choose. I bought a bottle of Riesling, so we can have a glass of your favorite wine while you tell me all about your day. I made a salad, lasagna, and garlic bread so I can impress you with my culinary skills. Then, after dinner we’re going to come back in here, and that time, I’m going to undress you myself. How does that sound?”
Juliette’s gorgeous honey-colored eyes grew wide, a pretty pink blush spreading over her cheeks. “Um, we can skip to that last part now if you want.”
“No way, I have a whole night planned for us.” I gave her a quick peck on the lips, then turned and quickly walked out of the room before I couldn’t make myself leave.
I was figuring out the puzzle that was Juliette, and now there was nothing holding me back from moving forward with her. It was crystal clear when we were on the phone—she responded to me responding to her. She was turned on by knowing that I was turned on by her. She seemed almost surprised by my response to her, and that pissed me off. I wanted to find whatever asshole made her doubt herself and punch him in the face. She was fucking perfect just the way she was.
She didn’t need me to shower her with pretty words or to hold back for the sake of moving slowly. She needed to know how badly I wanted her. It would be my absolute pleasure and honor to show Juliette how she turned me on.
I heard my bedroom door open and Juliette’s soft footsteps coming towards the living room. I watched from the couch as she nervously walked over, looking beautiful in her leggings and fitted t-shirt, her hair in a messy bun.
“I hope you don’t mind that I’m not dressed for dinner. After work I can’t wait to get undressed and put on comfy clothes.”
“You look great. I love seeing you relaxed in my home.” I patted the couch to beckon her over.
She smiled as she sat, and I handed her a glass of wine. I picked up my glass too and tipped it towards hers for a toast. “To many more nights together.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“Foot or back rub?”
“Back. Definitely. My feet are ticklish.”
“I’m going to remember that,” I teased.