Page 71 of Reckless Hands
It’s not ideal, the situation I’ve created. I won’t lie and say it’s easy. Becca’s been living here now for a week. And for the whole week I’ve hardly seen my wife, or slept in the same bed as my wife, or even fucked my wife.
I hear her laugh when I get home, hear her soft voice in the mornings when I leave.
I can’t blame her—I did agree to this.
Hell, it was my idea.
It felt like the right thing to do, to show Adora my trust in her. Make her trust me. It’s what our relationship is missing.
“I didn’t take you for much of a cook.” Adora’s hands circle my waist as she comes up behind me and leans her head on my back as she breathes me in.
“I can cook a mean bacon and eggs.”
She giggles into my shoulder. “If you were taught by your mother, I absolutely believe you.”
“No, my last girlfriend,” I joke, but she freezes behind me. “Adora.” I turn around and her hands drop to her sides. “I’m kidding.” I push her long chocolate hair behind her ears and lift her face to look at me. Those eyes that are full of bottomless whiskey stare back at me tiredly.
“If I say something, do you swear to not lose your shit?”
“If you promise to sleep in our bed tonight.”
“I do.”
“So do I, then,” I tell her, my hands trailing across her shoulders and down her arms.
“It’s hard to give you my all when a part of me is in that back room.” She doesn’t look where Becca is currently sleeping, but we both know that’s who she’s referring to.
“For someone who grew up without love, you sure do have enough of it to give,” I say evenly, keeping my anger at bay. It’s not necessary. I understand what she’s saying, as much as it might frustrate me.
“We haven’t shared those words,” she points out, nibbling on her lip. “I don’t intend to any time soon, just so you’re aware.”
“And why is that?”
“Do you love me?” she questions, her eyes never leaving mine. “You’re falling for me, I can tell that much, and I’m falling for you too. But love isn’t instant. It may be fast when it hits you, but it takes time to get to that point. I could have fallen deeply in love with Becca if you hadn’t come along.”
“I am falling for you.” Might be a bit of an understatement right now, but I am not going to lay everything on the line.
“And I am for you, but you must know I’m not there yet, Joey. I can put up a shield as fast as you can say happy. I’ve done it before, and I will probably do it again. I’m trying to be more…” she thinks on the word, “… me here, and not the me that was broken back home.”
“Do you want to stay in our bedroom tonight?” I ask, and she falls into my chest.
“Yes, it’s been a week, and I miss you terribly.” Her answer settles me in a way I didn’t realize I needed, so I wrap my arms around her. “Never thought I’d say that considering where we started.” I stroke her hair and kiss it, taking in her beautiful scent.
“Sometimes the rockiest of starts can lead to the best outcomes.” The bacon starts sizzling, and I pull her with me as I turn around to flip it.
“I’m going to shower. Do you think you can take Becca some food? See if she’ll eat?”
I grip Adora’s face between my hands and kiss her lips, and her hands cover mine as she kisses me back with tenderness. Her body pushes up against mine, and our mouths open at the exact same time as our tongues start to dance.
I could kiss her for a lifetime.
And every lifetime after that.
She tastes like peppermint and simply… her.
She pulls away first, and I lean in and kiss her lips one more time. “Go, I’ll join you after.” I smack her ass before I turn back to the stove, making her smile as she shakes her head before walking off. After finishing up the food, I take a plate to the room where Becca is staying. It used to be an office, but we easily turned it into a bedroom for her. I was able to get all the medical equipment in quickly, and she is comfortable in the right type of bed that she needs.
Becca is sitting up in her adjustable bed and watching the television when I walk in.