I might have blacked out. I definitely saw stars. Possibly fireworks. Maybe even the Madonna. Sex with Rhett Hennessy was an almost religious experience, and it left me in a state of semi-shock.

Sweat beaded on my forehead, and Rhett’s chest heaved as he sucked in breath after breath. Where was that wheezing sound coming from? Oh, wait, that was me.

“You okay, Red?”

I nodded. Or maybe my head just lolled to the side.

“You sure?”

This time I managed a nod. I wasn’t sure words were possible at this point. Besides, what could I say? I’d imagined this moment so many times, and not a single variation had come remotely close to being as awe-inspiring as the reality. My fantasies had been shattered, and I wasn’t sure how to deal with the aftermath. Need to process.

Rhett lowered his head and pressed his lips to mine when I didn’t answer.

I found my voice after a few more centering breaths. “I’m good. Really good.”

“Glad to hear it.”

His deep voice did something to me, sent shock waves through my body, and my inner muscles clenched, turning the chuckle into a groan.

“Damn, Red.”

I bit my lip as I realized how I affected him. “Sorry. Kinda. Okay, not really at all.”

His lips quirked into a grin. “Don’t ever apologize for having a perfectly tight pussy.”

I slapped a hand over my eyes. “I’m not sure I’m ready for you to say things like that when we’re not . . . you know, in the heat of the moment.”

One of his eyebrows went up, clearly taking my statement as a challenge. “Guess you’re going to have to use that genius brain of yours to adapt and deal.”

My brain was the problem. It was having a hard time catching up to this new reality. “I may never be able to look you in the eye again,” I mumbled, finding the ceiling very appealing.

Rhett’s fingers gripped my jaw and he forced my gaze to meet his. “Never be embarrassed about anything that happens when we’re together. This is as raw and honest as two people can get, and there’s nothing to be worried about. I love that you let go, that you don’t think too much and stop yourself from doing and saying what you want. It’s sexy as hell, Ari. Be you, because you’re amazing.”

I just barely kept in the awww that wanted to escape. I had to change the subject. “Thank you for that.”

“It’s the truth.”

Then he rolled off the bed and lifted me into his arms. “Come on, Red. Time for a shower.”

Wet and naked?

My mind flipped back into dirty mode. “What else is happening in that shower?”

Rhett looked down at me, his eyes flashing in the early signs of sunrise cutting through the high windows. “Whatever I want.”

Annnnd, I’m a goner.