Just when you think you’ve experienced everything, life throws you a curveball. In this case, it’s more of a nosy redhead crashing in on my jerk-off session. I can’t blame her completely. After all, if I had, at least, kept it together until she was asleep, it wouldn’t have happened. What kind of host leaves his houseguest in the kitchen while he takes a spank break? The sad thing is that even after the humiliation I’ve just suffered, I’m still throbbing in my now way-too-snug jeans.  The zipper feels as if it’s about to cut off circulation to my cock.  There’s no way I’m going to pick up where I left off, though.  Hell, Rose would probably bring the delivery guy in this time to watch.  

I can’t believe the little minx was listening at the door.  Was I that loud?  After losing control and touching her in the kitchen, I had been in desperate need of relief.  I was so close to the edge that I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off her unless I released some of the pressure that had been building all day.  Who am I kidding? It’s been building since the last time I touched her all those months ago.

I lean my head against the wall, attempting to bring myself under control.  I can’t help but laugh as I wonder if this is what it’s come to.  If not for Rose staring at my dick as if she’d discovered the Holy Grail, I’d feel like some kind of pervert.  Who knows what would have happened if not for another timely interruption.  I’m beginning to think that my house is a cock-blocker.  First, with the smoke alarm, and then with the doorbell.  Apparently, it’s trying to warn me of imminent danger.

“Um … is everything okay in there?” I hear called from a distance. “The pizza’s getting cold.” Then she quickly adds, “But no rush. Take all the time you need. I can totally start without you. I’m used to doing stuff on my own. Shit! That didn’t come out right. I really wasn’t referring to what I saw when I accidentally walked in on you. I’ve barely thought about it since. By the way, everyone does it, so don’t feel bad. Sometimes two or three times a day. Heck, I’ve even—”

I literally run from the bathroom before she can finish her last statement. If she’s trying to make me feel better, it’s not working. Her ramblings are likely to have me dropping my pants yet again if she keeps it up. Already, I can’t get the image of her being so horny that she touches herself multiple times. I want to volunteer my assistance with that like a twisted boy scout. She gives me an innocent look that I know is anything but as I wave a hand for her to precede me back into the kitchen. When I enter the room, all I can think about is how I had my hands all over her gorgeous body not long ago. “How about we eat in the living room while we watch a movie?” One that contains absolutely no sex scenes whatsoever.

We end up watching Bridesmaids, which she picks. Of course, the opening scene has a woman being fucked within an inch of her life. Even though Rose claimed to have never seen it before, the smirk on her face says she’s a liar. If I’ve learned nothing in the past few months, I know that she likes to push my buttons. I survive without any further incidents and the rest of the evening is relaxed. I’m in my bed a little past midnight and trying not to dwell on the fact that she’s just down the hall from me. I curse Lucian under my breath, blaming him for bringing Rose into my life. I had a perfectly satisfying existence before she came along. Now, I’m restless and edgy. A big part of it can be attributed to sexual frustration, but it’s the other part that bothers me. I like her—a lot. She brings out a side of me that has been buried for a long time. But haven’t I been better off since that part was buried?

I’m still staring at the ceiling when I hear a knock on my closed door before it slowly opens. I reach over to the nightstand and click the light on. Rose is shifting nervously on her feet, showing none of her earlier playfulness. She looks uncertain and shy as her hands clench together. I notice that instead of wearing the gown she’d purchased earlier, she’s still wearing my shirt from last night. I open my mouth to ask her what’s wrong, and then it hits me. She doesn’t want to be alone. Maybe she’s afraid of what will happen should the solitude of the night prove too much for her again. I know I should lead her to a less intimate part of the house and offer her some company. Instead, I silently pull back the cover on my bed and move back far enough for her to get in. That’s all the encouragement she needs. She hurries over and wraps herself around me before laying her head against my chest.

“I’m sorry,” is muffled as she burrows even closer. She shifts slightly, making her next words clearer. “I’ve never been very good with the dark. I’m almost normal in the light of day when surrounded by people. But sometimes when it’s quiet, I lose control.”

I tighten my arms around her and drop a kiss on the top of her head. “Shhh, it’s okay, baby. Just sleep now. I’ve got you.” I rub her spine, soothing her until she relaxes. Neither of us says anything further. As I drift off to sleep, I know that no matter what the days ahead hold, my life has changed. Since the moment I picked her up off the ground, it’s never felt wrong. Her in my home, in my car, shopping together, sharing food, watching a movie, listening to her sassy, quirky wit—it’s just felt … right. Easy. It’s as if she’s woken me from the stupor I’ve existed in for so very long, and I fear that I’ll no longer be content with my perfectly crafted existence. But I like sex without emotion, without strings. Do I? Is that what I still want? I took a chance once and very nearly had it all. Am I strong enough to do that again? I look at Lucian and see how happy he is after finally vanquishing his demons. But not everyone is given a second chance at happiness. What if I try and fail? Would I even survive it this time?