“Are you asking me if I’m wearing lingerie and sitting on a bed seductively all alone?”
“Yes.”
“I hate to break it to you, Matt, but that is not how I dress when I’m alone. Think more along the lines of a baggy t-shirt.”
“No bra?”
“You’re a terrible boyfriend.”
“I’m a great boyfriend.”
“That’s yet to be seen. We haven’t even been on one date yet and you’re asking me the ‘what are you wearing’ question.”
“I’m taking that as a yes to the no bra.”
“Good guess.”
I sat down on the edge of my bed. “I like picturing you like that.” Honestly, her in an old t-shirt waiting for me in bed sounded pretty great to me.
“Oh, do messy updos turn you on?” she asked.
“Well, I’m definitely turned on.” I swallowed hard as another text didn’t come through. Fuck. Too much. Sexting wasn’t exactly a Disney prince kind of move. But I was so fucking hard.
Another text came through: “Is that so?”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I unzipped my pants and wrapped my hand around my cock. It was cold from the ice and my hand felt amazingly warm. I could imagine it being Kennedy’s mouth around me. “I wish I was with you right now,” I said.
“Me too.”
I closed my eyes and ran my hand down my shaft. I imagined Kennedy on her knees looking up at me. Her nipples hard against the fabric of her shirt. I pictured her leaning forward, running her tongue along my tip.
Someone cleared their throat.
I opened my eyes to see Nigel staring at me. “Nigel, what the fuck?” I pulled up my pants.
“I was drawing you a bath.”
“You’ve been in here this whole time? Get out!”
“But…”
“Nigel, get out of my room.”
“Yes, Mr. Caldwell. Enjoy your…bath. The water is the perfect temperature. I’ll be back in a minute to check on you.” He bowed and left.
The image of Kennedy on her knees had disappeared as quickly as it had come. But the good news was that my boner was finally receding. Apparently seeing Nigel watching me stroke myself was the key to making my dick soft. I should have known.
This was for the best. I’d been masturbating to a ghost for years. I didn’t need to imagine this with Kennedy. I could have the real thing.
I just needed to wait until she was ready. Although if her flirting was any indication, I wouldn’t have to wait that long. But we couldn’t go back to her mom’s place to do it. And I didn’t really feel comfortable bringing her here. I’d figure it out.
I texted her. “What do you think about getting a hotel room for tomorrow night?” I pressed send before I could talk myself out of it. I always took women to hotels. Kennedy was different. I would have taken her home but I didn’t have a bed there anymore. And we were going to need a bed. Well…maybe. A bed wasn’t entirely necessary.
“That depends on how our date goes,” she wrote back.
“It’s going to be a great date.”
“So cocky.”
I smiled. “Goodnight, Kennedy.”
“Goodnight, Matt.”
I looked down at the tub full of bubbles. Honestly, it looked pretty relaxing. I looked over my shoulder to make sure Nigel wasn’t watching, and then stripped and climbed in. I rested the back of my head on the edge of the tub. Tomorrow night was going to change everything. I’d had sex with too many women to remember. But I only ever loved one of them. I knew how that felt. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t starting to feel that way again. Kissing Kennedy was intoxicating. And I just wanted more. All I could think of was more.
My friends were right. I’d needed an intervention a week ago. But now? I really was happy.
I heard footsteps, but didn’t bother to open my eyes. “Nigel, I really don’t need any assistance.”
“Are you sure?” He asked. “I could…”
“I’m sure.” I was also positive that I didn’t want to hear the end of his sentence. “See you in the morning.”
“You don’t want me to check on the swelling?”
Are you kidding me? “No, Nigel, I don’t need you to look at the swelling. I’m fine.”
He sighed. “As you wish, Mr. Caldwell.”
I opened my eyes to make sure he was retreating. If I was being forced to stay here for three months, I’d need to set some boundaries. What am I even thinking? I wasn’t going to stay here for three months. Tanner would sort it out.
I sunk lower in the bubbles. Nigel was weird, but this place did have its perks. I lifted up the snifter of cognac that Nigel had promised. The life of a billionaire, I guess. Or was it? James was the only other billionaire I knew, and I was pretty sure he didn’t have a weird little servant trying to examine his cock all the time. I’d have to ask him about it. When I crossed that line into being a billionaire, I wouldn’t be hiring a houseboy.
My phone buzzed and I looked down, hoping it was another text from Kennedy.
Poppy’s name showed up. I pushed the phone away. I didn’t want anyone to disturb my bath.
Chapter 37
Friday
We were all hanging out at James’ place tonight. I was waiting outside for my surprise guest. I’d been looking forward to seeing Kennedy all day. We had a reservation at a hotel within walking distance of James’ place. Not at my usual hotel. Because I knew she wasn’t just some random hookup. And I’d never treat her like she was.
Not that the hotel or anything about tonight mattered until I told her what was going on with Poppy. I didn’t purposely keep Kennedy in the dark. I was just looking for the best possible way to explain the situation. Because I hated how it was all tied up with Brooklyn. Kennedy and I needed a fresh start. And this was the exact opposite. Tanner had helped me with a good plan though. A simple one that involved flowers and the truth.
I looked down at the bouquet in my hand. I had no idea what kind of flowers Kennedy liked. Maybe this was a bad idea. I should have brought her French fries. Relationship advice from Tanner couldn’t be that great. I’d never seen him with the same woman more than twice.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. My mom was calling. I still hadn’t called her back. Kennedy wouldn’t be arriving for another few minutes. I could use the distraction. And I honestly owed my mom an apology too. “Hey, Mom,” I said as I answered the phone.
“Matthew!” She sounded so relieved. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“I know. I just…”
“I know.”
We were both quiet. I thought about what Mason had said. That my fake smile may have fooled mom, but not him. I wasn’t so sure that was true. If it was, she wouldn’t always be so worried about me during this time of year. “I’m really sorry, Mom.”
“For what, sweetheart?”
“For lying to you for years about being fine. I don’t even know if half the time I realized I was lying. But…I realize it now. Because I’m actually happy.” I took a deep breath. “I met someone.”