“I can’t imagine a better way to spend a day.”
“Neither can I, Delaney. Neither can I.”
“Do you have coffee?”
“I do. I’ll go make some.”
“Great. I’m gonna call Fallyn just so she doesn’t worry. She’ll be expecting to hear from me.”
“This early?”
“She’s up. She’s an early bird.”
“Take your time.” He brushes his fingers across my cheek. “I want you to feel at home here, as much as you can without your things.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll be back.”
Looking around, I realize my phone is in the living room along with my clothes. I climb out of bed, following Lathan, and grab my purse. He smacks my bare bottom causing me to giggle on my return to the bedroom. Climbing back in the huge, comfy bed, I press the speed dial button for Fallyn.
“Hello?” she answers, sounding asleep.
“You still in bed?”
“Yeah, didn’t you see the weather?”
“No. What’s going on?”
“Shit ton of snow. It’s like a fucking blizzard out there.” She sighs. “Dammit. First F bomb of the day.”
I laugh. “I’ll cut you a little slack since you’re still sleeping.” I crawl out of bed and peek out the window, surprised to see the snow so deep some cars are covered. “Dang, that’s a lot of snow. I don’t know how I’ll get home.”
“Get home?” she asks perking up. “Where are you?”
“Lathan’s.”
“Oh my god, that’s fucking awesome.”
I just laugh. “Yeah, it is.”
“You spent the night?”
“I did.”
“Can you talk about it?”
“Yeah, he’s making coffee.”
“What was the best part?”
I consider her question. “I don’t know if I can narrow it down. Dinner was wonderful. He was romantic and sweet and a perfect gentleman, but…” I laugh.
“What?”
“Another side came out. A dirty side.”
“Dirty?” She laughs. “Like what?”
“Like he speaks in poetry all of the time, and then out of the blue he drops the P bomb on me.”
“He did not?”
“He did. And once we got back here, he let loose. He’s unbelievable, Fallyn. Out of this world.”
“Wow. So, what’s the D like?”
“Huge and pierced.”
Fallyn gasps. “Pierced?”
“Prince Albert, baby.”
“Oh, you are such a bitch.”
I laugh. “I hit the freaking jackpot in the D department. He’s an excellent lover, the best, really.”
“The best?”
“I’m not kidding or exaggerating. It was mind blowing. I cried.”
“Damn. I’m so jelly.”
“Guess what else?”
“Tell me.”
“We didn’t use a condom and it was my idea. Can you believe I let that go?”
“Um... no. Why?”
I don’t know. It was like a moment thing you know? Something in me just wanted to completely feel him. I guess I made a judgment call that he’s safe.”
“Hope you’re right.”
“Same.” I glance over my shoulder to make sure I’m still alone. “So I sort of freaked out when we got to his place.”
“Why?”
“He lives in Back Bay.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. This apartment is nuts, but listen, he said he got it decorated professionally just so it would be nice for me.”
“Nuh uh?”
“Yeah, and then this happened. When I told him I didn’t want to fall in love with him, he said he didn’t want to fall for me either, so I asked why we were seeing each other then.”
“What did he say?”
“That now that he’s seen my face, he can’t look away.”
“That’s hot.”
“I know. He said we would just have to figure it out because he didn’t have a choice anymore.”
“Holy fuck. So you tore off your clothes after that, right?”
I grin. “Basically, yeah.”
“How did he react to your piercing?”
“Thinks it’s hot. Said he always wanted a woman with one.”
“It is hot. Did you bust out the Delaney special?”
I laugh, peeking out into the hallway. “I did. Rocked his world.”
“You have got to teach me your blow job technique.”
“Some day.”
“So now what? The sex was amazing, he’s got money, he can’t walk away. How do you feel now?”
“Honestly?”
“Of course.”
“I feel like he’ll probably ruin me. He might break my heart when he leaves, and I’ll never find someone like him again.”
“Delaney—”
“Wait.” I take a deep breath. “I’ll probably fall in love and he’ll ruin me, but I don’t care. I wouldn’t give up how I feel right now for a million dollars. After Lathan, I’ll just give in to the crazy cat lady lifestyle, because every man after him would be settling.”
“Damn, that’s major.”
“I know.”
“Maybe, somehow, it’ll work out.”
“Maybe.” I see him walking toward me. “He’s coming back. I just wanted you to know I’ll be here all day.”
“You don’t have a choice, sister. City is shut down. Glad you like the guy, ’cuz you’ll be spending some quality time with him.”
I laugh. “Not a bad way to spend a snow day.”
“Nope. Talk to you soon.”
“K, bye.”
“Everything alright?” Lathan asks, entering the room carrying two steaming mugs of coffee.
“Perfect. Did you look outside?”
“I did. Looks like you’re stuck with me.”
“I wanted to be anyway.”
He smiles, handing me a mug. “Fallyn is well?”
“She’s fine. I filled her in on last night.”
“What did you say?” He climbs into bed next to me, as I take my first sip of coffee.
“I told her your dick game is strong.”
Lathan tilts his head at me, smirking. “I’m not entirely sure I understand that expression.”
I laugh. “You’re an amazing lover.”
“Ah, well thank you.”
“I told her about your piercing. I hope that’s okay.”
“She’s your best friend. You can tell her whatever you like.”
“You won’t be embarrassed that she knows?”
Lathan laughs. “Everyone in Havendon knows.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Yes, so remember I said I was rebellious?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, Tristan, my best friend, he and I went to Germany for a weekend, and while we were there, we may have had a few beers, possibly some other substances, and decided to get our dicks pierced.”
I laugh, sipping my coffee. “Okay.”
“We may have also gotten a tattoo.”
“I didn’t see that.”
He twists around showing me his upper left shoulder. “Flag of Havendon.”
“Nice.”
“Yes, well, in our drunken reverie, we bragged about it. News got out around town and the rumors started. Unfortunately, I allowed a photograph to be taken proving the rumors true.”
“Uh oh.”
“Needless to say when it made it back to my ultra-conservative parents, it wasn’t well received.”
“I imagine it wasn’t.”
“Eventually though, many males my age and younger went out and got pierced.”
“You’re kidding me. You have that kind of influence?”
“I do.”
“I can’t imagine people copying anything I did, especially something like that.”
“I didn’t expect it. Far from it. I suppose I should have. I’ve alway
s been somewhat of a trendsetter back home.”
“That’s really interesting.”
“I was also very popular with the ladies for some time after that.”
“But you couldn’t sleep with them?”
“Well, I could’ve, but I chose not to. Everyone wanted to see it. Women were throwing themselves at me in the hopes I would ask them out. It was actually quite funny.”
“Is it still like that?”
“Women throwing themselves at me?”
“Yeah. Does everyone want to date you?”
“Yes. As one of a handful of eligible bachelors, my affection is sought out.”
“Another reason why women would hate me if I came.”
“Oh, yes, they would hate you, especially because they’d know right away that not another woman exists in my eyes but you.”
“I see romantic Lathan has returned. Did you put naughty Lathan in the corner?”
He picks up my hand placing it in his lap. “Naughty Lathan is right here whenever you seek him.” Then he moves my hand and sets it on his chest where his heart is. “Romantic Lathan is always here, inspired by you.” I sip my coffee, smiling as he releases my hand. “What else did you tell Fallyn?”
“That I panicked last night when I saw your home.”
“What did she say?”
“She asked me how I felt this morning.”
“And you said? Are you willing to tell me?”
I nod. “I said you’ll probably ruin me. I’ll probably fall in love, and you’ll break my heart. I’ll never find someone that makes me feel like you do.” Lathan nods, softening his eyes. “But, even though that might happen, I don’t care anymore. Like you said last night, I can’t walk away. I don’t want to. I want to keep feeling the way I do right now for as long as possible. No matter the consequences.”
Lathan sets his coffee cup on the nightstand then takes my cup from me. “I knew you were brave. Delaney, my darling, being with me is complicated for many reasons, none of which are obvious right now.”
“Yes, they are. You’re from another country that you have to go back to eventually. Your parents won’t approve. No one will approve. I get it.”
He smiles, brushing his fingers across my cheek. “Yes, for those reasons, but, like you, I want to feel the way I do right now for as long as possible. Please believe me when I say that I will do everything in my power not to ruin you or break your heart because breaking your heart would destroy mine.”
“I believe you.”
“Good. You want to take a bath now?”
“Can we just lie here a little longer? Can you just hold me?”
“I’d love to.”
I nod as we slide under the luxurious bedding. Lathan pulls me close, playing with my hair as I lie my head on his chest. This is the closest I’ve ever been to achieving everything I want, and it just might slip through my fingers.
After lying together for a while, I twist my face up to look at Lathan. His eyes are closed, his breathing soft, and right now, he’s the most incredible man I’ve ever seen. Slowly, he opens his eyes and smiles.
“Are you alright?” he asks.
“Definitely. How about that bath?”
“I’m so glad you’re ready. I’m dying to get you in there.”
I laugh softly. “Why is that?”
“I love baths. They’re such a luxurious way to care for one’s self, or in this case, to care for another. Be prepared to stay in there a long time.”
“I have nowhere to go.”
“I hope it snows for a week, so we’ll have no choice but to stay here learning everything there is to know about each other.”
“That’s a cute idea, but we need food.”
“I have food.”
“Do you?”
“Yes, I wanted to be prepared in case you wanted something to eat. I have enough to get us through a few days at least.”
“Then I guess we’ll survive.”
Lathan laughs. “We’ll make it.” He pats my leg. “Stay here in the blankets. I’ll come get you when the bath is ready.”
“Okay.”
Leaning back and snuggling into the warm bedding, I smile as I hear the bath water running. Who knew a resolution would turn into all this? Meeting Lathan is like winning the man lottery.
As I giggle to myself, he appears in the doorway from the bathroom.
“What’s funny?”
“I am. Is the bath ready?”
“It is.” I climb out of bed, keeping my eyes on Lathan’s incredible body. He’s lean and toned, not skinny, not bulky, just the right balance. “Do you work out?”
He turns back to look at me. “I took up running when I moved here. One of my neighbors introduced me to it, and I liked how it made me feel. Prior to that, I never lifted a finger.” He chuckles. “People back home would be properly shocked.”
“Well, it suits you. You have a very nice body. Especially your butt.”
He stops, pulling me close by the waist. “I’m glad I’m pleasing for you to look at.”
“Far more than pleasing, Lathan. Desirable and arousing would be better descriptions.”
“I like that too.” He releases me, helping me into the large soaking tub. “Do you?”
“What?”
“Work out?”
“No. I hate it. I’m sort of a princess when it comes to any strenuous activity.”
Lathan laughs. “Well, it suits you, your highness.”
I laugh. “Thank you. I’m just lucky with genes. It could all go south on me some day.”
“I doubt it. I imagine you’ll be lovely even when you’re an old lady.”
“I hope so.” I sink down into the steamy water. “This is divine.”
“May I join you?”
“Please.” Lathan climbs in behind me, cradling me in his arms. I lean back against his chest. “What’s your favorite thing to do?” I ask.
“Make love to you.”
I laugh softly. “Before you met me.”
“Hmm, I hardly remember.” He chuckles. “Before you, I spent a lot of time reading, studying the history of America mostly. I’ve traveled New England quite a bit. I’d say that’s probably my favorite thing to do, explore a new place. Interact with it directly.”
“Yeah, travel is cool. I haven’t gone many places. Just a trip to Italy during my senior year, but it was amazing.”
“I love Italy. It’s one of my favorite places. I would love to see every country in the world before I die, if I could.”
“That would be amazing.”
“It would. Travel is important. In Havendon, we have this idea of America that isn’t accurate at all. We think everyone is always happy, always working, and always eating.”
“Two out of three are pretty accurate.”
He laughs. “What I’ve learned is that there is a lot happening here. So much diversity it’s difficult to wrap your head around it. I’ve met people from many different countries. Where I come from, we rarely see anyone that isn’t from there. It’s quite amazing.”
“That would be. It’s like small towns here where everyone knows everyone. In a big city like Boston, you’re lucky if you know your neighbors.”
“Very true. Now you. What’s your favorite thing to do?”
“Hang out with Fallyn mostly, but I read a lot too.”
“What do you like to read?”
“You’ll think I’m lying.”
“I would never think that.”
“Well, like you, I enjoy history and travel essays. I really like historical fiction.”
“Explain that.”
“When a fictional book is based around real events or people. I read one once that was a fictional retelling of Cleopatra’s life, as though she was telling the story. A lot of it was historically correct, but of course, much of it had to be made up.”
“Why did you like it?”
“It humanized her. It told her side of the story, through the imagina
tion of the author. It wasn’t just a list of events that happened. It was emotional.”
“Like you. You express yourself openly.”
“I do. I want to be more guarded, but it’s just against my personality, I guess.”
“Why would you want to be guarded?”
I sigh. “So I don’t get hurt so much.”
Lathan runs his fingers through my hair and it feels so good. “I understand. That’s why you hold back with me.”
“I’m not holding back, actually.” I twist slightly to look at him. “My head tries to make it happen, but remember when you asked me if I wanted to walk away?”
“Yes.”
“I said…”
“You said no.”
I smile, sitting up just a bit. “Right. If I was guarded and holding back, I’d be sitting in my apartment right now, crying my eyes out over you and seeking solace in a box of cookies.”
Lathan laughs. “I’m glad you stayed then.”
“So am I. I meant what I said. It’s worth it, at least for now.”
“It is worth it. Last night was truly magical. It was so much more than sex for me.” He sits up slightly. “Look at me.” I twist around. “I feel like we became one last night, and I’m not trying to be poetic or seduce you. I’m serious. For me, it was another level.”
I nod. “For me too.”
“Do you mean it? You felt it too?”
“I did. It was like…” I pause, trying to define my thoughts. “Like finding your balance. It’s weird because we don’t seem similar on the surface, yet we are. No one would imagine we’re as compatible as we are. I wouldn’t have. It’s mind blowing, actually.”
“Yes, mind blowing.”
I lean back against him again, playing with this hands. “Do you believe in fate and stuff like that?”
“Yes. You?”
“No.”
“Why the question then?”
“I never believed in it because I never had a reason to. I think I’ve made my own luck and my own choices up to this point without intervention from God or the universe.”
“But?”
“But I didn’t choose this cooking class. I didn’t pick the spot next to you. I didn’t chase you down the sidewalk for a kiss.”
“No, you didn’t.”
“Out of all the possible choices, you and I showed up in the same class and were the only two who came alone. We share a birthday, a love of history and travel, and erotic piercings.”
Unexpectedly Royal Page 11
