Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Not that.” His shoulders slumped. “Told you. I sucked at school. Reading isn’t my strong suit, especially not lately with the stupid headaches and not to someone as good at it as you. “
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.” I turned to head toward the basement stairs, but Declan pointed a crutch in the direction of his room.
“You’re not getting out of this so easily. How about I give you a massage?” He clomped off toward his room, leaving me and the dog to follow uncertainly behind. Once in his room, Declan’s tone became more confident. “I’ve had enough massages over the years from injuries. I think I could figure out how to make you feel good.”
“You always make me feel good.” I tried for a soothing tone, but Declan stayed bossy, gesturing toward his bathroom.
“And you should shower first. That always relaxes me. I’ll find some lotion while you do.”
“We could maybe both shower?” I’d be much more comfortable if I could take care of him as well, but Declan gave me a stern stare.
“Nope. Me showering is a whole production these days, and I want you to relax, not assist.” He gave me a gentle tap on the ass with his crutch. “Go shower. Take as long as you want. I’m good hanging out here.”
It felt weird showering in Declan’s bathroom. My skin pebbled with an extra chill as I undressed. I’d never used this particular room, other than helping out when Montgomery, Eric’s late husband, was ill. Declan had a whole lineup of expensive body products strewn around the accessible shower, so I shifted my focus to figuring out which scents made Declan so irresistible. There was something subtly sexy about using his body wash, and gradually, I relaxed into the warmth of the water.
Until, that was, I exited the shower and faced the question of what to wear for this massage. Skipping into his room nude wasn’t my style, nor was wearing a scrap of towel. When we fooled around, I intentionally stayed at least partially clothed.
I spotted a thick terrycloth robe on a hook near the door. Saved. I happily borrowed it, wrapping the belt securely around my too-soft middle.
However, Declan made a loud scoff as I left the bathroom and approached the bed where he was reclining, shirt already off, looking as chiseled as ever. Oz was asleep in his usual spot by the window.
“A robe?” Declan gestured toward me. “How am I supposed to rub you through that thing? Which, by the way, isn’t even mine. I think Tony left it behind.”
“I’m not as fit as you.” The words tumbled out faster and more honest than I intended.
“What? The hell you’re not.” Declan wrinkled his face. “Is that why I’m always the naked one? I thought you staying clothed was some sort of kink of yours.”
“It is sexy, but I’m also well aware that I’m older, heavier—”
“And hot as hell.” Declan hefted himself off the bed to hop in front of me. He untied my robe, spreading the lapels so he could stroke my broad chest. “I love how fucking hairy you are. And thick. You’re my favorite pillow, but you’re also strong.”
“Thank you.” My eyes burned, and I had no idea what else to say, especially once Declan pushed the robe the rest of the way off.
“And quit saying you’re old.” Declan wagged a finger in my face. “You’re not. That Percy dude, he’s old.”
“Too old for me?” Despite my discomfort with being naked, I had to chuckle at Declan’s obvious jealousy.
“Hell, yes.” He nodded emphatically before shoving me toward the bed. “Now shut up and let me massage your hot ass.” Forehead creasing, he gave an audible gulp. “I mean back. Not asking for the other thing…”
“You could.” I shrugged as we both stretched out on the bed. Declan’s cheeks were rosy, but whether out of embarrassment or curiosity, I couldn’t tell. I flipped to my stomach, but I turned my head so I could see his face. “It’s not my usual thing, but if you’re curious about topping, I’m relaxed enough from the shower to let you play around.”
“I don’t want to top.” Declan made a face like he’d tasted something super salty. “Does that make me a bottom? Because I’m not sure I wanna get fucked either. It looks like it hurts.”
“You don’t have to get fucked. And it doesn’t have to hurt, but if it’s not sexy to you, it’s not sexy.” I tried to pitch my voice to be soothing without crossing over to patronizing. “Just like gay and bi aren’t one-size-fits-all terms, top, bottom, vers aren’t the neat little categories some like to pretend.”
“But you’re a top, right? You like being in control and doing stuff to me.” Declan nodded like he’d already decided he was right.