Chapter 26: Chapter Twenty-Six

Aubrey

The light seeping through the curtains wakes me from my sleep. I go to move, but I am too sore and still exhausted after last night. I didn’t know a man could have so much stamina. I have never had as much sex in one night, and I am feeling the aftereffects, physically and emotionally. It was a lot for me. I honestly believed I wouldn’t let another man touch me after my ex. I guess I didn’t take into consideration that I would meet a man like Everett. I glance over to the spot next to me, but the space is empty. Everett must be up already. I feel awkward being in his bed alone. I want to move, but I am still naked and have no idea where my clothes are.

Sighing, I slowly sit up, my knees to my chest and keep myself covered up. I will need to move at some point. I can’t stay here all day.

“Everett,” I call out, hoping he can hear me wherever he is. He wouldn’t have left his place when I was here, would he?

There is no answer, and I do it again, louder this time. It works because I hear him approach the room. Well, I hope it is him anyway. I nervously wait for the bedroom door to open and only relax when he strolls in, only in a pair of joggers, his sexy chest, abs, and stomach on show. I bite my lip to stop from moaning.

“What is with all the yelling? Is there a spider or something?” he chuckles.

“No. I don’t know where my clothes are. I didn’t want to walk around naked. As for spiders, if it were, I wouldn’t need you for that. I don’t mind spiders. I pick them up and put them outside or just let them wonder about it.”

Everett seems taken aback by my response. Maybe he shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

“I wouldn’t mind you walking around naked. Your clothes are in the wash. I can give you something to wear.” He smiles.

“Oh, I am sure you wouldn’t mind at all,” I snicker, “Yes, please. I need coffee and food.”

He nods, going to grab me something to wear. He returns with a pair of boxers, socks and a tee, one which will be oversized on me.

“Will these do?”

“Yes, thank you.” I smile.

He hands them to me. “You change. I will make fresh coffee and start breakfast. Are blueberry pancakes okay?”

“Yes, that sounds nice. Just let me know when you want me to leave.”

He doesn’t seem the type to have me hanging around all day.

“You don’t need to leave any time soon. You can hang here and go home whenever you feel like it.” He replies and exits the room.

I will stay for a few hours and then go home. I slip into his clothes, finally climbing out of bed and going to join him in the kitchen. It takes me a second, but I find it. When I enter, I am surprised to see he is making the pancakes from scratch.

“Can I help?” I ask.

Everett’s attention quickly falls on me. He runs his eyes over me, smirking. “Mmm, you look good in my clothes. No, I will do it, pour yourself a coffee and make yourself comfortable.”

My cheeks heat, and I look at the ground after his compliment. He chuckles at my reaction. I don’t react to his amusement and pour a large mug of coffee. Everett already has one. Sitting at the breakfast bar, I take a sip of my coffee and leave him to deal with breakfast. I chew on my lip as I watch the muscles of his arms clench with every move. Sex with him was incredible. The best sex I have ever had by far. I squeeze my thighs together, the thought of it making the muscles between my thighs pulse.

I pull it together and look at everywhere that isn’t Everett. I can’t have him distracting me. I still need to process everything that happened last night and into the early hours of this morning.

“How many pancakes do you want?” he asks, bringing my attention back to him.

“Two, please.” I smile.

They look like they are going to be big. Two will be more than enough.

“Okay, there is fresh fruit to go on the side. I went to the fruit market early this morning.”

“When did you get up?” I ask. It is only nine.

“Six. Do you mind slicing some of the fresh fruit up?” he asks.

Who chooses to get up at six in the morning on the weekend? On a day off?

“I can do that.”

I like to make myself useful. I take the fruit from the fridge, chopping some of it and place it in a large bowl, setting it on the breakfast bar and wait for the pancakes to be ready. Everett joins me when they are, sliding a plate over to me. I smile, thanking him. They look good, nice and fluffy.

“How are you feeling about last night?” he asks as he spoons some fruit onto his plate. “Any regrets?”

“No, I don’t regret it. It was a lot for me. After everything that happened in my last relationship, I truly believed I would never let a man touch me again.” I answer honestly.

“You keep referring to your last relationship and your ex, but you never tell me what happened? What did he do to you?” he asks softly.

I look down at my plate, playing with my food. “I don’t want to talk about it. All you need to know is he was horrible, abusive and controlling.”

I don’t know or trust Everett enough to tell him my story. Erica and Hugo don’t even know the entire story. They know what I told them, but it wasn’t everything.

Everett’s hand reaches across the bar and places it over mine. I sigh and lift my head to look at him. His eyes are full of sympathy. “Aubrey, I am sorry you went through what you did. I can’t imagine. You obviously aren’t ready to tell me about it, and that is okay. If you change your mind, know I am here.”

“Thank you,” I say and pull my hand away. I don’t want to discuss it any further.

I eat my breakfast, keeping my eyes down. I can feel Everett watching me, but I ignore him. I worry that if I make eye contact, he will start asking questions. It is not the way I want to spend my morning.