
“Mmm.” He moaned, having not even touched me yet. “What?” I
asked, muffled by the poofy pillow. “Oh, nothing. It’s just that you’ve got
quite a nice little—“ I flipped to my side, glaring hard. He put up his hands.
“Sorry! A guy can’t help but notice. Truly—best behavior—starting now.”
He pulled his lips just far enough away to speak. “What time
will Patti be calling?” I managed a glimpse at the clock, feeling his mouth on
my collarbone. “Not for an hour,” I whispered. “That simply is not going to be enough time.”
When I looked again my eyes landed on his bare behind. Dear
God! I screamed and buried my face in my pillow. “What?!” I heard him ask. “Did
you see a roach?” “Why are you naked?!” I did not dare lift my red face. “Huh.
Is that all?” he asked. “I always sleep in the buff. I don’t know how you can
stand all that clothing.”
“So why won’t you tell me your name?” He leans forward and I
freeze. I thaw. I melt. “Juliette, “ I whisper. “My name is Juliette.” His lips
soften into a smile that cracks apart my spine. He repeats my name like the
word amuses him. Entertains him. Delights him. In 17 years no one has said
my name like that.