Page 53 of Crying Shame

She took my hand and stood. I joined her. “I didn’t want to tell you I was pregnant. I wanted to make Sam's life better than mine ever was and show him a mom’s love.”

“You did.” I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was lost. “He’s lucky he has you.”

We walked to the stairs. I wasn’t sure if I was leaving her at her bedroom door or not.

“I don’t know about that, but thank you,” she said.

At the top of the stairs, she bounced on her feet. “We should go to bed. It’s been a long day.”

Right.This was good night.

Then she walked with me past her room. “I… was hoping we could make good on those sparks you mentioned.”

My chest tightened. I wasn’t sure what was happening. “I thought you were drained. Maybe it’s better to work on trust.”

She ran her fingers over my chest. “You want to do the right thing. I want to satisfy… you.”

I grew hard but didn't make a move to enter my bedroom. “We don’t have to do anything.”

“I want to.” She reached for the doorknob and opened the door.

Trembles of desire took over me. “You’re sure?”

She nodded and walked to my bed. “Don’t make this any more awkward than it already is. We've made no promises, but if your honor is in the way, I can go.”

“Fuck my honor.” I went into the bedroom and closed the door behind me. “I want to be sure I’m what you want.”

“Kiss me, Elon.”

I had no defenses against her. I couldn’t be honorable in this second. Her lips were like heaven itself. The moment we kissed, nothing else existed.

21

Clarissa

I wasn’t pretending with Elon like I'd pretended to be a princess at the theme park. He knew me as I was. I trembled.

I tugged my T-shirt off, and he removed his shirt. My mouth watered as I saw those muscles of his.

The years had been kind to him. I pulled my pants and panties off.

There was no going back. Earlier I’d said no to a relationship. I wouldn't marry Elon, but he was the only man I’d ever wanted. So we’d figure out how friends with benefits worked. I gazed at him as he removed his pants. He pressed his hand to his heart. “You’re beautiful.”

We needed no more physical barriers between us, so I reached behind me and unclasped my bra.

He’d seen me at my peak years ago, just as I saw him now.

Heat rose to my face as I met his gaze. His expression was so earnest. My heart thumped. “You believe that?”

“Of course,” he said and then his lips met mine.

I forgot every one of the lies I’d been telling myself about him—about us.

His hand brushed against my chest, and my nipples perked up.

I went onto his bed, and my heart raced.

His lips brushed against me, kissing me, and worshipping me like I was… special to him.