Was I ready to do this?
“Wait!”
He froze, his eyes lifting to mine.
“You want to stop?”
I
nodded.
His jaw tightened, his body straightening. His hands drifted down to his sides.
Lowering my gaze, I lifted my hands to cover my breasts and keep my bra in place. I suddenly felt very naked. I wanted to grab a blanket and hide myself, wanted the floor to open up and swallow me.
Embarrassment flooded my whole being as he stared at me for what seemed like an hour, though I knew it was only a few seconds.
He dipped his head, letting out a breath. When he lifted his head, he was smiling. “I understand, baby.”
He sounded like he was in pain. “Here. Let me.” He reached around and hooked my bra closed, pulling up the straps on my shoulders. I kept worrying my bottom lip as he blew out another breath and rubbed his hand over the stubble on his chin.
Silence.
“Please stop doing that,” he said in a hoarse voice, his thumb gently pressing on my bottom lip.
I released my lip once he removed his thumb. My skin tingled where he’d touched me…which was everywhere.
“Never hesitate to tell me when you’re not ready,” he said. “Understood?”
He was still hard. I could feel him beneath me.
I nodded, lowering my head. I felt like a killjoy, a prude, unable to give Caleb what he wanted, what I wanted.
Because I wanted to…make love with him, but something was stopping me. I just couldn’t do it.
“Hey.” He cupped my face and urged me to look at him. “What’s wrong?”
I shook my head, closing my eyes.
“Do you feel bad that you stopped me?”
My throat felt thick, tears threatening to flow. “Caleb…”
“Open your eyes.”
I did. His gaze was sincere as he looked at me.
“Don’t ever feel bad when you tell me to stop. I’m a guy. I’m attracted to you. This may not be the only time you’ll tell me that, so you might as well get used to it, okay?” He kissed my forehead. “I better get used to it,” he added, frowning in thought.
He gently lifted me off his lap and set me on the bed. Then he stood up and raked his hands through his hair. “But now I need a very cold shower.”
He paused as he reached my door, turning to look at me. “Wanna join me?”
I laughed and shook my head. And just like that, he made me feel better.
Chapter Twenty-four
Caleb