Afterglow: A Brother's Best Friend Romance, page 8
“So, how are things going? Your face doesn’t look as bad as the picture you sent me the other day.”
“It’s healing a lot faster than I thought it would.”
“How is it living with Dax?” Caidance probes.
I’m sure I have a goofy school-girl-crush smile right now because her eyes go wide.
I didn’t want to tell her about what was happening between Dax and me over the phone, so she doesn’t know any details yet. She’s going to lose it, in a good way, when I tell her.
“We are starting… something,” I confess, and she gasps.
“Tell me everything,” she shrieks, leaning forward, placing her elbows on her knees, and resting her chin in her hands.
I don’t waste any time telling her the entire story, and by the time I’m done, the grin on her face is so big it’s almost scary.
“Your dreams are coming true,” she marvels in an awe-filled tone.
“I’m happy, terrified, and anxious all at the same time.”
“That’s to be expected, hun. You’ve had an eventful week,” she reminds me.
I laugh. “That’s an understatement.”
We spend the rest of the afternoon catching up and watching chick flicks.
It’s exactly what I needed today.
The ping of the elevator alerts me to Dax’s arrival, causing my heart to race a little. Since we decided to talk tonight, I may or may not have gone all out on a romantic meal.
I hope he likes it.
A door shuts down the hall. Dax must have gone to his room first, which isn’t like him, but maybe he got dirty at work today.
“What’s for dinner?” Dax calls out a few minutes later. He stops in his tracks when he sees the dim lights and lit candles.
“I made steak, baked potatoes, and Caesar salad,” I report with a smirk. “Oh, and a chocolate mousse for dessert.”
“Damn, baby, you went all out,” he replies, his lips turning up, easing the knot in my stomach.
“I wanted tonight to be special. Like a date.”
His brows pull together.
Shit, should I not have said that? The knot returns, and I want to run out of here or say something to somehow backpedal.
“I’m such a dick for not even thinking about taking you out on a date, Izzy. I’m so sorry. We should plan something for this weekend.” His words immediately ease my nerves.
He wasn’t upset that I said date. He was upset that he didn’t ask me out. So sweet.
“I don’t really need to be wined and dined,” I assure him, but he shakes his head as he walks over to me.
“You deserve it,” he says as he wraps his arms around me and brushes his lips against mine.
I melt into his embrace, getting lost in the kiss. My body heats as he rubs my back, pulling me closer to him. This man knows how to sweep a woman off her feet.
“How ’bout we eat,” I suggest after a few panty-wetting kisses.
“Good idea. I’m starved.” He smirks.
We talk about our days, eating in a way that feels so fucking comfortable. I don’t think I’ve ever clicked with someone as fast as I have with Dax. It’s making me see all the red flags I missed with Leo. Even knowing better, knowing what to look for, I still pushed them aside. Settling because I so desperately wanted something special. Although I wasn’t the only person Leo fooled. He was like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. So I shouldn’t blame myself, but it’s hard sometimes.
Once we’re done, we clean the kitchen then make our way to the Jacuzzi, which has become our evening routine.
“So, Izzy, tell me what you want from a partner. What are the things you need in a relationship to make you feel happy, safe, and cared for?” Dax inquires once we sink into the water.
Holy shit, he’s jumping right into it. Well, all right then.
I take a deep breath, straightening my spine, ready to say everything I should have told Leo.
“I have a praise kink, and words of affirmation are my major love language. I need constant communication, but I also need to hear how you feel about me and the things I do. I want us to talk every night before we go to bed. If something happens that we are apart, I expect that to be done over the phone. Giving me the cold shoulder is not something I am okay with. If I’ve done something to upset you, I want us to talk about it. We’re both grown-ups and can have hard conversations. I do not consent to being yelled at or spoken down to. However, I’m open to a tiny bit of degradation in the bedroom. Who doesn’t like being called a dirty little slut from time to time?” I wink, and he chuckles. “But we should probably go over a more detailed list of those things when we get to those topics.”
“What else?”
“I like when my partner leaves a list of things for me to do during the day. Nothing that would be unattainable as that would send me into a spiral, but I like to be told what to do. I like to care for my partner, but I also like to be taken care of. I’m extremely curious about Shibari but haven’t had a chance to try it because it also makes me anxious. Um… I can’t think of anything else right now. What about you? What do you need?”
His eyes light up, and a giant grin spreads across his face.
“Baby, you listed off half the things I would have. Were you made for me?”
My cheeks heat at his question, and an overwhelming urge to squirm takes over my body, but I fight it back.
“Maybe I was.” I bat my lashes, making him laugh.
God, his laugh is fucking sexy, just like the rest of him. I don’t think there is a single thing Daxton Pierce does that isn’t hot as sin.
“I like to care for those I’m with. I also love to spoil them. I will be buying you presents often. I don’t want you to complain. I would like to pick out your outfits for you every day but am willing to compromise if that sounds too controlling to you. My love language is physical touch. You have no idea how hard it has been to keep my hands to myself when it comes to you. I want you in my bed every night so I can hold you. When we are next to each other in public, I want to be touching you at all times, whether that be holding your hand, having my hand on your back, or having my arm around your shoulder. If we are at a store or a large event, I want you by my side no matter what.”
I nod, loving what he’s saying. Some might not like to be glued to their man’s side, but I find it comforting. I like to feel protected, but I didn’t even consider asking for that. Maybe we really are made for each other.
“So, for your needs, I want to start at the top,” he says, and I tilt my head for him to continue. “I promise to shower you in praise because you deserve it. I will never give you the cold shoulder or shut you out. I also believe communication is key. I’ll never raise my voice at you or talk down to you. Degradation isn’t something I’m very much into, so I think we’re on the same page there. I love that you brought up the list thing because that’s something I really enjoy doing. The idea of tying you up is a huge turn-on, but I also haven’t tried it. Maybe we should take some courses. How about honorifics? Do you mind calling me Sir?”
“Not at all. It’s actually pretty hot.”
“Perfect. What would you like me to call you?”
“Princess,” I say right away, not needing to think about it.
His smirk is so sexy I swear I almost combust. On the inside, I’m fanning myself with a fan like a Southern lady.
“Okay, princess.” He winks, and I damn near pass out. He can stop being so fucking sexy any minute now. “Tell me what you think about what I said?”
“There is a strong possibility we were made for each other,” I admit. “The gifts are going to be hard for me to accept at first, but I promise not to complain and remain grateful. I don’t mind you picking out my outfits as long as I have veto rights from time to time, but you have great taste, so it shouldn’t be a big deal. I love that you want to touch me often, and the idea of being by your side so you can protect me is like a fantasy coming true.”
“Perfect. That went a lot smoother than I thought it would go.”
“Same. Leo and I argued over a few things. I wish I had been smart enough to walk away then. But I thought that was normal,” I mutter.
“It is normal to go back and forth a bit. You’re the first girlfriend I’ve had who aligns so perfectly with what I like. A lot of my exes hated me picking out their outfits. A few weren’t big on the list idea. And one wasn’t big on being stuck beside me. With all of them, we figured out ways to make it work best. I’ve had others who there were too many things we didn’t agree on, so we didn’t stay together. That’s how it works in this lifestyle. Please stop blaming yourself for what happened, princess,” he pleads.
“I’m working on it. I’ll need your patience with that.”
He leans forward, grabbing my hand and staring into my eyes. “I’ve got lots of patience. I’m not going anywhere. You’re too fucking perfect for me to want to leave.”
“Is this happening too fast?” I ask, my insecurities bubbling up.
I broke up with Leo less than a week ago. But if I’m honest with myself, the distance between us had been growing for a while. The breakup was a long time coming.
Dax squeezes my hand, giving me the comfort I so desperately need.
“I don’t think so. But I want to know something. Did you ever love Leo?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think I did. And it’s obvious he didn’t love me. You don’t do what he did to me to someone you love.”
“I’m sure some people will talk, making rumors about how you left him for me, but we both know that isn’t true. So let people say what they want.”
“What are we going to tell my family?” I ponder out loud, needing to bring this up now.
“I think it would be best if I told Riley first, just me and him. Then we can tell the rest of your family.”
“What if he hates you? I don’t want to be responsible for you losing your best friend.” My throat thickens, and tears prickle behind my eyes at the mere idea.
“Then he hates me. Me losing him won’t be your fault. It will be a decision Riley made, which is solely on him. I can’t force him to be my friend, but I don’t want to let you go. It is what it is. I also refuse to treat you like a dirty secret, so don’t even think about asking me to keep this on the down low.”
I nod, and he pulls me forward so I’m sitting in his lap, like the other night.
“That’s better,” he murmurs into my hair, and I let out a contented sigh.
For a while, we sit like that, not saying much, just soaking up the comfort of the water and the way this embrace makes us feel. After some time has passed, my eyes grow heavy, and a large yawn slips past my lips.
“Time for bed, sleepy head.” Dax chuckles, tapping my hip for me to stand.
Reluctantly, I do as I’m told, stepping out of the Jacuzzi and waiting for Dax before we make our way to his room together.
“I picked you up some more pajamas,” Dax says, tilting his head to the bed where a pair of silk pajamas are already laid out for me. “I want to take you shopping this weekend for more clothes. That can be part of our date.”
“I like that idea. Thank you for the pajamas, Sir.” I kiss him gently and move to snatch up the comfortable-looking clothes.
“Once you are ready for us to take the next step of this relationship, I will want you to sleep naked,” he whispers into my ear, causing a shiver of lust to run down my spine. “But for now, I hope these are to your liking. A few more pairs are in a drawer on your side of the closet.”
“My side of the closet?”
He nods. “I want you in here with me, remember? So it’s your room now too.”
I never thought I would move in with a boyfriend this quickly, but I’ve known Dax for a long-ass time, and this feels right.
“Thank you.” I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him to me for another kiss. This one, though, isn’t quick and sweet. Instead, it’s passionate and needy, and I’m about ready to say, “fuck taking it slow,” and jump this man now.
“Not tonight,” he says with heavy breaths. Thankfully, he’s as affected by this attraction as I am.
I huff out an annoyed breath, change into my pajamas, and climb into bed.
“Are you ready for your session tomorrow?” Dax asks as he holds me in his arms, my head resting on his chest.
“I think so. Will you hold me through my nightmares if I have them?”
He kisses the top of my head. “Of course I will, princess. I’m never going to let you go.”
I believe him, and as I fall asleep, I think about the future I could build with Dax if the universe allows us to be happy together.
Chapter 12
Dax
Anxiety eats at me while I wait for the elevator to take me to the apartment. I sent Izzy a text after work asking about her session, but her only response was we’ll talk when you get home. Not super ominous but a little bit scary, nonetheless. My palms are sweating from the unknown.
The moment the doors open, my senses are assaulted with an amazing aroma. I don’t think my apartment has ever smelled this amazing. I make my way to the kitchen, where I’m positive Izzy will be.
The second I reach her, I pull her into my arms and kiss her. “I missed you,” I say against her lips.
She melts into my embrace, and my heart beats a little faster. I love how she reacts to me.
“It’s been approximately eleven hours since I saw you last,” she reminds me with a big grin.
“Which is too long,” I argue and kiss her again.
I mean the words more than I can express. Being with Izzy is the highlight of my day. Never have I had a person I want to drop everything for. I love my job and have been married to it for so long and was content living that way.
Until Izzy.
It’s crazy that in such a short time, I’m changing—for the better—and falling for someone who should have been off-limits.
Izzy giggles and gently pushes me. “Okay, enough kisses, it’s time to eat. I can’t wait to tell you about my session.” She beams at me, and I reluctantly take a step back.
“How did it go?” I ask while we sit at the island, where we have eaten our dinners every night since she got here. I love how we’ve gotten into comfortable norms without trying.
“Amazing,” she says. “It was scary. I cried a lot, but when the session was over, it was as if things changed immediately. I don’t feel as awful anymore. I feel like I can handle my reactions to the event without losing myself.”
I smile at her, so happy it is working. I’ve done a lot of research on the therapy since she brought it up, and there isn’t as much information out there as I would have liked, but I trust Elijah not to try something dangerous.
“I have another session booked for next week to go over a few different coping mechanisms in case I have another panic attack. We’ll also discuss how the week went. After that, I should be done unless I feel I need more sessions.” Her face is full of light, making me so happy for her. “Thank you for booking my first appointment and encouraging me to face my fears.”
I grab her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“I’m beginning to think I would do anything for you,” I admit.
The rest of the evening goes exactly how the last few have gone. We eat, clean up, hit the Jacuzzi, make out like teenagers, and fall asleep in each other’s arms.
Izzy is warm and soft, and this tiny voice inside of my head is begging me not to fuck things up.
Waking with her in my arms is fucking perfection.
“Morning, beautiful,” I whisper and kiss the top of her head.
“Five more minutes,” she murmurs, pulling the blankets up farther and snuggling into me more.
Izzy’s leg is now draped over my hip, and her head rests on my chest, her fingers flexing against my treasure trail. She’s not even consciously teasing me, but my cock is too aware of how close she is.
“Take your time, and I’ll make breakfast,” I tell Izzy as I pull away from her touch before I cross a line.
I’ve just finished cooking when the soft patter of her feet tells me she is up.
“Morning people are weird,” Izzy grumbles as I’m plating our food, and I chuckle.
She shuffles her feet toward me and wraps her arms around my stomach for a perfect morning hug. My heart flutters as I hold her for a few moments. Has anyone felt so right before?
“Let’s eat. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us,” I remind her as I pull back.
Leaning down, I tenderly kiss her lips before turning her toward the island.
“This looks delicious,” she notes while taking her seat.
Beside her plate, I set down a cup of coffee for her, and the way she beams at me makes me want to do a million nice things for her. The more times I can put that look on her face, the better.
We make small talk and flirt as we eat, and everything feels right. Before I know it, we’re on our way to the first part of our date—shopping.
“This place is expensive,” Izzy murmurs as we enter the store hand in hand.
I’m having a hard time taking my eyes off her. She looks amazing in her yoga pants and bright blue tank top. She decided to put on makeup to cover the bruises today, which I didn’t think was necessary, but I understood her reasoning. Overall, it’s nice to see the glow in her eyes again. Unfortunately, right now, she looks nervous, and I need to change that.
“I can afford it,” I remind her, and she rolls her eyes. “I think I’m going to have to add that to a rule eventually.” She knows I’m teasing her, but she raises a brow in defiance and purposefully rolls her eyes again. “Do you have a bratty side I wasn’t aware of?”
She giggles. “Maybe you just bring it out in me.” She shrugs, squeezes my hand, and guides me to a rack of shirts.
It turns out she had a lot less than she actually led me to believe, which makes me hate Leo more than I already did. How could a man treat an amazing woman like that? It makes me want to show Izzy just how special she is.
