“It definitely was my fault. I usually spoon a spare pillow at home and must have gotten confused.”

“Are you comparing me to something fluffy, Burnsie?”

A giggle escapes me, the weirdness of waking up literally on top of him fading away with the morning chill. “Innocent until proven guilty, Your Honor. I think we both know you’re far from fluffy.”

My eyes flick to his covered body, the outline of defined abdominal muscles barely visible under the hem of his white tee. Henry is all sharp and firm lines. Hard work and dedication in all his projects: fitness, his career, his friendships. The only parts of him that are soft are his kind heart, sweet demeanor, passion for helping others, and the love and adoration for those closest to him.

He sits up, tossing me an apprehensive look. “Are you ready for today? Most of the gang will be here for brunch.”

“I’m so excited to meet Drew and Elizabeth! Do you mind if I shower? What kind of outfit should I wear?”

“You can use my bathroom. Towels and stuff are all set up. I’m going to do a quick run to shake out some of these nerves, so take your time.” He climbs out of bed, cracking his back. “As for clothes, wear whatever you want. Jeans. A sweater.” Pausing, he taps his cheek, deep in thought. “A pillowcase. You look great in anything.”

“Thanks.” I take the compliment and tuck it close to my heart, keeping it safe in a special box.

I head into the bathroom and close the door. There’s a Jacuzzi tub and a stand-alone shower that takes up the entire length of one wall. The white marble floors are warm under my feet.

Floor heaters.

Discarding my sleep clothes, I turn on the shower, water from four different heads filling the room with steam and heat. I step inside, grabbing the fresh bar of soap and cautious to not get my hair wet. I lather myself up, suds forming on my body as I relax under the hot water, tension from the last 24 hours sliding down the drain.

My mind wanders back to Henry’s powerful arms, biceps flexing as he held me in his possession. The feel of him pushing against my body, long length making me ache for more. The absurdity of how good the press of his fingers on the swell of my ass felt, punishing and pleasurable.

My hand slides down my neck, water cascading over my shoulders. I bite my lip. I shouldn’t be thinking about him while I’m in here. I shouldn’t let my hand slip between my parted thighs and daydream about what it would be like to have him there, easing the worry from my bones and whispering encouragement in my ear as he brings me down from a high I so desperately want to climb.