Page 74 of Range
Against the seat of my panties.
My nostrils widened with desperation. I searched my senses for him. Specifically my olfactory rolodex. It was extensive, but he was at the front of the deck. He didn’t reek of suit and hopelessness like so many I’d encountered beyond those prison walls.
He projected light, life, hope, and confidence. His natural PH combined with the soap he used to cleanse his body was enough to stamp his fragrance in my memories.
“Baby!”
I hadn’t heard the door open. I hadn’t heard Kason step into the hallway. But, I felt him. I felt his arms around my body, pulling me closer, and making me feel something. Making me feel some things. Making me feel safe. Making me feelpartiallysatisfied.
It’s not enough.
“Hi.”
Kason pulled back slowly, never releasing me from his grip.
“You planned on standing out here all night or coming to enjoy this beautiful view of the city?”
With a smile, I tilted my head rightward. “Shall we?”
Kason leaned forward, pressing his lips against mine. Our tongues met. And, they danced. They swayed and they clung to each other as if it was their first and last meeting.
“Mmm–” he groaned, pulling back. “I’ve missed you.”
I waited.
I waited for his words to have an effect on me.
I waited for his words to have the same effect on me as Josiah’s had.
I waited for them to enlarge my heart to the point of pain.
I waited for them to send an ache down my spine.
I waited for them to wet my bottom lash line.
I waited.
But, there was nothing.
With a smile, I placed my lips on his again, silencing my thoughts. Kason offered instant gratification. It was rewarding, but the effects wore off swiftly. The moment he was out of sight, he was out of mind, most times. Until I needed another dose. Another hit. Another piece of what he had to offer.
But–
Josiah.
Josiah had a lasting impression.
Left me with unshakeable feelings.
Demanded my brain cells.
Consumed my thoughts.
Altered my body’s chemistry.
Touched parts of me his hands had never and would never feel.
There wasnothing instant about Josiah but our connection. Everything else promised longevity. Even the bulge in his pants was part of hisextensiveprogram.
