Page 22 of Always Right Here

“I’m sor-

“How areyou feeling?”

We both spoke at the same time, my apology swallowed up by her steadier voice. But her soft chuckle and warm smile softened the awkwardness.

“I’m okay. Still a little tired, but I feel safe here,” I managed to say.

Korie nodded, grabbing her tea and gulping it slowly.

“It’s okay, by the way.”

My head snapped over to her.

“We all need to let off some steam sometimes.”

“Oh, God,” I groaned, hiding my face in my hands. “I’m going to just pretend that never happened.”

“I’m not.” Her voice was husky.

“What?” I looked over at her again. Her eyes were hooded with something dangerously close to desire.

“I’m just happy you feel comfortable here. This is your temporary home…whatever you need to do is more than fine with me.”

I had to get out of there before I jumped in her lap. I shot to my feet and grabbed my empty dishes.

“I’m going to get a little more sleep,” I squeaked, the panic clear in my voice.

Korie sat back on the couch and crossed her ankle over her knee, bringing her tea to her lips again.

“Sleep well. I’ll be out here if you need me.”

Chapter 20

Riah

By the time my eyes opened, darkness surrounded me. The small window next to my bed only glowed with the gentle light of the full moon. The clock flashed 2 am.

I sat up and realized how scratchy and dry my throat was. I pushed out of bed to grab some water. But as I approached the bedroom door, faint grunts coming from the other side stopped me in my tracks. My heart thumped in fear, assuming my stalker had found me, killed Korie and was now dragging her dead body out the door.

I pressed my ear against the wood and realized the grunting was rhythmic. Steady. It was Korie.

The heat was back, coiling in my belly and crawling between my legs. Creaking the door open just enough to see out of it, I found Korie bobbing up and down on the floor. Her muscles were swollen and glistening in the moonlight. I watched greedily as she did more push-ups than I’d ever done in my entire life combined.

My needy, dripping pussy demanded a clearer view. I pushed the door open just another inch and a loud creak screeched through the room. Korie’s head snapped towards me as she stopped mid-push-up, her arms held at a perfect 90-degree angle.

Eyes never leaving mine, she gracefully pushed to her feet. She was dressed only in her sports bra and loose basketball shorts. I couldbarely handle the ache it caused in my whole body.

“You okay, Ri?” She was still breathless from her exercise, making her voice even raspier.

“Yeah,” I croaked, completely unconvincing.

Korie stepped closer, sending my rapid heartbeat straight to my clit.

“You feeling worried? Scared?”

She was so close, I could feel the warmth radiating from her body. The smell of sweat mixed with cologne trapped me in a chokehold. Her fingers lightly brushed over my arms.

“Trouble sleeping?”