Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (book club recommendations txt) 📗

“What, baby?” he asked while kissing me.

“I’ve never done this… I mean, I’ve never gone all the way… this would be my first time.” My breath was harsh and jagged.

He froze and gaped at me. “Are you serious?”

“Yes, very serious.” I said panting and a little embarrassed.

He didn’t get off of me; he just stayed there for what seemed like an eternity, looking intently into my eyes.

“Are you saying I would be the first one to, uh, to…” he trailed off.

“Yes, you would, but I just can’t. I’m sorry,” I answered his unspoken question. I propped myself up with my elbows to look at him as he started to move, pulling his pants and boxers up over his hips. He left his pants unzipped, his erection too large to zip them.

“Isabel, do you realize how much more this turns me on?” He lightly brushed my cheek with the back of his fingers. “You are perfect,” he offered so quietly I wondered if he was talking to himself. We sat up, he picking the quilt up off the floor and covering me.

“Thank you,” I said, relieved. “It was getting very difficult for me to stop. I don’t know if I could’ve said no to you.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I would never do anything to hurt you or let anyone else hurt you.” His tone was gentle but there was a ring of authority in it. He kissed me on the lips and leaned back on the sofa to catch his breath. He looked pensive. I wished I could read minds. He was making me nervous again. Ugh! Maybe I should just give in and get it over with. It’s not like I didn’t want to but I just couldn’t bring myself to say yes if it was just going to be a one-time affair.

“I can’t tell if you’re angry or hate me,” I said shyly.

He whipped his head around to look at me. “Really? I can’t tell if you’re upset or angry with me.”

“How could I be? I could’ve stopped you but I didn’t. I should’ve told you but how does one bring something like that up in polite conversation?”

“Isabel, I have to admit, yes, I’m disappointed we didn’t have sex, but I respect your decision to wait.” He looked unseeingly out the window. “It does make me want you that much more,” he muttered.

5

It was still early so I took my time getting ready. I decided to call Mrs. Martin and explain everything so she wouldn’t get the wrong idea. Her voicemail picked up—she must have been picking up her annoying little dogs from the vet. I left her a message explaining who Josh was and a brief explanation as to why he needed to be here with me.

I could hear Josh getting out of the guest bathroom shower and rummaging around in the bedroom.

“When can I possibly get my car back?” I yelled while trying to walk out of my bedroom and zip up my dress at the same time. I must have been grunting loudly, trying to zip up, because Josh peeked around the door and gave me a bewildered look. He had a toothbrush in his mouth. Huh, I didn’t know I had extra toothbrushes.

“It’s back,” he said, pointing with his chin out the window while he continued dressing and brushing his teeth. “And it’s all fixed up,” he said through a mouthful of toothpaste before retreating back into the bedroom.

“Wow! I guess you really do work for the FBI.”

He chuckled. “Are you ready?”

I nodded, “uh, before we go, I need us to be on the same page, okay?”

“Er... okay? What does that mean?” One of his eyebrows was raised.

“Well, when employees at the hospital ask who you are, please say you’re my boyfriend,” I stated. “I can’t have everyone knowing who you really are and why you’re with me all the time. I’m a child abuse psychologist and I don’t want the parents or guardians getting so worried that they stop bringing their children to therapy for fear of a shooting or whatever.” I tried to keep my voice as even as possible. “The other psychologists in my department will probably know but the rest of the employees won’t.”

“Sure.” He smiled. “That works well for me, in fact. I don’t think others should know since this is such a high-profile case.” He paused, rubbing his chin. “Does that mean I get to hold your hand in public?”

“Sure, whatever.” I rolled my eyes. “Oh, and try to keep your weapon out of sight if you can. It may make some patients nervous.”

“What do you mean? I always have it secure and out of sight,” he glanced at himself in the mirror.

“Yes, you do for the most part, just try to make it less visible while you’re with me at work. We have kids and parents going through our department all day and I don’t want a lot of questions or concerned looks,” I said.

It was a quiet car ride to work. Neither of us wanted to talk about what happened. Our stomachs were growling loudly. We laughed at the noise. Josh mentioned he would get us something to eat as soon as we got settled. I was enjoying the ride, listening to the talk show radio and looking out the window. I was relaxed and enjoying the view. Chicago’s skyline was pretty amazing.

“So, when we get there,” his voice sounded sultry, bedroom like and inviting, “I want you to show me around your office, the parts of the hospital you go to, introduce me to your friends and co-workers. Make it look like you’re just showing me around.”

I turned my head to gaze at Adonis, nodding impassively. He took my hand and planted kisses in the palm