Read Online Inside Out by Mandy Hollis - Free Book Online Page B

me, ruining the only happiness that my life had to offer me since Adam. “I’m going to take a shower, if that’s okay with you?”
    “Sure. How about I take one with you, we can check out that room afterwards. I’ll take you to the craft store, buy you a few new art supplies for your brand new studio.”
    “You don’t have to do that. I brought a few of my things. I have more than enough for the time being. Thank you though.”
    “Samantha, I want to. I want to do nice things for you. That’s my prerogative, isn’t it?” His eyes pleaded with me. Saying no to him seemed impossible.
    “Fine, if you insist.” I rose from the table, grabbing our plates, discarding the remaining morsels of food. “How about that shower?”
    “I’m ready when you are.” He winked.
    “You just want to see me naked, damned old pervert.” I laughed, making my way down the hall. I felt a sense of embarrassment at the thought of showering in front of him. His body and mine were worlds apart. I tried to rationalize with myself; he’d seen my naked body more than once. This wouldn’t be any different. Though, I knew it wasn’t the same. Caught up in the heat of the moment, everyday worries were washed away. I stood in the bathroom, deliberating which piece of clothing I would remove first. Jude seemed to notice my dilemma. He started pulling off his clothing, in a sexy-playful way. I grinned as he dropped his silk shorts, rolling his hips around in a circle. “Oh, now I get it. You’re a stripper. That’s why you won’t tell me what you do for a living. That’s okay. Don’t be ashamed. We all have to make money some way.”
    He stood undressed in front of me. I watched his eyes blaze with desire as he watched me begin to pull each piece of my own clothing off. The slow movements I made were almost teasing, yet completely innocent. I was aware in moments like this of how beautiful he was and how plain I would always be. Jude’s glistening eyes stared at my bare skin in a way that almost made me feel attractive. Maybe he saw me for the beauty that lay beneath the average exterior.
    As if reading my thoughts Jude chimed in, “You’re beautiful. Do not look at yourself that way…if only you could see yourself through my eyes.”
    “Of course you would say that. You’re sleeping with me.”
    “One thing I have always been is honest. Believe it or not, Samantha, I find you very beautiful.” He leaned into the shower, turning on the knobs. I felt my heartbeat steady. I was no longer uncomfortable and ashamed. He didn’t stare at me in the same way Mitch always had. Being with Jude meant being comfortable in my own skin. I smiled and pulled Jude close for a hug. “Will I get a hug for every compliment I ever give you?”
    “If you’re lucky” I winked and stepped into the shower, sighing deeply when I felt the warm water on my skin.
    “Let me help you.” Jude applied a generous amount of body wash into his palm, placing it onto my skin. I shivered. His long fingertips massaging me with the silk textured liquid felt amazing. “You’re tense.” He spoke more to himself than to me. He focused on my shoulders and neck. I leaned my body against the shower wall. I was so relaxed I was afraid I might fall.
    “Geez, Jude, another talent?” I moaned.
    “Be quiet. Just enjoy this.”
    “Your turn,” I proclaimed in excitement when he finally let his hands fall back to his sides. I grabbed the soap, squirting more than enough into my own palm to lather his entire body.
    “Hey! Hey, that tickles.” He squirmed and giggled when I ran my hands down his sides.
    “Oh, stay still, you big baby.” I chuckled and continued rubbing the sensitive area. “All right, I think we’re about finished here. My fingers are getting all wrinkled.” I examined my fingertips.
    “One day you’ll look like that all over.” He stuck out his tongue and shut off the water.
    “Hey, didn’t anyone ever teach you not to speak of a ladies