The Girl Who Wrote Erotica, Book One: The Method (Contemporary Romance) by Angela Jordan Page B

do that.” He leaned over and gave me a short kiss. “Night, Tasha.” As if reading my mind, he settled down into his side of the bed and drew the covers up to his chest, as if to show he didn’t expect the intimacy of cuddling. The relief I felt at that moment made me feel a thousand times better about my decision.
     
    Though still a little nervous, I took my side of the bed, leaving my robe on the floor beside me, and mimicked his actions, facing my side and pulling the covers up over my shoulder. It took a long moment to relax, knowing I wasn’t alone. Sharing the bed with Sam had come on the heels of exhaustion, making it easy to fall asleep and not think about it. In this case, I was tired, but my mind was still moving too fast to sleep easily. I eventually took note of Jamie’s even breathing rhythm, and I used that to lull me to sleep, confident that his slumber would keep the distance between us – and comforted a bit, as much as I hated to admit it, by the sound of a man sleeping next to me.

Chapter Six: The Question s
     
    I awoke almost having forgotten I’d had an overnight guest, until the smells of coffee, bacon, and biscuits wafted into the bedroom. I got up quickly, wrapped in my robe, and headed to the kitchen, finding Jamie standing over the counter with his back facing me.
     
    He stood there, bare-chested, wearing his jeans slung low on his hips, preparing plates for the two of us. When he heard me approach, he smiled at me over his shoulder. “Good morning.”
     
    I yawned and sat down on a barstool. “Impressive,” I said, and I meant it. “What made you do all this?”
     
    He shrugged. “It’s just something I like to do. It’s not just for you,” he added, winking. “I’d be doing the same thing at home alone. I eat oatmeal and yogurt six days a week. Sundays are reserved for indulgence. But I’ve got to tell you, you’ve got like nothing to eat around here. I made a quick trip to the supermarket… hope you don’t mind.”
     
    I laughed lightly as he handed me a cup of coffee. “Well, I honestly appreciate it. I probably would have headed to the coffee shop or heated up leftovers from last night.” It was a strange feeling, having a man in my kitchen, and while it seemed okay with Jamie this time, I had an uneasy feeling that I would never be comfortable with something like this on a permanent basis.
     
    But for now, I would put all those feeling aside, and try to just enjoy his company. This still counted as research for my next book… right?
     
    Luckily, Jamie seemed to harbor no ill will or strange feeling from last night, and again we settled into an easy, fun conversation with no awkwardness to be found.  He left quickly after breakfast, after helping me with the dishes – and to my surprise, I felt the slightest twinge when he stood there at the doorway.
     
    “Well,” he said, standing there smiling at me, “I’ll see you when I see you, Natasha.” I knew he was teasing.
     
    “Hey,” I said. “I’ll call you, OK? Just maybe not for a couple of days. I need to keep my distance, remember?”
     
    He shook his head, but was still smiling. He reached his arms up to the top of the doorway, leaning in close to my face and looking into my eyes. Had his eyes always been so blue?
     
    “Whatever you say, Tasha.” Another quick peck, a quick smile, and he was gone. I watched him walk down the driveway for just a brief moment, and then quickly closed the door before I could call after him. I didn’t know what I wanted to say to him, but right now, I didn’t trust myself at all.
     
    Wow, I said to myself, shaking my head in wonderment.
     
    I needed some time to process all that had just happened – and I didn’t feel I could do it alone. I immediately called Sam and told her to meet me at the coffee shop.
     
    “What’s the matter?” she asked. “Still got your writer’s block?”
    I had to laugh. “No, that’s all taken care of – but now I’ve