"I would've thought that was obvious by now," he said, a helpless grin breaking out across his face as she squirmed with embarrassment, her nose wrinkled endearingly.

With her eyes hidden, he let himself look at her, her torso stretched across his lap, the low waistband of her cotton panties leaving the wings of his hipbones exposed. Her skin wasn't flawless. It was marked with scars, with freckles, even a blemish or two, but to him, she was perfect.

He tweaked at her nipple, pinching it gently between his thumb and forefinger, his touch more curious than anything else.