Free Teaching Melody by Emma Clark Page B

You just don't realize it because he's your dad."
    Ashlee sighed. "Well maybe while I'm away at college you'll get to see him naked. But before that, I'd rather not be around." She yanked the covers, trying to tell me she was ready for bed.
    "You really,
really
need to get a boyfriend, Melody."
    Now it was my turn to roll my eyes.
    I slept on the air mattress, drifting off to visions of a drenched, nude Preston D'Anjou.
    Mmmm
.
    * * * *
    Ashlee left seven days later.
    Preston had given me the key to his house, and I went there three times a week to clean. I showed up two hours before Preston returned from work.
    To my disappointment, he hadn't offered for me to move in. He also seemed distant lately and not as talkative or friendly. His aloof manner was driving me nuts.
    And I hadn't seen him naked.
    One evening late in September, I finished mopping the tile floors when Preston told me to take a break. I'd worked hard to get the kitchen looking spotless, and that wasn't easy since it was so huge.
    Preston gazed around, nodding in approval. His lips curved to a smile as he admired me.
    "Very good, Melody. Hell, you do a better job of cleaning than Chelsea ever did."
    "Thanks, Preston. That means a lot to me." I stood there holding the mop, feeling kind of silly. His smile widened.
    "Melody, why don't you come in the living room with me and we'll watch a movie together? I just got one from Netflix."
    "Sure." Excited, I hurried to return the mop and rinsed out the dirty bucket in the bathtub.
    I found Preston already reclining on the pale sofa, his arm behind his head as he watched previews on a flat-screen television. Below his chest, a navy blue blanket shrouded his body. He saw me and rose part-way, patting the cushion next to him.
    Some of the blanket fell, revealing Preston's nude, golden torso. His stomach was flat, tight and boasted very nice muscle definition. A thatch of blond hair trailed from his navel downward.
    For a fleeting moment I wondered if he were fully naked under the blanket.
    Nah
.
    "Have a seat," he offered, smiling, blue eyes friendly. He held up the other half of the blanket for me. And no he wasn't naked. He wore a pair of black pajama pants.
    Too bad.
    Feeling quite shy and awkward, I joined him on the couch. He pulled the blanket over us. Preston spooned me tightly from behind.
    "Sorry, Melody. Are you uncomfortable lying here with me so close?"
    Another rush of excitement followed as he spoke, and his breath warmed my ear. "I'm fine, Preston. Thanks." Although I
was
on the very edge.
    I scooted and squirmed, nestling tighter against him. His breathing quickened. A very subtle change.
    "Is it okay if I rest my arm around you?" he asked.
    "Uh, sure." My heart thumped.
    Around came his tanned, muscular arm. His hand settled dangerously close to my left breast. He shifted trying to get comfortable. His crotch grated my ass and I wanted to die---from happiness.
    The movie started. Credits flashed on the enormous screen.
    "Are you sure you're comfortable? I apologize for the tight space." He chortled, sounding somewhat nervous.
    "Yeah, it's okay." No it wasn't comfortable, but I couldn't pass up being near him.
    I could've sworn he was sniffing my hair; he kept drawing in deep breaths. And I noticed the spicy, intoxicating aroma of his cologne. It made me woozy with subdued desire. Instinctively I placed my hand in his.
    His skin felt hot.
    My palms broke out in sweat.
    "I haven't been this close to anyone since Chelsea left," he muttered.
    "Yeah." I didn't know what else to say.
    Scene after scene flickered as the movie progressed. To my horror I realized it was a romance, and the male and female leads engaged in a make out fest. Extreme close-ups ensued as they sucked face.
    I closed my eyes, mortified.
    "You okay, honey?" he asked.
    Honey?
    "I mean---are you okay
Melody
?" He cleared his throat.
    "Yes. Really."
Stop asking. You're making me even more nervous.
"But I didn't know this was a