“I would die a happy man if this were my last moment on earth,” I murmur.
Her smile falters just a little—something softer, deeper, taking its place. She leans in, brushing her lips over my ear. “Baby, you’re my great escape,” she whispers, quoting the next line of the song.
She’s still in my arms when the music fades into something softer, slower. Neither of us moves right away. Her head rests against my chest, her breath evening out like she’s trying to steady herself—or maybe me.
I don’t let go; I can’t. My hand slides up her back, stopping just below her shoulder blades, like I’m afraid if I move too much, I’ll break whatever this is.
“Hey,” I murmur, coaxing her to look at me.
She tilts her head up and her eyes aren’t guarded like they usually are. Not fully open either. Somewhere in between.
I reach up, brushing a strand of hair back from her face, letting my fingers linger for just a second longer than necessary.
“I don’t expect you to trust me yet,” I add. “I just … I want the chance to show you I’m worth it again.”
She exhales slowly, her hand flattening against my chest like she’s feeling my heartbeat.
“I don’t know what this is yet,” she admits.
“Me neither,” I agree. “But I know I don’t want to rush past it.”
Her eyes flick up to mine again, and I can see something shift. Not trust or forgiveness. But a softening, a willingness I haven’t seen in too long.
She leans in first, just barely, her forehead brushing mine.
When I move closer, caressing her face, I wait.
“I still don’t fully trust you,” she admits, eyes flicking between mine and my mouth.
“You don’t have to. Just … don’t push me away if part of you still wants me.”
She exhales slowly. Then closes the distance.
My breath catches. I look down at her, unsure if she means it the way I hope she does. She steps back enough to lock those hazel eyes on mine.
“Kiss me,” she demands as she leans in.
She leans in first. After everything, she leans in first. I will never take that for granted again.
I don’t need to be told twice. I claim her mouth, coaxing her open with a slow sweep of my tongue against her bottom lip. She opens for me, and I deepen the kiss, tasting the frosting on her lips, the soft heat of her breath.
“Fuck,” I groan as I pull back slightly.
“Don’t stop,” she pants, chasing my mouth.
“Baby, if I don’t stop, I’ll ruin my gentleman persona. Ididplan a whole date,” I whisper.
She looks up at me through her lashes. “I don’t want a gentleman tonight, Sam.”
That’s all I need.
I scoop her up in my arms. She wraps her legs around my waist, her dress riding up deliciously high. I carry her tothe truck, gently setting her down on a thick blanket over the tailgate.
I pause, cradling her face in my hands. My fingers trail slowly along the neckline of her dress, brushing over her full breasts before sliding down to the hem bunched around her waist. I run a hand along her thigh.
“You are so damn beautiful, baby,” I say reverently, stroking the inside of her thighs.
“Please, Sam, I need more,” she whimpers, angling her hips toward me.
