“It’s not what you think.”
“I think you bought these books and then didn’t read them.”
“Alright, it’s kind of what you think.” I walk toward her not stopping until her ass is pressed up against the shelves, and I’ve got her trapped. “I read them all on my ereader.”
I can see the confusion in her eyes. “Why did you come to shop at the bookstore then? Do you just like owning paperbacks?”
“I just needed to see you. Each of those books represents a time I was so desperate to see you that I would do anything to be around you.”
“That’s a lot of books.”
“There were a lot of desperate times.”
“Mmm…I see. Don’t you think asking me out would have been easier?” Her eyes are sparkling and her lips are curled up in a smirk. “Could have saved yourself a pretty penny.”
“You were worth every cent.” I lean toward her and whisper in her ear, “However, had I known you were interested in more than just friendship, each of those books would have been a dinner or coffee date with you.”
“You mean I missed out on that many dates with you?” She loops her arms around my neck.
“Mhmm.”
“We have to make up for a lot of lost time.”
“That’s all we have, baby.”
“I guess I should probably move in with you then.”
“Yup. I’ll help you unpack this evening. This is my second chance with you, and I’m not letting you go.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Neither would I. This woman is incredible. She’s wild, free, and strong, and I think she’s finally starting to realize that about herself. She’s willing to follow her dreams. Willing to admit failures. Willing to fight. Willing to love me. I’ve never known a woman so open to life. So open to me.
I have my person. This is forever.
Epilogue
Emmerson
“Ineedyoutosit on my face, Em.” He’s stroking his cock as he looks at me under heavy-lidded eyes. His words are like a feather tickling across my skin, shivers erupt all over my body. I think I’ve woken up every morning for the last week with him begging to lick me, and every morning my body lights up.
He’s the only one who has ever made me feel so safe, so treasured, so desired that I want to give him everything.
Oh, and by the way, we’re both pretty sure that Bear’s loyalties have shifted to me. Jack’s a bit miffed about it, but I couldn’t be happier to have a Bear on my side.
I can’t believe this is my life.
“Do we have time?” I ask him playfully. “We don’t want to be late, do we?”
“The trees aren’t going anywhere. Now get your cute ass over her and let me have my breakfast.”
I squeal when he lunges at me, grabbing me by my waist, hauling me over to his chest.
“Grab the headboard, baby.”
My hands are already settled there and he groans as he takes his first lick. Good thing I’m hanging onto something because my body already feels limp. Just one lick and I’m melting.
He knows exactly what I need, what I like, what makes me erupt. But he doesn’t usually let me explode until he’s teased me and I’m begging for more.
