“What if I told you I’m sorry too? That I know you meant well and that you care about me?” He drops his hand and shakes his head.
“I’m not being very clear, Mia. I’m falling in love with you, honey.”
“That’s good, Jace. Because I’m falling in love with you too. And I've decided I’m staying.”
“Fuck.” Jace moves so fast that I barely have a second to blink.
He hauls me to his lap, forcing me to straddle his waist, and pulls my mouth down to his. His kiss is searing, like he’s branding himself on my soul, and I know I’ll never get enough of this. Of him. Of us. We finally come up for air, and he rests his forehead against mine, both of us dragging in lungfuls of air.
“I do love you, baby. I promise I’m gonna make you happy that you stayed.”
“I love you too. But I will have to go to Atlanta, you know, to get everything sorted. Then I’ll be right back here, with you, where I belong. Where I’ve always belonged.”
We both close our eyes and savor this moment between us. Finally, when I feel his lips on the tip of my nose, I open my eyes and find him grinning at me.
“Wanna know where I belong?” A hint of wickedness flashes in his eyes.
“Oh yeah? Where’s that?” He lifts his hips in response, and I feel his lengthening cock grind into my panty-covered pussy. “Oh? You belong in there, do you?”
“Fuck yeah. Lemme show you. Hold on tight, baby.”
He embraces me and stands as I lock my legs around his waist. We’re in his bedroom in no time, and he has me undressed, lying on the mattress and writhing with anticipation. He strips and joins me on the bed, worshiping my body and showering me with touches and kisses.
He leans over me and looks into my eyes. “You’re everything to me, Mia.”
“Show me, Jace.” He slowly, softly kisses my lips.
“My pleasure, baby. Or better yet, I’ll make it yours.”
EPILOGUE
MIA
Two Years Later
It’s early May, and already the temperatures are in the seventies, making it ideal weather to sit on the back deck. I’m barefoot, plopped on my favorite lounger, and facing the lake with my laptop and a fresh pitcher of half sweet tea, half lemonade. I love the sensation of the warm sun mixed with a cool breeze on my skin—which is currently barely covered by a pair of tiny, black, thread-bare, cotton shorts and a pink cotton cami.
To clear my head, I inhale and exhale a deep, calming breath. I sip my drink and allow the refreshing liquid to cool me down from the inside out. Closing my eyes, I quiet the noise in my head until I’m ready to write.
I still can’t believe I’m working on my third series. Or that I’m a published author and people actually buy my books. But here I am, writing book one of my protective hero series, inspired by my husband, who’s the most protective hero of them all.
My husband.
As I look down to admire my three-stone diamond wedding ring, I hear that sexy voice I love coming from the back door.
“Mrs. Stevens. Have you been a good girl today?”
I turn in my seat to give him my attention. The sight of him in uniform always takes my breath away. Jace is gorgeous on any given day, but when he’s Officer Stevens, he makes my damn ovaries faint.
“Sir, I’m always a good girl.” I close my laptop and set it on the glass table in front of me.
“That’s excellent, Mrs. Stevens. I’d hate to have to take you in.” The corner of his mouth tips up in a seductive smirk. “I see you’re wearing my favorite glasses. You know I love the librarian look.”
I gingerly grasp the earpiece between my thumb and index finger and slide my glasses down just a smidge. “Oh, these? They turn you on, Officer Stevens?”
“It’s the messy bun with the pencil in your hair too. So fucking hot, baby.” He pushes off the doorway and walks towards me with a swagger full of confidence. He stands in front of me as I remain seated on the lounger, looking up at him through a lust-filled haze.
Damn, this man is hot.
