Page 70 of Can’t Say No

I love him.

I’ve always loved him.

I let that feeling take root, grounding me in the here and now. I’ve had a lot of once in a lifetime moments, but this, loving someone and being loved in return? This beats them all.

Slowly, with so much care it makes my heart ache, Connor unties the straps around my neck holding my top in place. He pauses, giving me every opportunity to say no before sliding the silky fabric away.

I make no move to stop him.

“Fucking hell, Lanie.”

He rocks back onto his heels, kneeling at the edge of the bed as I push up on my elbows, my chest bare before him. “God, you’re sexy.”

The reverence in his voice sends shockwaves through me, leaving me frozen in place. Connor stands and gets to work on the buttons of his shirt, eyes locked on mine the entire time. It’s methodical, deliberate, and so fucking hot. My stomach drops as I take in his chiseled chest, and as his hands drop to his belt I’m forced from my stupor.

“Let me,” I whisper.

And he does.

His fingers twist into my hair as he pulls me closer while I undo his belt, then the button on his jeans, then slowly drag the zipper down.

He yanks on the hair woven in his hand and I let out a little gasp as he angles my head back, forcing my gaze to meet his.

“You say the word baby, and we stop. I’ve waited a long time for this. I can wait longer if you need.”

The contrast of his tender words with the domineering way he tightens his grip on my hair unlocks something in me. A hunger I never knew I had. There is no stopping it now.

“I want this,” I say, eyes locked on his. “I want you.”

Connor gives me one sharp nod, then narrows his eyes.

“Eyes on me, baby. The whole damn time.”

His commanding tone is electric and goes straight to my core. Then he softens again, a gentle hand pushing a stray hair out of my face.

“I love you, Lanie Lou.”

I believe it.

With each kiss he plants across my skin, I believe it. With each gentle touch as he lowers himself down to me, I believe it. And when he groans, completely undone by me, I believe it.

“Fuck, baby,” he mumbles into my neck, his breath hot as he grinds down on me. “I’m telling you now, this is not going to be my best performance. I’ve spent too many years dreaming about this.”

I give a breathless laugh, euphoric from his words alone.

Connor’s dark eyes meet mine as he hovers above me. “You laughing at me again?” He licks his lips, gaze trailing down my body, coming to rest at the one piece of clothing still in place.

“Lose the panties.”

The rawness in his voice is electric, setting my whole body ablaze. I hook my thumbs into the waistband and slide them down my legs without breaking eye contact once. Connor snatches the scrap of fabric from my ankles and tosses them over his shoulder.

Kneeling over me, he takes in my bare body. “Perfect. You’re so fucking perfect, Lanie.”

I can’t answer, can’t even find my voice. Not when he’s looking at me like it’s a privilege. Desire floods my body and suddenly I’m desperate in a way that I’ve never felt before.

Connor must feel it too because he strips the rest of the way down in an instant.

I let out an audible gasp, because a naked Connor Majors is a sight to behold.