Page 96 of Riding the Curve

“You can’t see because those damn fears of yours have you so in a chokehold. Blinding you from allowing yourself to see all the good you are doing. All the progress that you are making. Every. Single. Day.”

The inky slither of shame coils deep within my stomach.

I wish I wasn’t like this. That there wasn’t always doubt in the back of my mind. What it must feel to be free of tormenting thoughts that you know don’t make any rational sense, but nevertheless make you curl over under the weight of the anxiety that they give you.

“Baby, watching you work through what you went through and still wake up and get back out there baking with Harper inspired me. That night I caught you and my Dad at dinner and the way you made him light up put everything into perspective. I, too, was blinded by my grief, and my fear, but being around you again gave me the strength I needed to be brave again.”

His lips feather over my brow before he pulls me into his shoulder. As I fracture apart in his arms, he whispers the words my darkest pieces inside of my need to hear.

“I’ll always want you. Every part of you, Henley. My love for you is unconditional.”

“Why?” I mumble into his shoulder.

“Because you remind me every day of all the beautiful things in this life worth waking up for and fighting to hold on to. Even though you don’t believe you’re enough, I’m here to tell you that you’ll always be enough for me. I’ll sit with you in the darkness, no matter how long it takes. My arms will hold you tight until you remember what truly makes your light shine.”

His hand slides from around my back and upward to cover my heart.

“This is what defines your worth, Hen. This big, beautiful heart and your loving soul are what made me fall so deeply in love with you. Your compassion, your tenderness. The tenacious way you go after the things you want, even if deep down inside you’re terrified.

“No one is ever truly broken. Sometimes we just must break to create something new. Those cracks help us expand and grow into who we are meant to be. Like a butterfly breaking free of its cocoon. It’s time to break free of your cage. Time to let yourself grow into the next version of yourself.”

I’m a complete mess. Every word he speaks flies freely through me, no longer barricaded by my walls. Igniting the light I’ve let dull for far too long.

Emerson’s lips press against mine in a soothing, reverent pace. One hand tenderly holds the back of my head while the other palms my spine. Never have I felt more safe in someone’s arms.

He leans back, resting his head against mine. “It’s time to spread those wings, Henley.”

“I love you,” I breathe.

“I love you, too.”

The slow upward curl of his lip tickles my sensitive skin. Before I know what’s going on, I feel myself being lifted into the air. “What in the—” I squeal as the air rushes out of me.

My view turns upside down as Em tosses me over his shoulder and stalks toward the tent.

“Wait,” I gasp as my chest flops against his back with each step. “We didn’t even get to have dessert yet!”

Laughter rumbles from above as I angle my body just enough to see him fling open the flaps of the tent. Em lowers me to my feet, and in one fluid motion bends his arm behind his back and rips his shirt off. Tossing it to the side, his hooded eyes lock with mine.

With each step forward, I take one step back. When I hit the edge of the inflatable mattress, I stumble. Strong hands grip me around my waist, and a mischievous grin spreads over his handsome face.

“I’m not tired yet,” I whisper.

He lifts me up and tosses me onto the inflatable mattress.

“Neither am I,” he drawls slowly.

The distinct sound of a zipper fills the small space. All my thoughts freeze in my brain as I watch his hands slowly peel his jeans and boxers over his legs and down to the floor. It’s the sexiest damn thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

The man could truly be a Greek god. Every muscle and ab toned to perfection. His olive skin glistens in the soft lantern light as he towers before me with a predatory stare. My eyes trail down the expanse of his chest to his hardened length. His eyes follow mine and he hums seductively, sending a quake of electricity humming through me.

Wrapping his large palm around the base, he gives himself one long pull from hilt to tip. The sound that mumbles through me shocks the both of us. It’s low and guttural and brings a satisfied tilt to his lips. “Knew I wasn’t the only one who liked to watch.”

Desire builds like molten lava within my core, slowly heating my skin along the way. Towering before me is a man with nothing but pure hunger in his eyes. As he lowers his weight on top of me, every doubt and fear vanishes. Em’s mouth brushes against the side of my neck, silencing the chaos of my mind. Each kiss a gentle reminder that I’m safe within his arms.

That he’s here to stay.

“Hey, baby?” His heated breath whispers against my ear as nimble fingers unzip my shorts and lower them down my thighs.