Page 147 of Run to Me

She shrugs a shoulder and tries to hide her smile, but can’t. Then she giggles again.

“Did I break you? Should I call a doctor?”

In answer, she breaks into full-on laughter, which does my tender dick no favors. I wince and slip out of her, but I don’t let her go because she’s still laughing, and I never want it to end.

“Are you laughing at me?” I ask.

“Yes,” she squeaks.

“I just fucked you through an epic orgasm, and you’re laughing at me?”

Lips clamped between her teeth, she nods, fighting to contain her amusement as her face turns purple.

“I’m returning you. You’re defective.”

“No!” She swats a hand on my chest. “I’m just happy.”

I give her an expectant look. “And?”

“And you yelled ‘fuck me’ at the end. After I already did.”

“That’s not what I yelled.”

“Yes, it is.” It totally is.

“You can’t laugh at me for anything I say in the throes of passion. It doesn’t count.”

“The ‘throes of passion?’ Seriously?” The question barely leaves her mouth when her laughter bubbles over again. She flings the back of a hand to her forehead and fakes the worst Southern Belle accent I’ve ever heard. “Fetch the smelling salts, sir. I might swoon from all this passion.”

“You’re broken. I broke you with my mega dick. There’s no other explanation for what’s happening right now.”

“Do not bring up the mega dick. You can’t use my drunk words against me.”

“You can’t use my orgasm words against me!” I tickle her sides, and she squirms and squeals on my messy lap.

“Fine! Okay! Truce! I’m sorry. I love you.” She’s wheezing now, and a goofy grin is stuck on my face.

Hearing her laugh like this transports me back twenty years or so. To a time before the people who were supposed to love her turned their backs on her, including me. Our heartbreaking moment on the porch is one I’ll regret for the rest of our lives. But this? The sight and sound of pure joy that’s kept buried for so long? It’s what I’ve been waiting for. Her happiness makes everything we’ve been through worth the struggle. And I’ll claw my way from the pit a million more times if my reward is watching her soar freely.

So fucking worth it.

I tease her lips with mine and whisper, “Tell me again.”

“I love you. I love you. I love you.”

“And I love you, my beautiful birdie. Now kiss me like you own me, then let’s get ready for this party.”

57

MAISY

Tatum, Lucy, and I set out empty platters for appetizers, burger toppings, and condiments in Jensen’s kitchen—our kitchen. It’s been a month since I moved in, and Lucy came up with the idea of a house re-warming party, which I thought was genius. It’s a chance for me and Jensen to claim the house as our own. To usher in our lives together with a fresh start.

The windows and patio door are open, allowing us to enjoy the crisp fall air. Laughter and lighthearted banter flow from outside where the kids play and the men argue about the best way to grill a burger. The only people who couldn’t make it today are Marcus and Judge. They’re busy launching their own personal security company. Potential clients are knocking on their door, and I’m thrilled the cousins’ hard work is paying off.

My professional reputation took a hit after I withdrew from the Jamaica job at the last minute. I’m working hard to redeem myself, reaching out to my limited number of contacts and the connections I’ve made through Tatum and Graham. I express my willingness to take on any job available to regain a small foothold in the industry. Until then, I’ll continue working on myself, help Jensen when he needs me, and lean on our friends for support.

Jake strolls inside with Lennon in his arms, like he knows Tatum misses her son. They don’t exchange words. She kisses Lennon’s head, and Jake wanders back outside.