Page 86 of Drive Me Crazy

Harper sits across from mestaring out the window, I can only imagine what she's thinking, I know I can't stop myself from running every scenario that's ever existed through my thoughts and mind.

She has a death grip on my hand; she hasn't released mine from the minute I buckled my seat belt. It's as if I'm her lifeline and she's afraid what will happen if the connection breaks.

How can I ever get her to trust me with everything if she's so terrified, I'll jump ship at the first sign of a wave? Hell, from the moment she left with Weston, I've been nothing more than a shipwreck myself.

"Ya know, the last time you held on to me this tight, you were hangin' on for dear life at the treehouse." I grin at her when she rolls her eyes.

"I about died!"

"I had you, you weren't gonna fall." I sneer in protest.

She gapes. "I was mere seconds from multiple broken bones, all because you boys didn't want me up there."

"Not true." I glance at her with a wicked smirk. "I was mad that I didn't get to climb up behind you and peek up your skirt."

"Ridge!" She smacks my arm. "Are you kidding me?"

"Oh, please. Like you didn't know I was lookin' at your panties. I can tell you the day you changed them from white cotton to cute little polka dots." I bite my lip. "Can we have a moment of silence for those purple ones?"

She shakes her head. "Such a perv!"

"I am not! I was simply a boy needing to see your panties."

"If you're lucky, you'll get your chance to see them again." She waggles her brows at me, and I adjust position to give my cock a little wiggle room.

I cut my eyes at her. "Is that a promise?"

"Are you kidding? I haven't had s..." she glances over the seat behind me to Rumor, who's still out before continuing. "ya know, for a very... long... time."

"How long is very long?" My brows knit of their own accord.

Harper adverts her eyes as I come to a stop at the gates to our home. "Since someone has made love to me?"

"Yes, Harper." I breathe heavily with wanton lust. "When was the last time you were held, and assured you're wanted and loved?"

She pushes her hair behind her ear, peaking at Rumor. "You."

"Huh?" My mouth goes dry as I watch as she runs her tongue over her bottom lip.

She tilts her head toward the window, blushing. "Since we were together."

"You're kidding me?" My chin hits my chest as shock washes over me.

"Weston wasn't nice about it." She half shrugs. "You took your time, touched me, cared for me."

I lean over the console, running my finger over her jaw. "I was honored and wanted to cherish you. I always will, Harper."

"It's the only love I've ever known." She turns to me as a tear streaks down her face. "I tried so many times to forget you, but I couldn't. I've loved you since I can remember."

"And I you, your entire life." Before I can stop myself, I take her mouth, claiming it with every ounce of love I have in me for this woman. Harper's my entire life, and it's time I start showing her.

No sooner does my tongue sweep across her lips, she opens for me and accepts all that I have to offer. Harper's always taken me exactly as I am. She's never pushed or pulled.

As our mouths meet, she gives way for me to do as I please. My breath hitches, remembering the feisty young woman she once was. She gave as good as she got, but she's different now.

But not for long.

I pull away, leaving her with a gaping mouth and a look of confusion. I smirk, knowing she's been baited and taken it hook... line... and sinker.