Page 82 of Already Callin’ You Mine

The other side of his mouth curls, matching the already upturned one, completing the impish smirk.

“Then it sounds like it’s time for a refresher course. And I’m just the man for the job.”

I’m airborne before I can blink, scooped up in Jace’s arms. I squeak, looping my arms around his neck and holding on tight. He moves with a swift ease, navigating the toy minefield like he’s been given a map, making me feel as light as a feather the entire time.

Heading down the hall, he kisses me, stealing my attention from his movements. There’s no way to concentrate on anything else when he’s kissing me—just the simple, spicy taste of him. That intoxicating one that makes all my worries melt away.

Nothing is wrong with the world as long as Jace is kissing me.

Lowering me to my feet, he continues to kiss me, our mouths never moving from each other. I lose myself in this feeling, in his touch, the weight of his hands skimming across my torso toward my ass amplifying everything.

“I think the bigger question is,” Jace says, breaking our kiss, “how do I get you out of all these skirts?”

I laugh, ready to tell him my secret. He moves behind me, nipping at my neck, finding a sensitive spot I didn’t know I had. I react, wiggling in his grip, earning me a moan.

“Good to know that’s there.” He does it again, and this time my knees wobble. “I really want to get you out of these pettiskirts, or whatever they’re called though.”

“Petticoats,” I correct him, my voice breathy.

Fingers circle my waist, skimming just inside the waistband. He’s about to discover the secret.

“I’m not above going underneath if it gets me what I⁠—”

Riiiiiiiiip…

The loud, obnoxious screech of Velcro splitting cuts through the thick air, followed by Jace’s gasp. Found it.

“Well, then…” he tsks. “Is every layer like this?”

I nod, giving him a knowing look over my shoulder. “Same with the corset. It’s not real.”

“Fuck me…” he mutters under his breath.

“I plan to.” I shrug, trying to play coy.

Jace groans, an animalistic sound fueled by only one thing. His hands move at the speed of light, ripping away each layer, the cool air swirling around me as they all fall away. Leaving me in nothing but my thong.

I go to move—to turn around to face him—but I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The wide, full-length mirror attached to the closet door. My body heats up, right as a niggle of insecurity appears.

I am fully on display, my boobs sagging without the help of a bra and my mommy tummy with those tiger stripes showing up loud and proud. Once upon a time I could strut around in the teeniest, tiniest bikini. Now, I look better fully clothed. It’s all I can do to hope that Jace isn’t disappointed in what he’s found. Or worse, turned off.

“Fuck me, you’re gorgeous.”

I whip around to face him, going stock-still as his eyes drag up and down my all but naked form. The weight of them is heavy and appraising, but not in a way that makes me feel like I’m up for auction at the 4-H convention. No, Jace’s gaze is different.

He’s looking at me like I’m the Venus de Milo and he’s in awe of such a creation.

My hands fly to my belly, trying to hide the stripes. Jace catches them, shaking his head no. Then he spins me around.

“I want you to see yourself, Pres. To see how incredible…how magnificent you are.” He licks his lips, dragging his fingers lightly down my sides. They dance along the lace of my thong, and I can feel the wetness between my legs. “Because you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

I shiver, leaning back into him. Reaching around me, he slowly circles my nipples, a gentle, teasing touch that erases my brain for a moment. Even more so when he nips at the spot on my neck again.

“My tummy…it…”

“I beg to differ.” He cuts me off, already seeming to know where I’m going with this. He lets go of me, just long enough to step in front of me, blocking my view of myself. Fingers toy with the lace again, starting to work it over my handles and hips. “I think it might just be my favorite part.”

Dragging my thong down my thighs, Jace sinks to his knees, looking up at me, his brown eyes even darker than before.