Page 89 of Second Time Around

“Now I know that it was just me trying to sabotage this…us…our relationship.”

She looked almost pained when she said it, and his lips quirked.

“So, you’re willing to admit that this isn’t just about sex?”

“Yes, although that is a welcome benefit,” she teased and gently tweaked his nipple.

“I’m glad you see it that way, because there’s a lot more where that came from.”

“Bring it on.”

He tucked her hair behind her ear. “Does this mean I can call you my girlfriend again?”

She nodded.

“And I can take you out on dates? In public? With other people as witnesses?”

She laughed. “Yes.”

“And I can cater your sister’s party as your boyfriend and not your ex-boyfriend?”

“Um-hmm.”

He cupped her cheek and brushed his thumb over it. “I promise I’ll never hurt you again.”

“You can’t promise that. Nobody knows what the future holds.”

“But you’re willing to risk it, and you’re not going to back away, right?”

She nodded.

He came up on his elbow and gazed deep into her eyes. “You might not be ready to hear this, but I love you, Jenna. I loved you when we were teens, but it’s so much better now. You don’t have to say it back. In fact, don’t. Not until you’re ready, okay?”

Her eyes filled with tears. Instead of speaking, she leaned in and kissed him softly, tenderly, and it was almost as good as hearing the words. Then she pushed him onto his back and covered his body with hers.

If actions speak louder than words, her actions spoke volumes. She expressed her love for him with her lips, tongue, hands, and all her other sexy body parts. It was his turn to surrender, and he did so eagerly and enthusiastically.

Today her actions would be enough, but he hoped the words would soon follow.