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Chapter Fifteen
Vivian
The last guy I dated who I considered a serious boyfriend was Charlie Barnett.
Charlie was a lawyer. Slick, well-bred, good-looking. He’d made partner at his firm and we were both up-and-comers. When the news broke of my father’s lies, he told me I’d hang for my father’s crimes.
He turned his back on me so fast I was surprised he didn’t have whiplash. We were together a year and a half. We shared a lot of hopes and dreams and dinners and sex. We’d talked about marriage and moving in together at one point.
Even when things were good, Charlie never handled me as carefully as Nate handles me now.
When he scooped me off the floor I gave him the weight of my body and my grief. Instinctively, I knew he could take it. Honestly? I’m glad he knows the truth.
Usually I’d die before I let anyone see me cry—how weak. With Nate there was never another option. Like it was inevitable we’d have sex the night I came home with him, so was the breakdown after he learned from whose loins I’d sprung.
We’re on the couch, me on his lap, my nose against his neck. I like being here and not only because he smells like the ocean. I like his wide hands, hands that have fought and pummeled lesser men. On me they’re gentle. Careful.
I’m being held like I might break. To be fair, I just did.
I’m not crying now. I’m luxuriating in him. With my fingers in his hair. My lips resting against the strong pulse beating in his neck.
He turned on music while we were sitting here and the song playing has a soft, soothing beat. I don’t recognize the artist, but I like his voice. I like Nate’s voice too. He’s humming low in his throat and my lips tingle from the vibrations.
My plan was to move to Clear Ridge, find a job, find an apartment, and keep my head down. I wasn’t supposed to make friends or find a man who consumed my every other thought. I wasn’t supposed to connect with anyone. I did a good job for months, but now…
Now.
Pressing my lips against his pulse, I kiss and then suckle the skin of his neck.
His arms tighten around my body. His hum fades into a low growl. I open my mouth and taste him again, scraping my teeth along his neck. His hand slides beneath my dress to cup the back of my thigh.
We stay in that position for several minutes. Me kissing his throat, his palm on my leg. By the time his hand slides higher, I move to straddle his lap and press my lips to his.
His mouth.
So much better than any I’ve ever had on mine. So much headier. So much more powerful. Irresistible. Not that resistance was an option. Either I’m not that strong or he’s that good.
There are good guys.
His words echo through my mind as I tangle my tongue with his. Is he a good rich guy? An exception to the rule?
His fingers unknot the tie holding my wrap dress closed. He flattens his hand on my stomach and lays me on my back. Then I lose his mouth. I’d complain, but he roughly moves the cup of my bra and takes my nipple on his tongue—so much better. When his hand slips into my panties, I’m wet and ready for him.
I arch my back and shut my eyes.
Whatever happens, this makes everything worth it.
He knows who I am. And he wants me. Still. It’s a superpower I haven’t possessed before.
“We never make it to the bedroom,” I mumble as he kisses a trail down my belly. He yanks my panties down my legs.
“Next time,” he promises, dragging his teeth along the sensitive skin of my stomach.
I smile. I like the sound of next time.
His tongue delves into my folds, seeking and finding the perfect spot. He remembered. I widen my legs to accommodate his shoulders, giving myself over to him. He knows what he’s doing. He’s talented at making me come, at making me feel on a deeper level than I’ve allowed for a long, long time.
I’m naked with him, even when I’m mostly dressed. I’m slightly skeptical about trusting him implicitly, but I shelve those worries in favor of momentary bliss.
