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“Why didn’t you tell me about the death threats?”
THELMA
I slump against Jimmy as his arms close around me, inhaling deeply, drawing his scent deep into my lungs. I didn’t think I’d ever get to smell this again.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the death threats?” he rumbles into my hair, censure coloring my tone.
I stiffen, shoving him away. He reluctantly steps back, though his hands remain on my upper arms. I muster the best glare I can while my heart is pounding that he’shere. Shit. I need to keep it together before I do something stupid, like throw myself into his arms and try to convince him to date me.
“I didn’t know what I was going to say. But then you said we should cool things off,” I huff, wrapping my arms around my middle, my stomach twisting at the sting of rejection I felt. Jimmy shakes his head, rolling his eyes.
“I think we have established I’m a fucking idiot who had no clue what he was saying.”
Looking up at him, my teeth worry at my lower lip. Okay. So, he drove all the way out here because he heard about the threats. I wonder who told him. Of course, that’s not what I ask because I have a more burning question on the tip of my tongue.
“What are you saying now?”
Jimmy locks eyes with me, his fingers tightening their grip on my arms.
“That I want to be with you.”
My heart takes off like a helicopter. That’s what I wanted to hear a month ago. That’s all I wanted to hear a month ago. I probably didn’t go about asking in the best way, but that’s what I was hinting at.
Of course, he hasn’t exactly laid it out. I’m done edging around the point. Straightening my shoulders, I raise my eyebrows as our eyes burn together.
“You want to date me?”
“Date you, marry you, do everything with you for the rest of our lives, all that.”
My mouth drops open as I stare at him in shock. Is he messing with me? Is this some kind of prank? My heart locks down at the idea. I don’t want to be ridiculed. My tone has a thread of steel as I glare at him and scoff.
“Now you’re being ridiculous.”
Jimmy shakes his head slowly, looking sincere. “That’s because you make me crazy. I have never, in my life, physically fought with someone over a woman. Until you.”
Oh my god. I think he might actually be serious about this. But…marriage? That’s a big deal. We haven’t even dated yet.
“You really want to be with me?”
“Yes. I love you.”
The words hang in the air between us as I draw a breath between my teeth. Jimmy groans, stepping against me again, his mouth crashing down on mine. My fingers scrabble at his back as I open my mouth, allowing his plundering tongue access. With a moan, I suck on it.
Jimmy responds by deepening the kiss, his hands palming my ass, gripping it, and lifting me. I wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck, sighing as he breaks the kiss enough to speak.
“Where is your bedroom?” he pants against my lips.
“Top floor,” I breathe back. Jimmy groans, chuckling and setting me down. What? I’m not done kissing him yet.
“Wait for me in bed. I’m going to grab my bag out of the truck.”
He presses another scorching, brief kiss to my lips, disappearing out the front door as I stare after him. A bag? He came up here with a bag? My heart leaps with hope. Maybe he was being serious. Oh my god.
With a nervous giggle, I dash up the circular staircase, clinging to the sides, hurrying along the landing and the final staircase. I leave the bedroom door open, so Jimmy knows where to come, hopping as I kick off my shoes, rip off my socks, and shimmy out of my jeans.
By the time I hit the bed, I’m in my bra and panties. They’re not fancy or lace, but I don’t have time to change them. I can hear his tread on the stairs. Pulling the tie out of my hair, I slide into bed, positioning myself and trying for my best smoldering gaze, fixing it on the door.
Jimmy’s frame fills it, his eyes trailing over my scattered shoes and clothes on the floor, leading like breadcrumbs to the bed. His eyes are blazing with fire as they lift, locking on my face, and he licks his lips.
