AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I squirm on the sidelines, the hive in my belly too busy to ignore. Garrett notices and pauses his pillow fluffing. His palm pats the empty space beside him.
“Whatcha doing so far away?”
“Just enjoying the view.” My feet carry me forward without permission.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?”
I freeze as my mind whirls. “Um…?”
“The game,” he laughs.
“Oh! Right.” I scramble to grab the box off the floor, then resume my snail’s pace toward the bed.
Garrett’s unwavering focus tracks me with a predator’s precision. “Nervous?”
“If you must know, I don’t usually put out on the first date.”
As in never have I ever. But this man goes against the norm like pinstripes at a black-tie affair. Or maybe using crude humor to entertain a prestigious crowd is appropriate in this situation.
“You’re giving me the soulmate special.” His fingers clutch at the sheets as if reeling me in.
“And then some,” I promise while inching closer.
His expression smolders. “You’re still forgetting something.”
“What?” I glance behind me.
“Ditch the threads. Undies only.” He motions to the tank top I still have on.
“That better include my bra ‘cause I’m not letting the ladies swing free.”
“Probably for the best. I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands to myself.”
I slowly strip the shirt over my head. Losing that barrier feels personal. My arm itches to slink across my stomach. Dammit, it’s a tough habit to break. A shy glance at him stalls my breath. The heat in his gaze is enough to melt away those cruel insecurities.
“You’re the most stunning sight I’ve ever seen.” The grit in his tone is a coarse graze along my bared flesh.
I shiver from the phantom touch. “Thank you. But honestly, I’m still shocked you want to sleep with me. Again, I might add. And on a semi-regular basis.”
Garrett lunges at me before I can process that he’s moving. In the next beat, he’s wrapped around my waist and hauling me onto the mattress. The wind is knocked out of me for a moment as I comprehend what just happened. It doesn’t seem possible, but he lifted me like a feather. That sends a giddy thrill to boost my confidence.
“I want to do much more than sleep with you, soulmate. This is real for me. The whole deal. Whatever you’re willing to give me. No matter what anybody else says, including the toxic whispers in your brain, you’re my dream girl.” His gentle caress against my cheek is at odds with how he just manhandled me. “If it’s not too much to ask, I’d like that to include sex on averyregular basis. Nothing semi about it.”
“That can be arranged,” I breathe.
“Then we understand each other.”
“You’re like cover model hot,” I blurt.
His eyes narrow as if he’s remembering something. “If I send you another selfie, would you believe I’m a legit candidate? Or would you accuse me of being fake?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe? You’ll have to try again. The first might’ve been a fluke.” I roll my lips between my teeth to trap a goofy smile.
“Believe it, beauty. You’re mine, and this is yours.” He palms himself, a tortured groan spilling from his lips. “I could burst just looking at you.”
“Keep it together, bartender. We have a game to play.” I nudge the box that’s wedged between us.
“Can we skip it? I’ll take you straight to the eggplant patch. No need to stop for cucumbers.”
