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Mia really wanted to agree with him—the girl’s eyes were identical to his—but she also didn’t want to get his hopes up in case they were wrong.
That just seemed too cruel.
So instead, she said, “Babe, there’s nothing we can do but wait.”
“I know,” he said.
She tucked the photo back in his pocket and snuggled against his broad chest. “Good thing you’re a patient man.”
Ollie snorted, a tiny smile lifting one corner of his mouth. “I know.” Then he sighed and gestured to the box she’d been rifling through. “You’ve been busy.”
Distraction. Yes. That’s what they needed. “Charlie emailed me this morning with a quote for the renovations, so I was just looking for the photos Dad took when we first moved here.”
“Oh?” His grin was back and one brow winged up in question. He knew as well as she did she was procrastinating.
“Yeah, okay, mostly I’m avoiding looking at my budget.” She sighed and plucked at a loose thread on Oliver’s sleeve. “Even with Charlie’s family and friends discount, I can’t afford all the work that needs doing. Charlie said it might actually be cheaper to pull the old girl down and start from scratch.”
“What? That can’t be right.”
“The house is so old. Charlie said the underlying structural damage is more extensive than anticipated.” Which explained why the bulk of the property value was in the land. The house was falling down. “He said we could salvage as much as possible and reuse it in the new build, but even so, it’s going to cost a lot more than I’d budgeted for.”
Oliver’s arms tightened around her. “If we’re going to do this thing, if we’re going to be together and live together then we should split the costs too. You’re not alone in this, Mia. I can help you cover what you need.”
“No, you don’t have to do that,” Mia said, shaking her head as she sat up straight in his lap. “Besides, you need that money to build your forge. And I can get a bank loan for the amount I need.”
“Sweetling, I can see the cogs turning in your head,” Ollie said, his smile indulgent. “You’re wondering how a thirty-five year old man who still lives at home could afford to help you, right?”
Was the man psychic? Or had she voiced her opinion out loud and not realised? Because that wasexactlywhat she’d been thinking. How the hell was Oliver going to help her out financially when he couldn’t even afford a place of his own?
She felt her cheeks heat and rolled her lips between her teeth, then ducked her gaze and said, “Maybe.”
Oliver laughed. “I live at home because it’s convenient, not because I can’t afford to live anywhere else. You don’t need a bank to loan you money, sweetling. I have more than enough for both of us.” He slid his hand up to cup her breast. “Anyway, the interest I charge is much more fun.”
Mia wriggled in his lap and felt the hardening bulge of his cock press against her hip. “I expect there’ll be fees and charges to take into consideration too,” she said, moaning as Ollie pressed his lips to her throat. The softness of his mouth, the heat of his breath was a sensual caress as he slowly worked his way into the V of her T-shirt. Lightly bit the swell of her breasts, scraping his teeth against her flesh and sending little bolts of arousal straight to her nipples.
And lower.
“Many, many fees. Lots of hidden charges,” he murmured, tugging her T-shirt down to give him better access. Then he looked up and pinned her with that deliciously sinful gaze of his. “And I expect them to be paid as often as possible.”
The next thing Mia knew, her lips were fused to Oliver’s and they were tearing at each other’s clothes. Shirts were discarded with speed and efficiency. Boots, jeans and underwear quickly followed. And then he was on top of her, kissing and licking and loving her on their makeshift bed of clothing.
He’d taken control away from her and she had to admit, she kinda liked it. Because as much as Oliver was willing to submit to her desires, as much as he needed her commanding touch, he was by no means a submissive man. And as much of a control freak as Mia was, she could appreciate a man who knew how to take charge, especially when pleasure was involved.
But when she felt his body about to enter hers, she pulled back. “Babe, you forgot the condom.”
Oliver shook his head and his gaze met hers. “No, I didn’t. I trust you, Mia.”
Reaching up, she traced her fingers up the back of his neck and into his hair, fisted her hands in the dark-blond strands and gently tugged. “You sure?” she asked, knowing how big of a deal the decision was for him. She held her breath as she awaited his answer.
His hooded gaze and sexy, self-assured smile gave him away before his words did. “I love you, sweetling. I’m sure.”
“Then what are you waiting for, Bennett?”
Ollie rocked his hips and nudged her pussy with the head of his cock before pulling back then nudging her again, teasing her with everything he knew she wanted. She growled in frustration. He grinned in return. “I’m waiting for my lady to tell me she loves me too.”
Mia stared at Oliver, at the openness in his expression, the desire in his eyes, and let her emotions overtake her. Her usual instinct to hide her smile, to restrain her joy and hold herself above such small concerns melted away to nothing.
Her love for the man staring down at her, the man patiently waiting for her to get her shit together and confirm what he already knew, was anything but small.
