Page 51 of Fragile Hearts

“Yes,” I reply. “But,” I add, my mouth against hers, “I really fucking love it.”

She smiles against me, kissing me once more, which is probably just as well, considering I’m two seconds away from telling her I love her too. Hell, I’ve been in love with her for ages.

“For the record though,” I add when she pulls back, “I was supposed to do that to you first.”

Sloane’s head tips to the side as a sexy smirk dances on her mouth. “Were you? Says who?”

Grinning, I say, “Me.”

She laughs, shrugging a little as she says, “Oh well, maybe next time.”

With a laugh, I drop my head to her neck, biting and sucking her skin as I say, “Definitely next time,” my heart racing with the prospect of a next time. At the knowledge that Sloane wants more of this.

“Owen,” she says, her voice suddenly serious.

I lift my head, our eyes locking. In this cave, hidden from the world, everything feels possible, more intense and intimate somehow.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you,” she breathes out.

“For what?” I ask, my brow narrowing in confusion.

“For everything,” she says. “Giving me a place to live, bringing me here, being so understanding and patient, all of it.”

I stare at her, wishing I could explain to her why none of that matters, that she never has to thank me for anything because I will do anything for her. That she is everything I have ever wanted, and all I want is for her to feel safe and happy.

But I can’t say this to her yet, because even though things are definitely changing between us and Sloane is fully open to us dating and seeing where things go, I know I still have to take things slow. She might have initiated what just happened here in this cave, but I don’t want to push her for anything more than she’s willing to give.

So instead, I smile, brushing my thumb across her lips. “You’re very welcome,” I whisper.

She smiles now, leaning in to press a kiss to my lips. “I think you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” she whispers against them.

My eyes open, my gaze meeting hers. I drink her in, the way she looks so happy and at peace, at the way she’s looking at me right now, like she’s silently telling me things she’s not quite ready to say out loud yet.

Smiling, I nuzzle my nose against hers as I say, “You’re the best thing that’s happened to me too, Sloane.”

Her smile widens, and she kisses me again before she says, “You wanna swim for a bit?”

“Uh huh,” I reply with a nod. “And how about dinner in our room tonight? We can sit outside and watch the sun set.”

“Sounds perfect,” she says.

“Order whatever you want,” Owen says as I take in the menu. “Or everything. I’m sure my parents would appreciate it. Give them feedback on what you liked and didn’t like.”

“Oh my god, Owen, I’m not telling your parents I didn’t like something. There’s nothing to not like. Look at this place, and I’m sure the food is the same.”

“So, what are we having then?” he prompts, never looking at his menu as he motions for me to choose something.

“I don’t know. It all feels very…fancy. I’m not even sure I know what most of this stuff is,” I admit, and I’m beginning to sound like a complete fool.

“What do you usually get when you’re working?” Owen asks, now looking at the menu.

“I get the same three things: the poke bowl, fish tacos or huli huli chicken. I’m not really a risk-taker when it comes to food. I know what I like, and I don’t want to be disappointed if it’s not good.”

“Okay, so how about I order for us, and you can sample everything,” Owen suggests, and I feel the pressure lift off me.

“That would be great, but nothing weird like octopus in ink or with suction cup tentacles.” Wrinkling my nose, Owen laughs. Maybe someday I’ll be more adventurous, but it’s not today.