Page 123 of Consumed By You

He smiles wider. “I’m sorry. I can’t help it.”

I hit his arm hard and he breaks into loud laughter.

“What? I’m glad I’m the only one that can do it for you.”

“Yeah, you’reglad, but what about me? What do I do if this…if this doesn’t—”

“It will.”

I shake my head. “You can’t possibly know that. No one can.”

He lays his hand on my waist, bringing me into him. I’m hypnotized by the look in his eyes until our faces are barely inches apart.

“You make me happy, Darcy,” he confesses, nuzzling his nose against my cheek. “I’ve never known what it was like to actually feel happy.”

I comb his hair back so I can see his beautiful face clearly.

“I don’t want to let that go.”

I move my hand down to caress his cheek. “Neither do I.”

***

The loud sound of a vacuum outside our door forces my sleepy eyelids open. Grumbling, I grab my cell off the nightstand.

Geez, it’s only eight. What are they doing vacuuming already?

Even though I have texts from Kevin and Cindy, I put the phone back down and snuggle in, not ready to start the day. Benjamin is sleeping soundly beside me on his back, one of his arms stretched across his stomach.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen him sleep in this late.

I move closer to him and run my fingers through the dark hair on his pecs. My eyes wander from his magnificent chest to his defined abdomen. My fingers follow, caressing the small indents that indicate this man isextremelyfit.

It should be a crime to look this good. His hand moves off his stomach then settles horizontally on the pillow. Even in his sleep, he’s waiting for me to come to him. I lay my head in the crook of his arm and lay my arm over his body, keeping him close.

***

Benjamin extends his arms. “Okay, give me your hands.”

I shuffle forward, scared shitless. The blades on these ice skates are really sharp.

Benjamin is already on the lake, among many others zipping past him.

This issoembarrassing. Bundled up in ridiculous winter clothes, I take his hands, gasping as I slide forward on the ice.

“You got it.”

“How did you learn to skate anyway?” I mutter.

“I was in hockey for a season in college.”

I roll my eyes. “Of course you were.”

“Why do you say it like that?” He laughs, gliding backward.

“Because you’re fucking perfect.” I let out a squeal as my legs wobble unsurely. “Ah! Don’t let me go!”

“You’re too tense. Darce, look at me. Relax, baby. I got you. Just look at me.”