Page 43 of Eddie

As I finally slipped out of him, he scrunched up his face and shivered. “I’ll be good. You reward me really well.”

Cheeky brat.

But he was my cheeky brat and as I settled beside him, wrapping myself around him, I kissed his cheek. “I like rewarding you.”

Turning his head so he could nuzzle against me, he sighed out a smile. “Because you love me.”

“That’s right, Shelby boy.” I wasn’t sure we’d ever find our way together in person, but that hadn’t changed how I’d felt about him.

“I love you.” Closing his eyes as I leaned over and kissed his forehead, he let out a deep breath and relaxed into my hold. “I don’t think I understood what that meant before you. It’s not dates and trying to plan a life with someone. It’s needing them and knowing they’re always going to be there for you.”

When he opened his eyes again, I nodded and brushed my lips against his. “I’ll always be there for you, Shelby boy. Even if you told me to walk away after this, I’ll always be right behind you watching over you and keeping you safe.”

Even from himself.

“You’re so romantic.” Puckering his lips to demand another kiss, he grinned when I glared at him and gave in. “I think that’s one of the unexpected things that I love so much about you.”

“I’m glad because I plan on romancing you for the rest of our lives, Shelby boy.”

Giving him another peck, I smiled.

“My boy.”

Another kiss got a giggle out of him.

“My brat.”

His smile widened and softened as I kissed him again.

“My mate for all time.”

Nothing would tear us apart because there wasn’t a place on Earth that I couldn’t follow my boy…and his sweet romantic smile said he knew it too.

~~~