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forty-nine

Lane

“Well, she’s finally asleep,” Olive says, softly closing Sage’s bedroom door behind her.

Sage was so excited I was home that she couldn’t fall asleep on her own tonight. Liv and I both sat in there with her, and it took her a while still, but sleep eventually won.

“She is,” I reply, pulling Olive into my arms and holding her close. “God, I missed you, baby.”

“I missed you, too. I’m so glad you’re home.”

“At least for a few days,” I sigh. “We fly out to San Diego on Monday for our opening series against the Sea Lions. We won’t be back until Thursday night for our home opener on Friday.”

Liv places her palm on my cheek. “Which means I still have a few days before my boyfriend has to leave again.” She leans up and softly kisses me. “Let’s just enjoy some time together right now.”

I smile at her before taking her hands in mine and walking backward, bringing her along with me. “I’ve got an idea for how we can enjoy some time together.”

“You’re just walking us to your bedroom,” she teases, tone playful.

“No, I’m walking you to my bedroom.” I sit her on the bed gently. “I want you to stay right here for now. I’ll be right back.”

I peck Olive’s lips before turning away and heading into my en-suite bathroom to get everything ready.

I move quickly, reaching into cabinets and grabbing what I need, but I’m still careful not to make too much noise. I don’t want to wake Sage up, and I’m trying to make at least some of this a surprise for Olive.

When everything is set, I walk back into my bedroom and help Liv stand from the bed.

“Come with me, Ballerina.”

She intertwines her fingers with mine, taking my hand as I lead her to the bathroom, and she gasps when she steps inside. Olive looks around at the tub full of warm water and bubbles, the lit candles along the edge, and the dim lighting and just leans into me. “What’s all this for, Lane?”

“I want a relaxing evening with the woman I love.”

Olive’s smile is sweet and full of affection. “This looks perfect.”

I lead her over to the tub before I pull my shirt over my head. She takes note of the bruise forming over my ribcage. “What happened here?” she asks, delicately tracing her fingers over my skin.

“Hit by a pitch during our last Spring Training game against the Detroit Hawks,” I shrug. “Just part of the job.”

“It looks like it hurts.”

“Well, it doesn’t feel good,” I laugh. “But I’ll be fine. I’ve had worse.”

“Have you ever been injured during a game?”

“Not in a while, but of course I have. I’ve pulled my hamstrings, sprained my ankle, and fractured my arm. Nothing too serious.”

Olive’s face falls a bit. “I guess I never really considered that you could get hurt by this.”

I wrap my arms around her lower back and pull her in close to me. “You worried about me, baby?”

She sighs. “Of course I am. It’s not like I’ve ever dated a baseball player before.”

“You can get injured in practically any job, Liv,” I say, brushing the hair from her face. “Don’t worry too much.”

“I’ll try.”

I hook my thumbs through her belt loops and bring her closer. “You’ve got the rest of the season to worry. Just relax with me tonight.”

My hands drift higher now, slipping under the hem of her shirt, and I brush my thumbs over her ribcage. “Then let’s relax, Hotshot.”

I grab her shirt by the hem and pull it over her head, leaving her in a black lace bra. “Goddamn, baby,” I groan, taking in the sight.

“Take it off, Lane,” she breathes, and I don’t hesitate. I unhook the bra, and Olive lets it fall off of her arms.

She now unbuttons her jeans and pushes them down her legs as I remove my sweats. I slip my hands under the waistband of her black lace panties that match her bra before quickly sliding them off, leaving her naked before me.

Once I take off my boxer briefs, we both step into the water. I settle myself at the back of the tub as Olive sits down in front of me, relaxing against me.

Her long hair slips under the water, and I start mindlessly playing with the wet strands. “This is exactly what I needed,” I say, kissing the top of her head.

“I think you just wanted me naked,” she teases playfully.

“I will never complain about having you naked,” I chuckle. “You have such a beautiful body.”

“I have dancer thighs.”

“Just means you’re athletic,” I state, splaying my hand over one of her thighs. “I’ve always loved athletic women.”

“I’m pretty sure you’d love me regardless,” she smiles.

I tickle her side. “Olive Finch, are you teasing me about loving you?” She thrashes in front of me, and water splashes onto the tile floor below. “You’re right, though. I’d love you anyway.”

She looks at me now worriedly, biting her bottom lip. “I’m sor—”

I press a finger to her lips. “Nope, you’re not going to apologize for not saying it back, Liv. I don’t expect you to admit you love me until you admit you love yourself.”

Olive nuzzles her face into my chest. “Thank you for being so understanding, Lane.”

“Nothing to thank me for,” I reply, tilting her face up and brushing my lips over hers.

She kisses me tenderly, resting her palm on my cheek. “You’re perfect,” she murmurs.

“Perfect for you, Olive. I’m perfect for you.”

She smiles at me sweetly as I reach behind her and grab the cup I set on the ledge. I dunk it under the water and then slowly pour the water over her head.

When her hair is wet, I grab the bottle of shampoo she left here the last time she stayed with me, and I pour a generous amount into my hand before spreading it through her hair.

“Why are you washing my hair?” Olive asks softly.

“I just want to take care of you,” I smile. “I like taking care of you.”

Her eyes flutter closed as I massage her scalp before lathering her hair up and then rinsing it clean.

Once she’s free of suds, Olive repositions herself, straddling herself over my legs and kissing me.

She starts the kiss off slowly, but it deepens quickly.

I rest my arms around her lower back, and she drapes hers around my neck.

When our naked bodies press together, we’re showing more intimacy than we ever have.

That amount of intimacy makes it impossible to completely control myself, and when she accidentally grinds over me, my dick grows hard, desperate for more. More that I won’t let myself reach out and take.

“Lane…” she moans when she grinds against me again.

“Fuck…” I groan, throwing my head back.

Olive grinds one more time. This time, though, she rests her center right over the head of my cock.

One move, and I could slip inside her.

One move, and she could slide down on top of me.

“Liv…” I breathe, making sure she doesn’t take this farther than she wants to go.

She moves back, taking herself out of the dangerous position. “I’m so sorry!”

I reach out and place my hand against her cheek softly. “Nothing to be sorry about, baby.”

“I basically just teased you.”

I laugh. “Remember? I like it when you tease me.” Liv chuckles as I turn her around again and pull her back to my chest, letting her rest her head on my shoulder. “Just relax, baby. All I want to do with you right now is relax.”

She melts against me, and my heart swells.

Olive has become so comfortable with me. It’s no secret how much I want her, but she’s been showing me glimpses now of how much she wants me.

I’ll wait forever if she needs me to because I love her without sex.

But I know it’s coming.

She intentionally put herself in that position tonight.

After everything she’s gone through, she’s almost ready… and I’m the one she wants to share that moment with.