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CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Kelton

Me: Made it to my room, call when you two are in.

I toss my phone to the bed and make my way to the shower. I figured I could shower, take a nap, and pass the time before Emerson got here. Not that I’m really tired, I’m too wired.

I flip the water on, feel until it reaches the right temperature, then step back pulling my shirt up over my head. Tossing it to the floor, I lower my sweats and boxers, kicking them out of the way.

Stepping in under the cascading water I dip my head, allowing it to run over my face and hair. Thoughts of Emerson immediately fill my head, I smile, placing one hand against the shower wall. With my head still bowed, I continue to enjoy the warmth of the water.

“In the mood for some company?”

Immediately I spin around, my heart racing at the intrusion and come face to face with the woman I can’t get out of my head even for a second.

“Hi.” She offers with smile. “Surprise,” Emerson adds with the sweetest laugh.

“How? When?”

“We’ve been here all day, got in last night. Jerry helped.” She shrugs. “Liz has his number, it was easier to make some adjustments with his assistance. Wanted to be here when you arrived.”

“So.” It hits me that earlier she was playing me.

Reaching out, I hook her waist and pull her in under the water, fully clothed.

She yelps, and I spin her around pinning her to the wall.

“Smooth play,” I say, nipping at her lip.

“I’ve been trying to find ways to not climb the walls waiting for you and here you were waiting for me. ”

Em nods.

“Liz?”

“Having dinner with Jerry.” She breathes in a sigh. “I told her not to expect me back tonight.”

“Good girl.” I bite the side of her neck and lightly suck.

“Missed you,” I confess, not caring for a second that I sound like a sappy girl.

“Been hell without you,” I add, bringing my lips to hers.

Cupping her face, I look into her big beautiful eyes.

Hazel, more golden, and gorgeous, the kind that make you feel like they can see all the way through to your soul.

“So fucking much, Em.” I press my lips to hers, kissing her for the first time in weeks. “My home is wherever you are,” I whisper and feel her lower lip tremble against mine. “I’ve realized something so important since you left Nashville.”

“What is that?”

“You give me a sense of peace that nothing else ever has.”

“Not even baseball?”

“I love baseball,” I say, once again ensuring I see her face clearing. “It kept me going during some pretty hard times, I’m good at it, and I’ve built a life playing something I love. But that life is still missing something.”

Tears fill her eyes.

“You,” I add. “I made the mistake of leaving once without you. Should have loaded you up when I left Chicago. I should have told you that you shook my foundation and made me question everything I’d ever thought I wanted. But I didn’t want to take away your dreams.”

“And now?”

“I still don’t want to take anything from you, I want to help you get everything you ever dreamed of. I just hope I’m part of those dreams.”

Standing before me with her T-shirt and pants clinging to her body, she offers me the sweetest smile.

“Saying all the right things, big guy.” She glides her palms over my chest. “There are so many things I see in my future, goals, aspirations, places I want to visit, things I want to do. But one thing is consistent through it all, and that’s I want to share them all with you.”

“I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere,” I assure her.

“Take me to bed, Kelton.” She takes my hands in hers and tugs me along. Flipping off the water, we step out and discard her clothes quickly. Drying off, I follow her into the bedroom and watch as she sits on the edge of the mattress. Sliding back I can’t take my eyes off her.

So beautiful, rosy cheeks, her hair wet and wild.

Hurrying to my bed I grab the condoms and tear them open grabbing one and dropping the box. They spill at me feet, she giggles and I tear open the package, quickly sheathing myself.

“I’m warning you now, we’ve got some time to make up.”

She is up high, her elbows at her sides, supporting the weight of her upper body as she watches me. When she bites her lip, and with one finger motions for me to come closer, I almost lose my shit right there.

Fuck, this woman and the hold she has on me. My heart is in her hands, she has all the control and she doesn’t even realize it.