Page 73 of Mr. Edwards

I feel my cheeks pinken as moisture floods my panties. “It sounds like a really good plan.”

“See this blush,” he says, running the tip of his finger from my neck down to my cleavage, “it almost brings me to my knees.”

He lifts me off his lap, placing my ass on the edge of his desk, and maneuvering his chair closer until he’s nestled between my parted legs.

My fingers glide through his thick hair. “What did Ashton say when he saw your black eyes?”

He winces. That douche better not have made fun of him or I’ll gladly give him a matching set.

“I lied to him,” he confesses.

“Lied how?”

“I told him I tripped and faceplanted the ground. Naturally, he was concerned, but still smiled like a motherfucker.” He shakes his head. “If I told him my girlfriend whipped my ass, I’d never live it down.”

My fingertips ghost down the side of his beautiful face. “I’m so sorry.” I hate that I hurt him.

“Stop apologizing.”

“I feel awful.”

“Sunshine,” he says, tipping my chin. “If I had respected your wishes in the first place, none of this would’ve happened.”

“I still feel like a boyfriend basher.”

“At least I know if someone ever jumps us, I’ve got you to protect me.”

I slap his chest. “You’re supposed to protectme, asshole.”

“Always,” he says chuckling as he leans forward and places his lips against mine. “Never doubt that for a second, babe.”

When I arrive at Grayson’s house, I find him standing outside waiting for me. A few weeks have passed since I told him about what happened when I was thirteen. And he’s still here. Things between us have been amazing, but those old insecurities I have about not being worthy are still at the forefront of my mind. Although there are no signs that the end is near, I can’t help feeling like we’re living on borrowed time.

Grayson opens my door before I get the chance to. “Hey,” he says with a smile, leaning an arm on the roof of my car and reaching for my hand with the other. “I’ve been standing out here forever, what took you so long?”

“Traffic.”

He helps me from the vehicle before rocking back on his feet… he seems on edge. I’m staying over tonight… in his bedroom… beside him; he may be nervous about that. I would be if I were him, especially after I physically assaulted him last time. This is our second attempt. I chickened out on our first. I was worried I was going to unknowingly injure him again.

He’s perceptive though, noticing straight away that something was off. I was scared to speak up, but he stepped in and took the decision out of my hands.Cupping my face, he placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. “You’re not ready,” he whispered against my skin. When he turned and left my apartment, I felt like a coward, but in my heart, I knew he was right.

“Well, you’re here now, that’s all that matters.” Tugging me forward, he plants his lips on mine. “I’ve missed my sunshine.” It’s been two very long days since I last saw him, but who’s counting?

I draw back, taking in his handsome face. The bruising under his eyes is long gone, but I still beat myself up about what I did to him that night. My fingertips graze down the side of his face. “I’ve missed you too, Gray.”

His eyes enlarge, and his smile grows. “You called me Gray.”

“So.”

“You’ve never called me that before.”

“And your point?”

“It means we’re close.”

“We bump uglies every time we’re alone in a room together, so I’m pretty sure that’s a given.”

My vulgarity makes him chuckle. “There’s nothing ugly about your pussy, babe.”