Page 100 of Tied to You

He pouts this time. “No can do, Baby Doll.” He stands somewhat reluctantly, but he still stands, nonetheless.

I sigh. “Who is it this time?”

I grab the bath foam, squirting some into my palms and rubbing them together. I start small circles on my arms, then make my way over my chest and both my boobs. It’s a shameless tactic to keep him here with me. But I’ll try anything.

He’s quiet for a second. Greedy eyes watching as I move over my nipples. “Rich people.”

“Oh.” I drag out the word, turning it into a slight moan.

“I know what you’re doing.”

“Let Dean go. You stay here. We’ve just moved in, he’ll understand.”

Walking to the sink, he washes his face then opens the cupboard for hisdeodorant. He gives himself a spray, then walks over to me, bending down until his lips hover above mine. “You know I would if I could.”

I don’t lift to kiss him like I know he wants me to. Instead, I keep still. He breathes a little heavier at my defiance, but when he bends and I move my head away, his hand is on my jaw. “Don’t be a brat.”

I huff out my breath. “Don’t call me that.”

“Then don’t act like one.”

I grip the sides of the bath, trying to push myself up.

His fingers on my face grip a little harder. “You knew I had responsibilities away from this place when you met me, Mollie.”

I try to wriggle free, but he keeps me in place.

He frowns, and I frown right back at him. “Still doesn’t mean I like what you’re having to do.”

“I’m not asking you to.” He lets me go but his face remains close. I see him mentally trying to gauge the situation.

“What are you asking for, then?”

He sighs, resolute. It takes him an eternity to finally talk. “I’m asking you to be here when I get home. I’m asking you to be my shelter when it rains, my fire when it’s cold. I’m asking you to have my back when I can’t see where the fuck I’m going because you, Mollie Harrington, have become the air I need to breathe.” His eyes dance between mine wildly, and I frown harder, trying to ebb the rush of pain I now feel. “Every time I leave, I have to swallow my desire to love you, knowing that when I’m done, my reason for living will be waiting for me.I can’t remember my life before you came along, baby. But I can see my future so clearly.”

I try to remain mad, but my eyes are filled with tears.

“Now, kiss me Baby Doll, so I know I can go out there with you on my side.”

“You’re annoying.” A tear falls.

He wipes it away with a smile. “I know. But you love me.”

And like the fool I now am, I kiss him, allowing his tongue to push past my lips. It isn’t sexual or crazy. Our mouths simply collide in slow, deep strokes, filled with nothing other than love for one another in this moment.

Because that’s the problem. We’re so truly, madly, and deeply in love, that what he does and our chaos, just makes so much sense.

Chapter Twenty

MOLLIE

Later that evening, I come to, lying on the sofa. Travis has my feet on his lap, one hand sprawled on my hip. He chews a pen between his teeth, looking down at a piece of paper in his other hand. I don’t move straight away. I just lay still, glad that he’s home in one piece. Watching him.

“Were you dreaming of me, baby?”

I smile, plumping the pillow under my head. “What makes you ask that?”

He doesn’t look up from the paper. “You were making cute little noises. Sounded like you were enjoying your dream.”