Page 10 of Unconventionally, Elle

Twelve years ago

He was still here. I glanced over my shoulder just to check that this was real and noticed his relaxed face and steady, soft breathing. His long eyelashes touched the top of his sculpted cheekbone, and I fought the urge to brush a tiny piece of hair off his smooth forehead.

I tried to get out of the creaky full-size bed, but his arm was draped heavily across my waist. Instead, I slowly turned over to face him, all the while trying not to wake him up.

I slid my top leg between his powerful thighs and drew my hands up under my chin.

Our noses barely touched as I leaned in toward his forehead.

I smiled to myself and released a controlled exhale.

His amber eyes softly fluttered open and found my peaceful gaze.

A slow, drowsy grin spread across his face as he pulled me closer to his warm body and kissed the tip of my nose.

He smelled of last night's bonfire and pine; my heart stammered with my next large inhale.

"Good morning, mystery girl." His raspy voice hummed through my chest.

"Hi," I whispered as I leaned in to kiss the tip of his nose.

"What time is it?" He twisted in the bed to stretch his back and reach for his phone. "Damn, it's eleven thirty." He brushed his hand down his face and yawned.

"Have somewhere to be? Big plans?" I teased and reached for his arm to wrap it back around my waist.

He dropped the phone on the nightstand and obliged.

A glimpse of his smile made my stomach flutter, and before I could say another word, he twisted and rolled on top of me, his strong arms framing my face. His smile was replaced with a smug grin, and my raucous laughter echoed in the large room.

"I do have big plans." He leaned down slowly and hovered right above my lips. I could feel my breath getting faster, my chest rising higher.

"Big plans?" Our lips brushed and I knew I was in trouble.