Page 146 of Vows We Never Made

His tired smile says he’s joking.

“Is that a good thing?” I smile back.

His laugh comes slow, like it’s being dragged through him, but there’s a warm, honeyed edge to it. He cradles my head in his hands.

“Maybe you’re just the first woman I trusted.”

“Me?” The word lodges in my throat.

“Yes, you, Hattie Sage.” He bends down so his lips brush mine. “Guess you proved something by taking on this fake marriage fuckery with me despite the risks. For having an open mind and open heart.”

“You’repayingme to do that. Very generously, I might add.”

His eyes unexpectedly soften.

“Perhaps. Or maybe it’s just this fake engagement shit getting to my head. I don’t know. I don’t have a list of reasons mapped out. All I know is I had to tell you. If I ever want to move on and close the chapter like one of your damn books, it had to come out.”

I grab his face softly, just kissing him and kissing him and kissing him forever.

There are times when words can’t compete with warm, charged lips.

His mouth on mine.

My tongue frolicking with his.

Two souls swirled together like paint smears, forming brilliant new colors.

Usually, our dynamic shows me what he wants. He uses his body to communicate, and I give it to him.

But today, it’s different.

This time, I show him whatIwant.

I’m the one guiding him back until he’s backed against the counter.

He’s big enough to stop me, but he doesn’t. Maybe because he needs this too.

Me.

I want him to need me.

Yes, I know that’s selfish, but there’s no innocence when there’s so much emotion erupting out of a man who has your heart in his palms.

He’s already hard when I slide my hand down his body.

When I grip him, I shudder.

I run my hand up the length of his magnificent cock, letting his groan melt in my mouth. His hips jerk forward, seeking the pressure, the friction.

I fumble with the button to his pants, and instead of helping me out, he lets me move at my own pace.

He helps me pull open his pants, yanking them down.

Then his boxers.

Then his shirt, until he’s naked and ready to be worshipped.

I take him in my hand, loving how his eyes flare.