“I’m out here.”
I took a deep steadying breath. Taking the sheet with me, I walked to the balcony in his bedroom that faced the mountains. The cool night air helped awaken me. “What are you doing out here?”
He pulled me onto his l
ap. “Thinking about us.” Apprehension filled me again. “You’re tensing. It’s nothing bad.” Kissing my neck, I gave him access and relaxed as his lips soothed me. “I don’t know how I’ll make it a night without you in my bed.”
“Jaxson.” He wanted me. The smile was impossible to suppress.
“I’m serious, London.”
Fingers traced down my stomach and I arched needing the contact. “We’ll figure it out. Tomorrow. Let’s focus on this moment right now. Hell, I know you’re thinking this is fast, but I want to be honest with you.”
“Me too. I need the honesty, Jaxson. Even if it scares me.”
“I promise.”
More nibbles along my neck as Jaxson murmured, “I’m going to taste every inch of you.”
Rays from the open balcony door beamed into the room. We’d left the doors open when we came in from outside last night. There wasn’t a part we didn’t know intimately about each other now. I touched my lips remembering Jaxson’s against mine as we made love through the entire night. The memories flooded me. Perfect memories. Jaxson treated me as if I was the most precious thing to him. I smiled to myself remembering his lips whisper sweet nothings against my skin. I turned my head to see his face peacefully asleep.
Warmth surrounded me as Jaxson held me to him while he slept.
This was peace.
Last night was how my first time should have felt. The connection and intimacy was beyond anything and it was only our first time. With Charles it was more . . . platonic, lacking the soul-shattering depth I felt with Jaxson. Charles had always been attentive but our connection had been a spark versus the flame Jaxson and I shared. For so many years in prison, I’d thought I’d lost the love of my life.
I was wrong.
Charles wasn’t the love of my life. Things with Jaxson would take their course, but what we had was more . . . so much more.
Pressure increased on my stomach as Jaxson brought me closer to him. His frank was ready for more. I nearly giggled out loud adopting Millie’s terminology mentally. “Morning. What are you thinking about? I can feel your wheels turning.” That sleep-ridden voice had my thoughts turning to lust quickly.
“Last night. How different it was.”
Kissing my shoulder blade, he asked, “Different good?”
“Yes.” I turned to face him, my breasts rubbed up against him, turning into pointy peaks. “Different fantastic.”
His worried face relaxed. “I meant what I said last night. I don’t know how I’m going to survive without you with me at night.”
I stroked his face and took a deep breath. “It will make the times we have together more special. You know I can’t stay over. That will confuse Ty.”
“I know.” Lips brushed mine. “We need to make sure we make time for us. I know I’m in love with you.”
The breath caught in my throat. Love. Did he just say he loved me? I searched his eyes as Jaxson waited for my response. “London, it’s okay if you’re not ready to say it. I know it’s quick.”
His thumb brushed my cheek and I closed my eyes, organizing my thoughts. When I opened them I was greeted with a smile and patience. Jaxson was willing to wait until I was ready. I took a leap and told him how I felt. “I’m scared to admit I’m falling in love with you. For as long as I can remember I always lose everything I care about.”
“Don’t be scared. I’m not letting anything happen to us.”
Take the leap, London. I kissed him as I murmured. “I love you, too.”
Moving positions, Jaxson hovered above me while showering me with kisses. “I’ll never tire of you saying that. I’ll make sure you feel my love every day.”
I braced myself as we entered Pam and Levi’s house. The smell of freshly baked biscuits wafted through the air. There was no doubt they would know we had sex last night. In the light of day, maybe being so obvious was a bad idea. A warm hand was placed on my lower back. “Don’t worry, London. We’re adults.”
“I know, but . . .” I stopped.