“Hi.” That’s all I can manage.
Kane walks forward, and we meet in the middle. My breath hitches when he softly strokes my cheek and tucks a piece of my hair back.
“Did you like your gift?” he asks.
I swallow down the lump in my throat. “I loved it, Kane. I can't believe you made that in just a few days.”
“Truthfully, I started it a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to surprise you for our one-month anniversary, but since I wasn't sure I'd be able to give it to you then, I wanted you to have it now. So I worked nonstop to finish it.”
“What date do you consider our anniversary?” I ask, barely above a whisper. I never thought to keep track.
The corner of his lips tilts up slightly. “July fifth, the first time we kissed.”
That’s about a week away, and I still managed to screw it up before then.
My eyes water again, but I can't fight it any longer and let the tears fall.
“Baby, don't cry.” He cups my face and closes the gap between us, wiping my cheeks. I clear my throat so my words don't get stuck. “I'm so sorry I ran from you and that I ever doubted you. I promise to get a better handle on my emotions so I don't overreact. I let my intrusive thoughts get the best of me when I knew deep down I could trust you.”
“It's not all your fault, Ivy. I should've handled it differently. Thinking back, I should've made it crystal clear to Raelyn that we were over for good, so there was no chance of her being near me again. At the B&B, I was more worried about everyone else's reaction and her making a scene, and I hurt you in the process. I should’ve stood up for us. That will never happen again, I promise you.”
I swallow hard as I gaze into his ocean-blue eyes. “I told Hadleigh.”
He arches a brow. “And?”
Shrugging, I laugh. “She said she already knew.”
He snorts. “Of course. And since she's not bangin' my door down, I take it she didn't threaten my balls?”
“Only if you're a jackass.” I snicker. “But no, she's happy for us and wishes we'd told her sooner, but understands why we didn't. It's only a matter of time now before everyone finds out.”
“Fuck, I better text Grandma Bishop and tell her before she hears it through the grapevine.”
I laugh, wrapping my arms around his waist and pulling him to my chest. “I’ve missed you.”
He captures my chin, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “I’ve missed you so goddamn much.”
“I think another part of you did too,” I tease at the way his erection is poking me in the hip.
“Oh, he did. I also missed hearing you read to me, so I started the book from the beginning.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, but it didn't hit the same without your commentary and laughter. You brought it to life, the same way you've brought me to life.”
“I can say the same thing about you.”
Slowly, he brings his mouth to mine, and I sweep my tongue between his lips.
“Oh! I almost forgot to tell you something.” I pull back to meet his eyes. “I'm in love with you too. For probably much longer than I should admit.”
His face splits as his smile widens. “I can now die a happy man.”
I burst out laughing. “Don't say that!” Then I pull him closer. “You know what else I've always wanted to try?”
“What's that?”
“Makeup sex. I hear it's pretty awesome.”
Without warning, Kane lifts me and hauls me over his shoulder. Gasping, I squeal and smack his ass. “What did I say about you actin’ like a caveman?”
He locks his arm tighter around my thighs. “That you find it hot.”
I snort.
Kane places me on the bed and towers over me as I lean back. “I'm going to fuck all the doubt out of you so you’ll think twice about runnin’ from me again.”
God, yes.
The sound of his promise has every nerve in my body blazing hot.
We scramble to take off my clothes, then with the twist of his towel, he's naked.
“Lift your hips for me, sweet girl.”
I do as he says, meeting his cock at my center before he thrusts. We gasp in unison as he slides inside deeper.
“Fuck, your cunt is so tight. I wanna go harder, but…”
“Don't hold back, please. I can take it.”
“Flip over and stick your ass out, baby.”
Quickly, I get into position and fist the comforter to keep me steady. Kane grips my hips and sheaths himself in me. My eyes roll at how deep and hard he takes me. He smacks my backside over and over, while the sensations of his cock buried inside leave me breathless.
“Who's pussy is this, Ivy?” His deep voice causes tingles to float down my spine.
“Yours,” I tell him submissively as he brings a hand between my thighs and rubs my clit. “Only yours.”