CHAPTER7
Mia
"Do you like them?"I ask Stone, studying his expression carefully. I don't want him to tell me what he thinks I want to hear because we just had sex. I want to know his honest opinion.
Stone looks up from my sketchbook, his gaze fixed on mine. "I'm no fashion expert, Mia, but even I can see that these are good."
Stone isn't lying to me. I can see it there in his eyes, and I can't stop the smile that breaks across my face as I clap my hands together under my chin. "You mean it?"I already know he does, but it'll make me feel better to hear the confirmation.
"Yeah, Mia. Have you ever showed your brother this?" He looks up at me with a raised eyebrow.
I shake my head and look down. "No. Even if Jeremy thinks they’re good, he is right about my history of flitting from one thing to another. I guess I can't blame him for not taking me seriously."
"You were a kid, for Christ's sake, Mia. He can't hold that against you forever."Stone takes my hands in both of his. " I believe in you, baby. You just need to believe in yourself."
My heart warms when he says he believes in me. It’s a good feeling. I stand on my tiptoes, pulling his head down to kiss him gently.
"Mmm," he hums against my lips as he kisses me back. "What was that for?"
"For believing in me," I tell him honestly. "For coming over and popping my cherry."
A huge grin breaks across his face. "If your brother only knew how long I wanted to pop it, he'd have shot me by now."
"Our relationship is none of Jeremy's business, nor is my virginity," I point out.
Stone nods. "I get that, but he's my best friend, Mia, and he's entitled to some answers." He lifts my hands to his lips and kisses my knuckles. I love it when he does that. "What I feel for you isn't going away, Mia. I don't want you thinking this was some one-night stand. I'm in this for the long haul. You know that, right?"
My cheeks flush with pleasure and I smile, my heart soaring. I honestly didn't know if Stone would want me to be his girlfriend, but even if all he wanted was one night—or afternoon—with me, I don't regret him taking my virginity.
"I'm keeping you," he tells me as he nuzzles into my neck.
"When are you going to tell my brother?"
He frowns. "Soon because I can't keep you a secret for very long. We can’t be in the same room together without him noticing how I look at you."
"And how's that?" I ask him with a teasing smile.
He lets out a little growl as he pulls me close. "Like you’re mine." He kisses the side of my neck." Like I want to mark every inch of your skin with hickeys."
I know that hickeys aren't pretty, but why does the thought of him marking me that way send a rush of pleasure crashing through me?
Trixie gives a little bark of indignation and pushes her furry body between us. I don't know where she was when we were making love, but she made herself scarce. Maybe dogs have some instinct about those things, although she's certainly making her presence known now.
"I think she still wants to go to the beach," I tell him with a raised eyebrow.
His eyes darken as he glances over at my discarded bikini on the floor. "Do you have to wear that?" He glares at the garment like he wants to set it on fire.
I glance over at the tiny pieces of fabric, still not seeing what the big deal is. "No," I concede. "I have a one-piece I can put on."
Stone nods approvingly. "Let's see that one, and how about I take you?"
I smile up at him. "I don't know," I hedge playfully. "Is it okay if he comes, girl?" I ask Trixie.
She gives a little yip and nuzzles Stone's leg, letting me know that she's more than okay with it.
"I guess," I tell Stone. "Trix says you can come."
"Hey, I've had her approval since day one,"Stone says smugly.