“Just okay?” My jaw is still on the floor. “Everleigh, this looks delicious. I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“Of course. It’s your special day. Well, weekend.”
“What’s on top?” I ask as Sassy drools next to me. She’s ready to devour it in one bite.
“It’s things that I thought represented who you are. Boxing gloves, a teddy bear— because you let me snuggle with you every night—” she explains, and we both laugh. “And then a heart, because no matter what, you have mine—whether you take it or not.”
I swallow down the huge lump in my throat as I stare up at Everleigh. She’s everything I could ever want and more, and here she is, telling me I’m hers.
How can I deny feeling the very same?
“Everleigh…”
“Yes, I knowthe rules. But it’s the truth.”
I hold out my hand, begging for her to take it. After a moment of hesitation, she finally does, and I pull her to my body until she’s straddling my hips.
“Archer,” she squeals, nearly sliding off, but I steady her. “I drank my weight in alcohol so—”
Grabbing her face, I brush my lips against hers. I’ve deprived myself of tasting her for way too long. Even though we kissed on New Year’s Eve, it wasn’t enough. I wanted—needed—more, and I’m sick of holding back.
Everleigh moans as I slip my tongue between her soft lips, and it makes me feel alive. She rocks against my cock as my other hand slides up her body and cups her breast.
“Fuck, I wanna taste every inch of you.”
“Archer, what’re you doin’?” she asks as I flatten my tongue along her jawline.
“Kissing you,” I answer, then move lower. “Now, I’m sucking your neck.”
She chuckles softly. All the blood rushes to my cock as she grinds harder against me.
“Are you sure about this?” she mutters.
I capture her lips, then press my forehead against hers. “I’m so tired of trying to stay away from you, Everleigh. The last thing I want is to wake up one day and see another naked man on the couch because you were sick of waiting for me. Just the thought—or rather, the visual of a man hitting on you—had me losing my mind. I want you as much as you want me, and it’s a risk I’m ready to take.”
“Not sure if you’ve noticed, but there’s not been another man in my house since the day after we met,” she says with a laugh. “I haven’t even thought of anyone else since you came into my life. So, if Tyler’s the only reason we’re holding back, we can deal with him together when the time is right.”
I pull back slightly, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear. “This whole dilemma has put me in a weird spot, but I can’t go another day without claiming you as mine. I’ll end up going back to prison for taking out every man who dares to look at you.”
She bites her bottom lip, rubbing her fingers along the nape of my neck. “As much as I appreciate that, I’d rather keep you in bed, where I need you.”
“You just want me for my body heat, is that it?” I flash her a crooked grin, resting my hands on her sides and brushing my fingers under her shirt.
“Well, you know they say, being naked is the best way to get warm.”
“So, if anyone asks, it’s science.”
Her head falls back with laughter, and she nods. “Yes, exactly that.”
“Then let’s go do an experiment,” I suggest, standing and taking her with me. She wraps her legs around me, and I carry her to my room. “We have to get naked, forscience.”
“For science,” she agrees as I lay her down on my bed.
I tower over her, eyeing every inch of her gorgeous face. “You really are beautiful, Everleigh.So goddamn beautiful.”
“So are you, Archer. You have a good heart. I knew that long before I fell for you.”
Hearing those words is a flame to my match. “I need inside you, baby.”