I let my head fall back as a sigh escaped my lips. Nipping at my ear and then moving down to my neck, Preach continued to lay soft kisses against my skin until his lips met theVof my V-neck T-shirt. That sent a shiver straight through my belly.
Preach combed his fingers through my hair. I’d worn it down today instead of in my trademark ponytail, and he seemed to like it. He cupped the back of my head, and his free hand slid along my hip and into my back pocket. He gave me a light squeeze, and I almost yelped at the pleasure of it.
I jetted my hands up the back of his shirt, my fingers grazing along his warm, smooth skin. I guided him back toward the log, without separating from him, then turned him.
“Sit down,” I whispered against his lips.
He grinned, his lids hanging heavy over his brown orbs, then sat on the log. I hiked my jeans up a little, then settled on top of him, my legs on either side of him.
Ohhh, that feels good.
I shifted, getting as close to him as I could, kissing him the entire time. My body softened against his hard planes, and I got lost in the contact. Lost in the touch. Lost in him.
“Whoa,” Preach exhaled, pulling back slightly.
“What’s wrong?” I said. My skin ached for his touch.
“Nothing’s wrong.” He grinned and hugged me closer to him. “Everything is perfect.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Grace
I opened the front door to find Preach with an outstretched hand. In it, a fuzzy little teddy bear.
“Aw! What is this for?” I took it into my hands and hugged it.
“Hey you,” he said, then pulled me into a hug.
“What’s this for?” I asked again before kissing his cheek.
“Wanted to give you a little present for your recruiter appointment.”
A wave of nerves tumbled through my stomach. I brought the toy to my face and closed my eyes as I focused on how soft and cuddly it was.Everything’s going to be fine.
“You ready to go?” Preach asked.
I stepped back into the house and grabbed my purse from the table beside the door.
“Where is everyone? Usually it’s kind of a madhouse up in here.”
I laughed. “Mom has all the kids out at the park. I think she knew I needed some quiet time or something.”
“You look great, by the way.”
“Thanks.” I smoothed my hand down the front of my shirt. I’d opted for simple black pants and a light, long-sleeve shirt with a pair of flats. Dressy, but comfortable.
“It’s going to be fine.” Preach cupped my cheek. “I’m right there with you.”
“Okay,” I said, “let’s go.”
…
“Isn’t that your dad’s car?” Preach asked as we pulled into a parking spot in front of the recruiter’s office.
“Um, yeah. I didn’t know he was meeting us here.”
A pit formed in my stomach. Dad knew I was nervous for today’s meeting. It was sweet of him to come. Lessen the blow. Leaving a month or two later was going to suck, but it wasn’t the end of the world.