“What did I say? Fucking amazing.”
As he pulls away from me and goes to the bathroom to wash up, I stare up at the ceiling, completely overwhelmed by the way he makes me feel. My body tingles with the remnants of his touch, and my heart soars to terrifying heights. This is what I’ve been missing for far too long.
When Rafe returns, he pulls me into his warm, safe arms. He’s been completely open with me about what he wants from me tonight, and even though I’ve told myself to keep it physical, I’m a lost cause. I want to give him something in return.
Just as his breathing changes, I gather up the courage to speak my own truth. “Rafe?” I whisper, staring out into the darkness.
“Yeah, baby?” he answers, his voice sleepy and utterly sexy.
“I just wanted you to know . . . Well . . . you make me feel safe,” I admit, holding my breath as I await his response.
He tightens his arm around my waist and presses a soft kiss to the top of my head. “I hope I always will.”
SOFT LIPS BRUSH MINE then trail down my cheek. I moan in protest, not ready to wake from the most incredible dream. One where Rafe has spent the night kissing every inch of my body until no spot was left without his mark. In fact, if I could live in this dream forever, I’d never want to wake up.
“Morning, beautiful.” His low, gravelly voice is warm.
I’m aware that it wasn’t a dream. It was reality. My new reality. And I wonder why I took so long to come home with him. As his mouth nibbles across my jawline, I shiver.
Peeking one eye open, I watch the top of his head as it descends down my neck and along my collarbone. He’s straddling me, and his firm body covers mine to perfection. Almost as if he were made for me. My hand comes up and I trace my nails along his bare back. He looks up at me, a sleepy grin on his face.
“Morning, handsome.”
If possible, his grin widens, the sight causing my heart to flutter.
“I could get used to wake-up calls like this, but it’s the weekend,” I groan, closing my eyes and pretending to go back to sleep.
He pulls the covers off me, and I shiver as soon as the cold air hits my skin. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”
“Rafe,” I scold, opening my eyes to see him grinning down at me. It’s infectious, and even though I try to maintain my frown, I can’t. A mirroring smile crosses my own face. “Saturdays are for sleeping in. Didn’t anyone teach you that?”
He leans down and presses a quick kiss to my lips. As I twist my hips, he settles between them, his hard erection nestling against my core. Nothing separates us except for the thin material of his boxers, and just as I begin to rock my hips, he rolls off me. Once again, I moan in protest, and once again, he smirks.
“Baby, I could spend all day damn day in bed with you, and sleeping is the last thing we’d be doing.” He trails a lone finger along the curve of my breasts then cruelly pulls it away before he gives any attention to my now hardened nipples, which anticipate his touch.
I turn to look at him see the confliction in his eyes, which is quickly replaced by determination.
“But I promised you a weekend-long date, and I always deliver.”
Memories of the night before flood in, and my cheeks flush. “Yes. Yes, you do. Now, how about you deliver again?”
In a flash, he quickly rolls back on top of me and rocks his hips against me before leaning down. He bypasses my mouth, however, and his lips come to my ear, where he nibbles softly. “You’re a bad influence, Brie, and as enticing as you are, I’m not falling for it. I promise I’ll do more than deliver. Later.”
With that, he pushes up from the bed, and I immediately miss his warmth. Still, when he turns away, I lean up on my elbows and admire the way the material tightens over his ass as he strolls to the master bathroom. The muscles in his back ripple as his arms come up to brace the doorframe on the entrance to his bathroom. He turns his head and gives me a heated look that warms me all the way to my toes.
“Although I wouldn’t object to you joining me in the shower if you want a preview of what to expect later on,” he tells me, giving me a wink before dropping his boxers and moving out of view.
He doesn’t have to ask me twice. I quickly jump off the bed and race to the bathroom, practically tackling him. He laughs and scoops me up into his strong arms, carrying me to the shower, where he goes above and beyond to deliver. And then some.
When we finally emerge, I notice he’s placed my hair and makeup products on his bathroom counter. As I dry my hair, he touches up his slight beard, and I can’t help stealing glances at him in the mirror. Getting ready for our day next to each other feels entirely too domestic, yet it’s so natural. It just seems right.
Everything about my relationship with Rafe is that way. I’m more invigorated and carefree than I have probably ever been, and it scares the hell out of me how quickly I’ve falling for him. At the same time, it thrills me to no end, and instead of letting fear get the best of me, I’m going to trust my heart. Because all signs are pointing to him, and after last night, I know he’ll never hurt me.
Strong arms wrap around my waist, tearing me out of my thoughts. My heart leaps when I look up and catch his eyes in the mirror. He’s watching us intently, and I do the same. We look perfect together.
“I love you being here, Brie. Like you said, I could definitely get used to this. I want to get used to this, and I want it for you, too.”