“Then I’ll be just like anyone else who had a relationship end,” I grumble in interruption. “If he hurts me, I’ll be a big girl this time. I may cry, eat ice cream, and live on junk food for a while, because I’m older now. I promise it won’t be like last time.”
“I hope not, Aria. I sincerely fucking hope not.”
I hang up the phone, and then I take a deep breath as memories from my past rattle around. I hope he didn’t show Jase that much detail. I’ll cut him out of my life if he did.
“Hey,” Jase murmurs while walking out to join me on the balcony.
I turn away to hide my tear-streaked face, but he knows. Damn mind reader.
His cool hands slide around my waist, and his soft, deliciously cool lips stroke the back of my head.
“Baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that to come out so condescending. I’m not too great at wording things. I swear I won’t tread lightly. I want us to be able to say anything to each other,” he sighs out, his chilled breath cooling my heated body.
“How did you hear that?” I grumble.
“Your thoughts were pretty loud. Soundproof glass doesn’t stop your mind from reaching mine.”
Perfect.
He turns me around, and his lips crush mine, his hands grip my waist, and his erection presses against me.
“I love you, Aria. That’s all that should matter. We’ll figure this out little by little.”
My arms wrap around his neck, and then my legs slide up to be around his waist when he hoists me from the ground. I love him too much to lose him. I’ve never felt so drawn to anyone in my life, and everyday it just gets stronger. I hope Rex isn’t right.
“He’s not,” my beautiful mind reader murmurs into my mouth, and then I feel the fabric tearing from my body as he presses against me.
“I’m never losing you,” he promises, and then I’m lost in him.
C
hapter 12
“Thank you, Sergeant,” Jase murmurs into the phone as I walk in on the tail end of a conversation.
My slinky robe covers my damp, bare body as I dry my hair with the soft red towel of the hotel. Jase hangs up, and his smile grows ridiculously large as he walks over to me.
“I love you,” he steams out while giving me his delectably wonderful lips.
Mmm.
“I love you,” I hum out while completely hypnotized by his delicious taste.
His smile grows behind our kiss, making it hard to continue.
“You know, I’m starting to wish I could read your mind, Lieutenant,” I giggle out.
He smiles bigger, and his incredible lips find my forehead once more while he pulls me into his body a little tighter.
“That might not be such a good idea, Ms. Banner,” he playfully retorts.
“And why’s that?” I play along.
“Because you, pretty girl, blush far too easily,” he seduces, and my cheeks heat up instantly as I shiver under his hot gaze. “See?” he teases while stroking my cheeks.
I grin bashfully while looking away, and then he slides the robe open with one hand. My body becomes exposed to his hungry eyes, and his wolfish grin comes to life as he takes me in.
“Damn, you’re so amazing,” he says with adoration seeping from his tone.
