Rain streams between our lips as we kiss, droplets clingingto our skin. Payton lingers for a breath, his lips brushing mine as he whispers, “I love you, Lily.”
Those adorable dimples on each side of his mouth make an appearance with his tentative smile. My fingers slide over the damp rough stubble there, exploring, claiming. “I think I love you, too.”
He pulls his head back. “You think?”
Heavy drops of rain and tears drop from my lashes as I blink. “I’ve never been in love before, so I’m not entirely sure how it feels.”
“Can you see yourself building a life here?”
I glance around us as if the answer might hang from one of the nearby palm trees, swaying in the wind. “What would I do?”
“Anything you want.” He says this as if he’s pleading. As if his very existence depends upon my reply. “If that won’t work, then I’ll figure out a way to be with you in England.”
“You would do that for me?” I’ve never felt that important to anyone before.
Wanted.
His eyes map my face as if he has to memorize every detail. “In a heartbeat.”
Payton crushes me against him in a kiss that obliterates all the thoughts, concerns, and worries I’ve had since I arrived here. Rain pours over us as our embrace shifts from frantic to a slower exploration of each other.
He backs me up against the door and out of the downpour while his lips continue to tease mine with languid brushes and nips. A loud clap of thunder makes us both jump.
“We’d better get inside.” He says this with a growl as if he’s angry at the weather.
“I left the keys in the car.”
He digs into his pocket and pulls them out.
I gasp. “You could have letus in any time.”
“True, but kissing you in the rain is unforgettable.” He lands a light kiss on my wet nose before unlocking the door.
We barrel in and shake off the moisture slicking our skin and clothes like two wet dogs. Payton dashes to the linen closet by my bathroom and grabs two towels, handing me one when he returns.
As I towel myself dry, I dart glances at him, unsure what to say or do next. There are no more secrets between us, just the truth. No more games or ruses. I’ve never been in love before and haven’t a clue what to do, say, or even think, let alone expect.
The cool air in the apartment raises goose bumps on my skin, so I wrap the towel around me, warding off the chill and my doubts.
Payton notices. “Get changed and then meet me back out here, yeah?”
Nodding, I turn and head toward my door. Payton doesn’t walk me to mine this time but watches from his doorway, waiting for me to go into my room. Promises fill his eyes, making me want to dash back into his arms to claim them…believe them.
Once in my bedroom, I strip off my wet clothes in record speed, opting for a soft pair of stretchy lounger pants and a T-shirt I knot at my waist. My hair’s still damp, so I wrap it into a loose bun on the top of my head. When I walk out of my bedroom, Payton’s already sitting on the couch, waiting for me.
“Much better.” He pats the spot next to him as I approach.
He’s swapped his soggy game-day suit for joggers and a T-shirt. His damp tousled hair makes him look roguish. He wraps his arm around me as I snuggle into him, his spicy scent teasing my senses.
For the first time, I feel awkward with Payton. I don’t know what to say or do.
He lifts my chin as he leans in to kiss me. Soft at first, but then something ignites between us as if now that we’ve declared our feelings for each other, there’s nothing holding us back.
Longing and desire propel us closer. As I push up to straddle his lap, he grabs my hips and helps me settle there, all without breaking our kiss. His hands roam over my back as I push my fingers into his damp hair. His kiss turns greedy, devouring and exploring, nipping and tugging.
A lingering chill causes me to press into him, into his warmth and the safety of his arms offer. His groan rumbles against my lips, demolishing any resistance I have left.
I want this. I want a life with Payton. And I want to build it here.
