Her body continues to pulse around me, drawing out my release until I'm groaning against her throat as I spill into her.
We collapse, out of breath, as the storm continues its assault on the windows. Rain streams down the glass in rivulets. Distant thunder rumbles across the mountains. I gather her against my chest, holding her like I never want to let go.
"That was ..." she whispers, her voice a little hoarse.
"Perfect," I finish, pressing my lips to her damp forehead. "You were perfect."
She curls closer to me, her body soft and pliant against mine. The storm showsno signs of letting up, and I'm grateful for it. It gives us this cocoon of time, this perfect bubble where nothing exists except the two of us.
"I can't believe I waited so long," she finally declares.
I tilt her chin up to meet my gaze. “I’m glad you did, Tessa. I hate to sound possessive, but it makes me feel like you’re mine … and only mine."
She considers this, those green eyes thoughtful. "Maybe you're right," she says softly. "I needed to become someone who could handle you."
I chuckle, the sound rumbling through my chest. "Handle me?"
"Mmm." She traces a finger along my collarbone, her touch feather-light. "The teenage version of me would have combusted on the spot. Too much hero worship, not enough confidence."
"And now?"
Her smile is pure mischief. "Now I know I can give asgood as I get."
Thunder rolls overhead, softer now, the storm beginning to move past us. But we're in no hurry to move. The champagne has left us both languid and content.
"Tell me something," I say, my fingers combing through her hair. "What made you decide to come back to Cady Springs? Really?"
She's quiet for a moment, her breath warm against my chest. "The money, at first. Those student loans aren't going to pay themselves." She pauses, her finger still tracing patterns on my skin. "But maybe ... maybe part of me hoped you'd be here."
I still as her words sink in. She hoped I'd be here. All those years, all that distance, and part of her was still thinking about me.
"Tessa, you mean that?"
She nods, her cheeks flushing pink despite everything we've just shared.
"I know it sounds crazy. I built this whole life in the city, dated other guys, convinced myself I'd moved on. But when I saw you that first day, chopping wood likesome kind of fantasy come to life..." She laughs softly, hiding her face against my shoulder. "Damn, I sound pathetic."
"You sound honest," I correct, catching her chin and forcing her to look at me again. "And brave. Do you know how many people spend their whole lives running from what they really want?"
The storm outside has gentled to a steady patter against the windows, occasional lightning illuminating the room in soft, silver light. I can see everything in her face - the vulnerability, the hope, the lingering disbelief that this is really happening.
"I never thought I was good enough for you," she whispers. "You were this older, untouchable guy who had his whole life figured out. And I was just ..."
"Mine," I finish, the word coming out with more conviction than I expected. "You were always mine, Tessa. I just didn'tknow it yet."
Her eyes widen, searching my face. "Liam..."
I roll us over so she's beneath me again, her hair fanned across the white pillows. The movement draws a soft gasp from her lips, and I lean down to capture it with a kiss.
"Say it again," she whispers against my mouth.
"You're mine," I repeat, meaning every word. "And I'm yours. Have been for longer than I realized."
Her hands frame my face, thumbs brushing over my cheekbones. "I love you, Liam. I think I always have."
The words hit me like lightning, bright and electric.
"I love you too," I say, the admission flowing out of me like it's been waiting years to be spoken.
