“That depends. Has your taste in movies changed for the better in our time apart?”
He covers his heart, feigning hurt at my subtle dig. “I’ll have you know, I am not alone in my love forThe Lord of the Rings trilogy.”
We’re walking down the steps that lead to the theater room in his basement. Thankfully, Griff no longer has to use crutches after the follow-up appointment he had today with his surgeon. He does have to continue to wear a large brace for the next several weeks to keep his knee stabilized, though.
“Oh, trust me, I know. But unless you want to put me right to sleep, we will skip over yourpreciousand watch something with a little eye candy.”
“Okay, now I’m really hurt,” he says as he brings me in to tickle my sides.
“Stop! Please, oh my god, stop!” I laugh so hard I think I’ll pass out.
“Not until you admit that I’m the only eye candy you need,” he demands.
“Alright!” I gasp, “You’re the only one I’ll ever need.”
He stops suddenly as my words sink in. It’s not that I don’t mean them in that way, I just haven’t admitted my feelings out loud for him yet. I had planned on telling him how I felt in Colorado, but then he got hurt, and I’ve been so focused on trying to get him better and get us settled, and then school started again, that I haven’t had the chance to tell him.
I turn to tell him, but his intense gaze on mine stops me, uncoiling something deep inside of me.
Longing.
In this moment, I’m more desperate for this man than I’ve ever been for anything in my life. Griff is still so in sync with me after all this time; it’s like he can read my mind as he wraps his arms around my waist.
“I am, Sunshine. Don’t doubt this. I’m the only one, and you’re my one and only. It’s always been you and me, Kenna. I’m yours, and you aremine. I think it’s about time I remind you of that.”
Griff grips my jaw, and then he finally brings his lips to mine in a kiss that stops time. It’s slow at first, taking on an exploratory pace—we’re getting reacquainted with one another.
The world stands still as we get lost in the kiss. He runs his hands through my hair and grips the strands. My skin feels like it’s burning. The fire he ignites in me is all-consuming.
I’m so enraptured that I don’t notice we’ve moved until the back of my knees connects with one of the theater sofas.
His calloused hands slide under my shirt, finding me braless. Griffin’s touch sends heat racing through me. It’s a heady feeling being worshiped by this man.
“I’m going to need you to keep quiet so you don’t wake our daughter up. Can you do that for me, Sunshine?”
“Yes,” I whisper.
“Good girl. Now, let me see your gorgeous body spread bare for me.”
I hesitate for only a moment before he lifts my shirt off me and slides my sleep shorts down and tosses them across the room.
“Fuck, Kenna. You’re so fucking perfect.”
I bring one hand up, covering my breasts, and use the other to hide my stomach. “I look a lot different than the last time you saw me, Griff. I’m far from perfect.”
“Don’t.”
“Don’t what? I have stretch marks on my stomach, hips, and boobs now. The skin on my stomach is looser, no matter how much work I put in at the gym and on the court.”
“Don’t do that. Don’t try to hide from me. Those changes are a result of the bravest thing you’ve ever done. Your body prospered whilegrowing our beautiful daughter. Let me show you how appreciative I am for this body. Are you ready for me to kiss and worship every inch of your skin, McKenna?” he rasps.
I enthusiastically nod my head, not able to find my words.
Griff lays me back, placing soft kisses along my skin as he slides down my body and nestles himself between my legs.
When his fingers trace up the inside of my thighs, he groans, and the sound ricochets in my stomach, sending tingles straight to my core.
My eyes roll back, and a murmur of pleasure slips from my lips. Anticipation has my clit throbbing.
