He growled something that sounded likeenough, fit the condom and himself in place, and drove home with one deliberate, blistering thrust.
There were no words after that, only the sound of their bodies coming together and their harsh moans streaking the night. They moved with desperation, chasing pleasure.Love. Balance, in a universe that rarely offered it. She’d never been so connected to another human being, and she knew she never would again.
It was amazing how mindless the journey became, making love without thought, driven entirely by sensation and touch. Byheart.
When her orgasm hit, seconds after his release, Fontana had somehow ended up on top.
And they’d managed to work their way completely off the quilt.
Her glass of juice had spilled. Something sharp—a cracker?—was stuck to her knee. Campbell’s hair looked electrified, like he’d stuck a finger in a socket. Sweat peppered his face and neck. A love bite marked his collarbone.
The room was a mess.Theywere a mess.
She was afraid to tell him, she might’ve popped a stitch.
“We have to argue more often,” she murmured, slumping to his chest, “if this is how it goes after we make up.”
His hands fell away from her. “Count me in. I’m sure we’ll find plenty to argue about.”
She pressed a kiss to his chest, the light dusting of hair tickling her cheek. “First time with the ring. I think it’s good luck.”
A fatigued laugh burst from his lips. “Lucky for fucking?”
“No, silly.” She pinched his waist, then settled against him. “For love.”
Still connected, Campbell shifted so he could gaze into her eyes. His had gone dark, which meant profound thoughts were coming. “I don’t need luck. I have you. You have me. Forever is what I’m asking for. Demanding, I should say.” He cradled her jaw, tilting her head for a gentle kiss that undid her. “You said yes. No redos. No changing your mind.”
“I’ll say yes every day for the rest of my life if you ask me.” She’d never meant anything more. He was her future. He was hereverything. “I want forever.”
“You got it, Hellcat.” His lids drifted as he cradled her against his chest, his touch and his words telling her he’d never let go. “You and me against the world.”
epilogue
Slide Away –Oasis
FONTANA
Summer,1996
“He’s not good enough for her.”
Fontana twisted in Campbell’s grasp, her laugh bright with joy.
She sat between his spread legs on the Rise’s front steps, watching Hannah and her new-ish boyfriend circle the car her sister had received for her twenty-second birthday. A Volkswagen Beetle, the car she’d always dreamed of owning. Not new, but adorable, and in excellent condition, according to Tim Prescott. Her sister’s excitement carried across the yard and struck them like lightning. “Calm down, overprotective big brother. I bet you five bucks they don’t make it to Thanksgiving. You’ve spoiled her so much she doesn’t know what hit her. Forget about any guy her age being able to compare. Any guy,ever.”
“I like making the Quinn girls happy. Anyway, what do I know? I’m not good enough for you, and look how that’sworking out.” He tightened his hold in one of those amazing hugs-from-behind that had her reconsidering her schedule, wondering if they could find ten minutes alone. If not enough time to sneak upstairs to their bedroom, Campbell pinning her against the wall in the laundry room would do. It wouldn’t be the first time.
“I know what you’re thinking, Hellcat.”
She figured he did, given the impressive bulge nudging her lower back. If she shifted just so…
A scorching breath hit her ear. “Please, I beg of you. Not with the kids playing in the front yard.”
She brought his hand to her lips and pressed a kiss to the chemical stain on his knuckle. Life was going well, down exhilarating paths she’d never imagined. She was married, for one. She and Campbell had eloped in the spring—if bringing a sister, half-brother, cousins, grandfather, best friend, and best friend’s boyfriend-slash-photography assistant to Cabo San Lucas counted as eloping. A large wedding hadn’t been something either of them wanted, and the romantic, relaxing week with family had been absolutely perfect.
And needed.
There was a lot going on in Promise.
