My bag hits the floor with a thud, and I practically run into the main room. She’s pouring herself a cup of coffee, her hairgleaming pale gold under the kitchen light. She looks up at my arrival, a nervous smile drawing tight over her delicate features.“Hey.”
I stop on the other side of the massive marble-covered island, pressing my hands against the cold slab to ground me. “Tellme you’re really here.”
Her smile grows warmer, more real. “You think you’re hallucinating, Big Guy?”
“Could be. I dream about this a lot.”Every fucking day.
She sets the cup down with a clink of porcelain and rounds the island. I watch her approach, her hips swaying beneath oneof those flirty little skirts she favors. My chest contracts when her slim hands slide up, drawing little shivers in her wake.Her thumb runs over the edge of my beard, then along my lower lip. It’s all I can do not to bite that thumb, suck it intomy mouth.
“Feel real enough to you?” Her voice is husky.
I breathe in the scent of Fi, lean into her. “Not sure. I think I need more.”
I need everything. All of her.
She knows this. With a gentle tug, she pulls me down to her. I go willingly. Her sweet, soft mouth finds mine, and everythingwithin me sighs with relief.
I don’t know how long I kiss her, but it isn’t long enough. Too soon, she’s pulling back, but she keeps her arms around myneck, and I hold her close. It’s only then that I realize her body is tense, her gaze hesitant.
“I’ve decided,” she says, “you don’t get to choose our fate without consulting me.”
“Agreed.”
My instant answer seems to give her pause, her head cocking back as if she doesn’t understand. Her voice comes out unsteadybut strong. “Good. You pissed me off, Ethan.”
“I know.” I should be more contrite, but I’m so fucking happy she’s here. I can’t keep back my smile, can’t stop touchingher cheek.
She bats my hand away. “I’m serious. You... You hurt me. If you don’t want me, just say it now. Don’t hide behind someridiculous claim of trying to protect me, because—”
I cup her smooth cheek and kiss her. Fi’s mouth moves against mine, shaping words—probably trying to tell me off. I keep kissingher soft and slow until she relaxes with a sigh. My fingers thread through her hair as I look down at her.
“You’re right. I was a dumbass. I’m sorry.” I nuzzle her cheek. “I was on my way to see you. To apologize.”To beg for another chance.
Her nose wrinkles in a dubious look. I kiss the tip of it, but she doesn’t relent. “I mean, how could you do that? And overFaceTime, Ethan!”
“I’m an asshole.” I keep my eyes steady on hers. “I was embarrassed, Fi. I didn’t want you to see me like this.”
Her voice is soft. “Like what?”
My skin goes uncomfortably tight, and my insides plummet like there’s a lead weight falling through me. But I owe her thewords. “All these women coming after me for the money. With pity in their eyes and dollar signs dancing in their heads.”
She’s quiet for a second. “I’m glad they don’t know what they’re missing,” she says low and fierce. “It means I have you allto myself.”
Closing my eyes, I press my forehead against the top of her head. “No one else ever stood a chance against you, Cherry.” Holdingher close eases all the tight spaces inside me. “I panicked, and it hurt you. You have no idea how sorry I am for that.”
“Okay, then.” Her hand smooths down my shirt. “I’m glad we had this talk.”
I can’t help giving her another quick kiss. It feels too good, even if I’m in the doghouse. “Can we get to the make-up sexnow?” I ask, wanting to make her laugh. “I’ve heard good things.”
Thankfully, Fi laughs and gives my pec a little punch. “Yeah, I bet.” Her smile falls fast. “I need to tell you somethingfirst.”
Honestly, she could tell me she robbed a bank, and I’d say fine by me. But I keep my expression neutral, trying manfully notto grin like a fool. She’s here. She’s still mine. That’s all that matters.
“All right. Tell me what you did, Cherry.”
As soon as she gets whatever it is off her chest, I’m going to fuck her until my dick gives out on me.
Thirty-Five
