“I’m just a little. . .” I place a hand on my forehead.
He takes a tiny step closer. “I’m talking about the whole ‘they’re mine’ thing.” I choke it out. “What the hell was that?”
He doesn’t move, his large hands falling to his sides as I watch his chest expand and deflate. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who’s having a little trouble with oxygen.
“I meant what I said.” It’s that clear, blunt tone that tells me he means it.
He told me he would never lie to me, so I know it wasn’t just to scare Miles off. But does it really mean what I need it to mean? Because I need Slade.
A portion of the pressure eases off my chest. “Were you. . .ever going to say something?”
His lips twitch. “I was thinking about it.”
I huff, my head falling toward the floor, my breath coming a little easier. “You were thinking about it?”
He remains silent, and my frustration climbs, needing him to tell me straight up what that meant.
“Slade, tell me exactly what you meant when you called us yours because I’m about one millisecond from coming over there and doingsomething that will change everything. If I do that and you push me away, I promise you I will not be ok.”
Those green eyes flick between mine, and all I hear is the pounding of my own heart while I await his direct response.
“Get over here.” It’s that low, commanding tone, but gentle.
I stare at him, not moving, feeling like I’m standing on the edge of a cliff. I want to jump, but I’m scared.
“Sarah.” The sound of my name rolling off his tongue brings me back from the ledge. “Come. Here.”
I know him and the losses he’s endured. He’s just as afraid as I am and is asking me to meet him halfway.
I inhale and cross the room, standing before him.
“Sarah.” His voice is even softer.
I meet his gaze, and all I see is earnestness.
“I meant everything I said. I want you to be mine. All three of you. I don’t want you to need him. Ever.”
I let those words soak in and through me.
His large, rough hands cup my face. “I wouldn’t push you away. Not ever.”
I blink, staring up at him. “You wouldn’t?”
He shakes his head. “But I’m not really good at this, so I still need you to go easy on me.”
A little laugh escapes as my heart rate begins to ease back into a normal pace, and my eyes fill with tears.
“Ok.” I breathe out, knowing I can do that. “But are you sure? This. The three of us. It’s a lot, and if we do this, you’re going to be stuck with us.”
He releases my face, linking his arms around my lower back. “I never thought I could do this with anyone. . .until you. And Ollie and Frankie. I didn’t want to.” He swallows, but his eyes never leave mine. “Iwantto be stuck with you. Forever.”
I. Am. Done. I throw my arms around his neck and haul myself up, my mouth crashing into his.
I tilt my head, needing more, and his tongue tangles with mine. I kiss him like I’ve needed to every day since I kissed him for the first time.
His shoulders dip, and his large hands grip the back of my thighs, hoisting me up. I wrap my legs around him, and his fingers dig into my ass, pulling me against him.
I tug away, seeking air, and his mouth glides down my neck, kissing and nipping. I need this, and I need him. Always.
