Her third orgasm hit like lightning, her body clenching around him as pleasure crashed through her in waves. She cried out his name, her back arching off the bed as every muscle in her body tensed.
With a guttural groan, he slammed into her one final time, his cock pulsing as he came deep inside her. She could feel the hot spurts of his release, and the sensation triggered another small aftershock of pleasure that had her moaning.
He collapsed beside her, careful not to crush her with his weight, and pulled her against his chest. They lay there for several minutes, their breathing gradually slowing, bodies cooling.
“Holy shit,” she finally murmured, nestling closer to him. “That was worth the wait.”
He chuckled, the sound reverberating through his chest against her ear. “Definitely.” His fingers traced lazy patterns on her back. “You okay? I didn’t hurt you?”
She rolled her eyes, though she secretly loved his concern. “I’m better than okay. I’m fantastic.” She propped herself up on one elbow to look at him. “Though I might need another round soon. Just to make sure everything’s working properly.”
His eyes darkened with renewed desire, and she felt his cock twitch against her thigh. “Is that so?”
“Mmm-hmm.” She leaned down to kiss him, tasting herself on his lips. “But first, I have something to tell you.”
He tensed slightly beneath her, wariness creeping into his expression. “What is it?”
She took a deep breath. This was it—the moment she’d been building toward since her conversation with her parents. “I’ve been thinking about what you said at Takahe Station. About wanting more than just this.” She gestured between their naked bodies.
“Rue—”
“Let me finish.” She placed a finger over his lips. “I was scared before. Scared that loving you meant giving up who I am. But I was wrong.” She smiled, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. “So I’m proposing to you. Let’s make this fake engagement real.”
His eyes widened, and for a moment, he seemed completely speechless. Then a slow smile spread across his face, lighting up his features in a way that made her heart skip.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice rough with emotion. “Because I don’t want you to feel trapped or?—”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything.” She leaned down, pressing her forehead against his. “I love you, Elliot Wilde.”
His arms tightened around her, and he rolled them so she was beneath him again, his eyes burning with an intensity that took her breath away. “I never thought I’d hear that from you.”
“I know. I’m sorry for that. I should’ve been saying it all along.” She reached up to cradle his face, stoking his stubbled cheek. “I want to build a life with you—a wild, adventurous, completely unpredictable life.”
His smile was slow. “How about a somewhat predictable life?”
“Is that a yes?” she asked, suddenly feeling vulnerable in a way that had nothing to do with her physical nakedness.
“Yes,” he said, capturing her lips in a kiss that conveyed everything words couldn’t. “God, yes. Rue Bristow, I would marry you in a Waffle House at three in the morning if you’d let me.”
When he pulled back, his smile was blinding and a little bit mischievous. She loved this playful side of him.
“I was thinking more like a mountain summit at dawn,” she replied, laughing. “But I’ll take the Waffle House if there’s whipped cream involved.”
His hands slid down her sides, tracing the curve of her waist. “I am not against whipped cream.”
She caught his wrist, suddenly serious. “I need you to know something else. I’m not giving up my expeditions. I still want to climb mountains and explore caves and do all the things that make my heart race.”
“I know.” He kissed her forehead. “I wouldn’t ask you to.”
“But,” she continued, “I want you with me. By my side. Not just waiting at home for me to come back.”
His eyes brightened with understanding. “Partners in adventure?”
“Exactly.” Relief flooded through her. He got it—really got it. “We’re better together. Your planning, my spontaneity. Your caution, my recklessness.”
“Your death wish, my survival instincts,” he added dryly.
She smacked his chest. “I do not have a death wish.”
