Cara lifted an eyebrow. “Speak or I’m leaving.”
Her bottom lip trembled, giving her away. Wes’s words tumbled out. “I thought I was in love with Melody. That, because I cared deeply about her, it must have meant something else. Leftover feelings of a childhood crush, gratitude for helping me when I was terrified… She’s the longest relationship I’ve ever had in my life. I think in my messed-up brain, I was equating a sense of safety with marriage, and the only way I could make sure I wouldn’t be left behind would be to make her legally obligated to stay.”
“People get divorced all the time.” Cara’s tone was dry, but he noticed her stance had relaxed.
“That’s my point. I wasn’t being rational. For years, I’ve helped take care of Melody… in between jobs, after breakups… It felt like it was my responsibility. That’s not the same as beinginlove.”
Her hands fell to her sides, and he took a step closer. “Last night, when you told me how you felt, my old fears stopped me from telling you I feel the same way. The thought of losing Melody in my life never terrified me the way the thought of losing you does. I didn’t want to be vulnerable. I think I believed I could stop myself from being hurt if I could control how much I cared. But with you, it’s too late. I know I've hurt you and I may not deserve another chance... I’m sorry I wasn’t as brave as you were.”
Cara’s lips parted, and Wes took a chance, taking her hands in his. “It didn’t matter how much I tried not to, and believe me, I tried. It was hopeless. I love you, Cara. I’ve loved you for a long time, and I don’t want to play safe anymore. Putting my heart in your hands is easily the biggest risk I’ve ever taken.”
Cara’s eyes softened.
“I know you aren’t sure if people can love each other for a lifetime, but I know I will love you for the entirety of mine. And, if some day you decide it’s not what you want anymore, itwilldestroy me.” He gave her a crooked smile. “But I will always be grateful for every minute I got.”
CHAPTERFORTY-SIX
“You did a good job,”Cara breathed.
“With what?” His face filled with cautious hope.
“The words.” She grinned then. “Now that I know you’ve been hiding this talent, I’m going to expect you to tell me you love me this beautifully at least five times a day.”
A joyous laugh burst out of him. “At least!” His palms cradled her face, gaze falling to her mouth. “I love you.” Wes pressed a kiss against them. “I love you.” He punctuated it with another kiss.
“I love you, too,” Cara whispered against him. He drew his head back and rubbed her nose with his.
“I know I havea lotto make up for.”
“I know exactly where you should start.” Cara’s arms encircled his neck, pulling his mouth back to hers. After weeks of frustrated desire, the kiss quickly became passionate. Her tongue twined with his, fueling the exquisite ache. She pressed a palm against his chest and felt Wes’s heart hammering in his chest. His arms slowly roved down the sleeves of her dress, drawing goosebumps, before sliding around her waist until his palms were on her ass securing her against him.
Scorching need raced through her body at the feel of him rigid against her belly. She moaned, her hands reaching between them to stroke the length of him through his pants.
Wes groaned long and low, and then, it was as if even the air around them was on fire.
The slight sting as he caught her earlobe between his teeth sent a tremor of electricity straight to her core.
“Wait,” he panted, trapping her hand. “If you keep that up, I’m not going to be able to go slow.”
“I don’t want to wait.” Her entire body throbbed. “This has felt like the longest foreplay in the history of the universe.”
She stepped back and relished the longing in his eyes. Maintaining eye contact, she brought her hands to her waist, slowly and deliberately tugging at the tie that held her velvet dress together, until the dress gaped.
Wes’s mouth fell open, his eyes glazing. He grasped the edges of the dress, pulling it completely free of the tie and slid it down her arms until it puddled around her heels. His cheeks darkened, and he sucked in an audible breath while his gaze raked down her body, taking in the red lace bra. “Why aren’t you wearing panties?” he choked.
Cara’s lips curled. “Panty lines.”
Wes gave a guttural groan, his fingers flexing on her waist. He ducked his head to reclaim her mouth, his tongue licking at the seam of her lips before sweeping inside. Cara plucked frantically at the buttons of his dress shirt, as his thumbs drew her bra straps down.
Wes kissed his way down her neck, and within seconds, her bra joined the dress on the floor. He cupped her full breasts, his fingers learning their shape and feel. His thumbs brushed the tight buds of her nipples. Cara’s head fell back with a moan as he walked her backward until the back of her knees hit the bed. Wes stepped back, and quickly shrugged out of his shirt.
“You are the sexiest thing I have ever seen.”
Cara’s blood pounded as his eyes devoured her body, leaving trails of fire wherever they touched. His buckle clinked faintly as she released his belt and shoved his dress pants and black boxer briefs to the ground. His eyelids were heavy as he watched her reaction to his body.
Cara sucked in a breath, her eyes roaming from his broad shoulders to the sexy ‘V’ of his hips. She ran her fingertips along the length of his arousal, savoring how he hissed in a breath. “This was worth the wait.”
Wes toppled them to the bed, bracing his weight on his forearms.
