He straightened up, pulled back and rammed inside her. “Oh yeah. I do love you, Sydney. And I always will. One day you’ll believe that.” He took her hard, giving her the rough release she needed.
When they finished, he untied her hands, cleaned them both up and settled her over him on the couch. They lay together, naked and replete.
“I’m always going to be here for you, Sydney. All week during your mom’s visit, during Thanksgivings, Christmases, you name it. And one day when you’re ready, we’ll get married.”
She blinked down at him, annoyed at the rush of emotion hitting her hard. “Taking a lot for granted, aren’t you?”
He stroked her hair. “Nope. I just know a good thing when I see it. Now what do I have to do to sell you this house?”
“This house?”
“Yep. It’s a nice house, over three thousand square feet, comes furnished with plenty of room for girlie furniture, like the kind at your place. Oh, and it also comes with a handsome, studly architect who’s hot for a certain redhead we both know and love.”
A tear slid down her cheek, but before she could scrub it away, he brought her face to his and kissed it. “I love you, Syd. Forever.”
“You’re a dope.”
“Who loves you.”
She laughed, wanting to say it back. She needed to believe he wouldn’t leave, that they could have a future. She knew how she felt, but she was afraid if she told him, he’d leave. Insane, but that’s what came of a life with Isabel Fields.
Good God. Did she really want to keep blaming her mother for her insecurities? A harsh helping of truth smacked her right between the eyes. “I…”
“When you’re ready, baby. I’ll be here. I promise.”
She nodded and laid her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Listening to her truth. A second passed. Then two. “I love you right back, Derrick Warren.”
Arms hugged her tighter. In as smug a voice as she’d ever heard him use, he answered, “I know.”
She snorted and smiled. “Idiot.”
