“How long did I?—”
He tapped the tip of my nose. “With you in my arms, time isn’t relevant.”
How did this man come up with the most endearing lines? Remembering last night, this morning,whatever, I slid a hand down to explore.
He sucked in a breath when my fingers circled him. “We don’t have time. We really do have to get up.”
Curling my fingers tighter around his erection, it was clear I hadn’t imagined it. He was big with a capital B. How many times would it take to get accustomed to his girth? The question heated my cheeks.
He pushed me up and away. “Get up, woman. We’re burning daylight.”
“Ruppie, it’s time to get up.” The voice that came through the door was Karla’s. Then the TV went silent.
I froze. Clothes? When I snuck in here last night, I hadn’t brought clothes for today with me.
By the time I’d cleaned my face and pulled back on the T-shirt from last night, Zane was dressed in cargo pants and a T-shirt that lovingly hugged his muscular chest and shoulders.
“You have to get your mother into the kitchen so I can get some clothes from my room.”
“Why?”
“I can’t have her see me sneaking out of your room.”
He chuckled and grasped my shoulders. “We’re not teenagers.” He pulled me in for a hug and kissed the top of my head. “You’re so fucking adorable.” He laughed again, rocking us back and forth. His hand stroked my back.
“But your mother,” I said into his chest.
He hugged me tighter and then released me. “I’m not hiding you from anybody. I’m proud to have you as my woman.”
His woman.Zane’s words hit me in the gut. First, time didn’t matter when I was with him, and now this?
The big SEAL could have his pick of women. I’d pushed him away numerous times, I’d lied about who I was, and yet he still wanted me.
“Peyton, I put some fresh clothes outside the door for you.” Karla was back, and so was my dread. She knew I was in here.
“Problem solved,” Zane said with a smirk.
“This isn’t funny.”
“Sure it is.” He opened the door, picked up the clothes, and handed them to me before leaving. “Don’t be long, Angel.”
Zane
“About time,”Constance complained as I rounded the corner to the living room. “I’ve seen all these episodes.”
That was milder ribbing than one of the guys would have given me.
“Thanks,” I acknowledged with a nod toward the television.
She had one of the Stargate series playing on the TV. The sound was muted.
“I made you some tea with honey.” Mom’s voice came from the kitchen.
“No thanks. I’m more of a coffee man,” Winston told her.
He had no idea who he was dealing with.
I moved to the kitchen with Constance right behind me. Surprisingly, Terry, Duke, and Serena were also here.
