He tightened his arm around Cree and rested his chin on top of her head. “Where do we go from here?” he asked. “Because walking away from you is not an option. I’m here to stay.”
She was silent for so long, Tristan didn’t think she’d respond.
“I think we owe it to ourselves to give us a second chance,” she said, her voice was quiet but strong.
His heart leaped. She was surprising him for the second time that day.
“Moments like right now,” Cree continued, “remind me of how things used to be between us, especially our quiet times. Cuddled on the sofa next to you feels as natural as breathing.”
“I agree,” Tristan said, and kissed the side of her forehead. “It’s probably because my feelings for you haven’t changed. Just because we weren’t together doesn’t mean you don’t still own my heart.”
She grunted and shook her head. “And it sounds like you’re still the sweet talker I fell in lo—”
Her words stopped abruptly, and Tristan smiled. She still cared about him, and she was attracted to him as much as he was to her. That was good, but she probably had no idea the real effect she had on him. Not just what her nearness did to his body physically, but how she made his pulse amp with just a look. Or how his heart melted when they shared a memory of years past. Cree meant the world to him, and he’d give up his wealth if it meant having her as his wife again.
Until then, it was great knowing the intense connection he’d felt at her office that first day hadn’t been one-sided. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have signed him. The money she stood to make for herself and for the law firm wouldn’t have stopped her from saying “no” to representing him. If she’d hated him so much, no way would she be anywhere near him. That he knew for a fact, and it was all the encouragement he needed to continue pursuing her.
She turned in his arms and searched his eyes before her gaze went to his lips. Desire, that had been stirring within him since running into her outside the spa, flared to life. He wanted to kiss her. Hell, he wanted to do so much more than kiss, but he didn’t want to take advantage while she was vulnerable.
He’d follow her lead. Give her whatever she wanted or needed from him.
He cupped her cheek and caressed her soft skin with the pad of his thumb. He was still struggling with the fact that she was even there. That she was allowing him to hold her close like this.
God, he missed her. He missed this. Missed the quiet moments they used to share. There’d been times where they easily tuned out the world around them, as if it was just the two of them and no one else existed. He wanted that again.
Cree lifted her hand and ran her palm over the scruff on his face. “I like this look on you, but I don’t like that it hides your dimples,” she said quietly, and Triston smiled.
“I can go and shave right now if you want me to.”
She gave him a small smile, but there was still sadness in her pretty brown eyes. A lone tear hung from her long eyelash, and Tristan wanted to erase all that ailed her.
“Shaving is not necessary. What I want is for you to kiss me.”
Tristan’s heart rattled inside his chest. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Cree,” he said as he lowered his head and covered her mouth with his.
He nibbled on her top lip and then her lower lip, but the way they were sitting made kissing a little awkward. They must’ve been thinking the same thing because Cree lifted up, then sat on his lap, and looped her arms around his neck.
He held her tightly as he loved on her mouth. With each lap of his tongue, he hoped she could feel how much he cared about her. How much he needed her. They were made for each other. Meant to be together like peanut butter and jelly, and he would never let her walk out of his life again. He wouldn’t be able to handle it a second time.
Cree relaxed in his arms as their lips and tongues got reacquainted. She tasted of wine and something savory, and he could kiss her all day, but it still wouldn’t be enough. He missed this, and the longer he kissed her, the more he wanted what they’d lost.
As he deepened their connection, her hand moved to the back of his head, holding him in place as if making sure he didn’t pull away. As if that would happen. No way she was ever getting rid of him.
His hand glided down her side, relishing in every dip and curve of her body until he came to her firm ass. Tristan squeezed. She moaned. And he hummed against her sweet lips. Her breasts were pressed against his chest, and arousal pulsed through his body. He wanted to touch her, every inch of her, and he wanted to do it without the barrier of their clothing.
Kissing and caressing her was nice, but he needed to feel all of her.
One of her hands moved to his face, and she cupped his cheek just before breaking their kiss.
“I’m ready for that tour you offered the other day, but let’s start with your bedroom,” she said, her voice rough with desire.
Tristan’s heart rate kicked up as he searched her eyes. He was reading her loud and clear. Yeah, he wanted to show her his bedroom and so much more, but once they crossed this line, there was no going back.
“Cree, are you sure? If I show you my bedroom, a room no other woman has been in, then you’re mine.”
She swallowed hard, but her gaze didn’t waver. “I’m sure.”
Without another word, Tristan leaned forward, and Cree started to move out of his arms.
