He grunted and I tried to scurry off, but he didn’t let me go.
This was the most he’d touched me without seeking permission about every little move he made, but that was exactly what I’d asked him to do when we’d been spending so much time together. It shocked me how natural it felt.
But the dipshit was hurting himself.
“Hold still and move up beside me.” He scooted over to one side of the bed as far as he could and by the sounds he was making, I knew it hurt.
When I stayed frozen in place, I heard him whisper, “Please.”
His soft pleading voice was my undoing. I carefully wiggled my way up next to him and turned just a smidge on my side, so I was facing him. “You’re crazy, I’m going to hurt you even more.”
“I’m crazy about you,” he said with conviction. “And It would hurt me more not to have you this close to me.”
I couldn’t hold back the tears that slipped freely down my cheeks or the words that burst, not only from my lips, but from my heart too.
“I love you.”
A sharp intake of breath filled the room as Huntley’s eyes widened in what I assumed was surprise. Then his face softened as he pinned his piercing green gaze on me.
“Say it again.”
I swallowed hard and then did as he asked. “I love you.” I sunk my teeth into my lower lip as nerves swam inside me. Did he feel the same?
“God, I’m a lucky man.” He slowly brought his arm up and cupped my cheek with his palm. “I love you too, sweetheart. So fucking much.”
Those three words penetrated my heart and soul, healing it even more than he already had. Every moment with him seemed to put a little piece of me back together again.
He slid his hand to the back of my neck and gently reeled me in closer until our breaths mingled. I was lost in his gaze, my stomach fluttering with anticipation. I wanted his lips on mine. As if he knew my thoughts he covered my mouth with his own.
It was a tender kiss, sealing the love we had just proclaimed for one another.
When he broke away, he rested his forehead on mine. “So did you mean it when you said you’re taking me home?”
I pulled back and gave him a goofy grin. “What kind of fiancée would I be if I didn’t?”
He gave me a sexy smirk. “That is true.” Then his face relaxed and his brows rose. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” I nodded without hesitation, no doubt lining my tone. “I want you with me. I want to take care of you.”
His hand slid back to my face, softly caressing my cheek. “That sounds damn good, my little warrior.”
He pressed his lips to mine once again, and I got lost in the kiss until a throat was clearing behind us.
“That is not allowed,” a stern voice came that I knew must be one of the nurses.
“Busted,” Huntley said against my mouth, causing me to giggle.
I knew we had a lot to talk about and it wasn’t going to be easy, but Huntley was worth it. I could get through what was to come.
Because helovedme.
We had a whole audience.
Turning slightly, expecting to find the nurse who’d just scolded us, I found she wasn’t alone. Nope, there she stood, her arms crossed over her chest while Huntley’s mom, Bronson, Lake, Lyric, and Ruby stood behind her, all wearing full blown smirks on their faces.
“Looks like nothing keeps you down,” Bronson teased with a smirk on his face.
Huntley placed his hand on my leg. “Not when I have a beautiful woman to take care of me.”
