A noise escapes from his throat, and it causes my nipples to peak. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I tip my face up to him, and close my eyes. When his lips touch mine, fireworks explode behind my eyes, and sparks fly between the two of us. The type of sparks you read about in romance novels, you see when you watch romantic movies. The dreams I had when I watched Molly and Levi’s parents together.
I lean into the kiss, letting him take what he wants, giving myself over to him.
His mouth devours mine, tongue sneaking in between my lips as I hang on for dear life. My knees go weak, but he holds me up with his strength. Both his hands slide down my back, stopping to cup my ass. He bends slightly and grips the curve, encouraging me to lift and wrap my legs around his waist.
Both of us groan when his jacket slips open and my bare skin presses against his uniform shirt. It’s cold against the warmth of my body, and it’s everything I want and need. He pulls back, and we’re both breathing heavily. Dropping his forehead to mine, we share breath as we stand in his driveway.
“Magnolia Grace, I’m gonna take you inside.” His voice is guttural, and full of need. “Whatever happens when we get there is completely up to you. I’m a man who understands the word no, okay?”
I close my eyes and nod, pulling my bottom lip in between my teeth. “I appreciate that. Not all men are like that.”
The body holding me stiffens. His forehead presses against mine, forcing me to look at him. “What are you saying? Your husband?”
I nod before he can finish asking. More than once, my husband reminded me that it was my duty to provide him with pleasure. When I didn’t want to, when I wasn’t in the mood, when I told him no to begin with. We still slept together, and I would lie there and take it. I promised myself I would never do it again, and with this man, I believe him. “Yeah, so whatever I do from now on will be one hundred percent my decision.”
The hands holding my ass grip the globes tightly. “As you should,” he growls. “Even if we’re in the fuckin’ middle of it, you can say no, and any man who doesn’t listen is not only a bastard, but he’s breaking the law.”
I know all of that, but another thing I know is I won’t have to worry about that with Levi. “Take me inside?”
“Whatever you want, Magnolia. We’re gonna do whatever you want.”
Chapter 3
Levi
I’ve known this woman for as long as I can physically remember. She’s been a part of every single portion of my life, and I’ve been nervous around her, but never like this. “Have you ever been in my house?” It’s a stupid question, but for the life of me, I can’t remember.
A small laugh puffs out against my shoulder. I’m still holding her, her legs still wrapped around my waist. “No.” She shakes her head. “Molly showed me pics from the listing right before you bought it and I remember thinking it was going to need a lot of work, but then my life crashed and burned. I meant to come out, you’ve invited me when you had get-togethers, but I could never make it.”
Her tone is apologetic, and I’m getting the feeling that maybe she was right. Maybe I don’t know her the way I thought I did. Never do I remember her being someone I’d call a people pleaser. “It’s okay, I was just wondering. Was going to tell you if you had, it looks way different than when I bought it.”
“I’ll be able to tell.” Her breath stirs at my ear, causing my cock to take notice. My ears have always been sensitive. I lift her a little higher as I climb the stairs. “Remember, I saw the pictures from the listing. How much work have you done to it?”
Her voice is getting clearer than it was. Which means she’s starting to sober up, and I’m thankful for that. “Tons.” I unlock the door with the keypad I installed, and walk in, turning on the lights.
The gasp of breath from her is worth it. I’ve completely gutted the living room and kitchen. Before it was two separate rooms, and they cut off in the middle. It made sense to combine them, and my uncle Nick and cousin Darren helped me do custom cut paneling and ceilings. It’s still not exactly what I want, but it’s impressive when you see it for the first time. I need to save up a little more money to get it completely finished.
“Levi, this is gorgeous.”
“Yeah, Nick and Darren have helped me a lot. Wouldn’t have been able to get this far without them. Dad and grandpa have helped a lot, too. It’s been a real family effort.”
She pulls back so that our eyes meet. “Your family is the best.”
“It is,” I agree.
“You’re lucky you have them.”
“I am.”
Her mouth turns down into a frown, and her eyes grow sad.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” What just happened here?
“I wish I had the type of family you do. The ones that believe you when you try to tell them something isn’t right about your marriage. They call and check on you when they haven’t heard from you in a while, that want what’s best for you, even if that’s not what’s best for them.”
A quiet sob breaks from her chest, and it almost stops my heart. I’ve never seen her so sad, so emotional, and the worst of it all; so down on herself. “Hey, you have me, and my family, all you have to do is ask.” I walk over to the couch, and sit her on a seat. “Give me just a second to take care of my gear, and I’ll be right there with you.”
The tension between us is thick, and I would do anything to break it at this point, but I’m unsure what kind of tension it is. Is it the ribbon of awareness going between us that is tight now that I’ve seen her in a bra, and she’s no doubt felt my erection? Is it because she’s been so open with me and she’s feeling vulnerable about it? What if she goes to sleep tonight and wakes up in the morning, wanting to forget all of this?
