“Come on, let’s have a look at the offices in the back.” I take her hand and pull her over to the door, opening it and leaving us to stand in the hallway, left and right, another two doors. “There’s a small break room, the bathrooms.” I point to the two doors in the back. “This is the conference room or the bigger office. You could use it for readings.” She looks at me, shocked, and opens her mouth to answer, but I silence her with a quick peck before I turn her to look at the other door.
I want her to feel comfortable with what she can do. I want her to have a place where she can do what she does for people we vet and check beforehand, people who appreciate what she can do for them. We will make sure she can be herself without needing to fear what could happen. She will never land in any institution ever again. Why have all this money, if not to invest it in a security blanket for her with lawyers who could help with that?
“And this could be your office,” I continue, and I can’t help but feel a surge of anticipation as I guide Sloan through the door. The room still holds remnants of its previous life—a big wooden desk in the middle, a chair pushed back as if someone had just stood up. Dust particles dance in the slanting sunlight, left from my hurried dusting job earlier, adding a sense of time suspended.
“Oh my God.” I watch Sloan’s expression, a mix of awe and skepticism, as she takes in the room. Her eyes, those deep pools of emotion, flicker with so many thoughts and feelings, and I find myself silently pleading with her to see what I see, to feel what I feel.
To want what I want.
This isn’t just about a building or a business. It’s about a future,ourfuture. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a symbol of trust, and what we could build together.
A symbol to show her that Iamtaking this,her,seriously, and that I want herforever.
As I lead her to the desk, my hands find her waist, and I lift her effortlessly, setting her down on the cool surface. “This is all too much,” she whispers. The way she looks up at me, those hazel eyes wide and questioning, makes my heart race. I lean in, my lips finding hers in a short kiss that’s meant to reassure and promise. The taste of her, sweet and familiar, sends a thrill through me.
This feels real.
This feels like mine.
“You deserve the world, and I’m gonna do all that’s in my power to help you achieve it. Say yes.”
At this moment, with her here in my arms, everything else fades away. It’s just Sloan and me and the potential of what we could be. I want her to see it, to feel it. I need her to understand that this isn’t just about apologizing, helping her, or giving her something. It’s about being a part of her life, her dreams.
My heart pounds in my chest as I pull back slightly, searching her face for any sign of what she’s thinking. Every fiber of my being is screaming for her to say yes and take this chance with me. I want to be there for her, support her, and help her achieve everything she’s ever wanted. But there’s more to it than that. I need her to stay, to be a part of my life. The thought of her walking away again, of losing her again, is unbearable.
I need her like I’ve never needed anyone before.
The tension in her body, the uncertainty, is almost palpable, and it makes me want to hold her tighter and reassure her in any way I can. I want to take away her doubts and fears, even ifIwas the one who planted them in her and to show her this can be real, and we can make it work.
As we stand there, her sitting on the desk, me leaning in close, I know that whatever her decision, I’ll respect it. But deep down, in the very core of my being, I’m silently praying she chooses to take this leap with me.
“Say yes, Shortcake. To me, to this, tous,” I plead on a breath.
She starts to nod slowly before whispering, “Yes.”
Relief crashes over me as I lean in even closer. “I love you. I love you so damn much. I promise this will be amazing.”
“I love you too, Hunter.” My heart beats out of my chest, and I watch Sloan’s eyes flutter shut, a silent invitation that I’m all too eager to accept.
My lips meet hers in a kiss that’s gentle at first, a mere brush of warmth, a tentative question. But as she responds, the kiss deepens, fueled by a torrent of emotions simmering beneath the surface.
Her hands reach up, tangling in my hair and pulling me closer. There’s a sense of urgency now, a desperateneedto make her feel everything that words can’t say. My heart races as our kiss becomes more fervent, and our breaths mingle in a rhythm that speaks of longing and unspoken promises.
Her lips are soft, yielding under mine, and every brush of our mouths sends a jolt of electricity through me. I kiss her with everything I have, pouring all my hopes, fears, and desires into it.
Sloan’s body presses against mine, and I feel her warmth through the layers of our clothes. My hands are over her back, drawing her even closer as if I could somehow merge our beings into one. I can taste the remnants of her energy drink, sweet and rich, mingling with the unique flavor that is purely Sloan. It’s intoxicating and addictive, and I find myself wanting more,needingmore. The rest of the world fades away until there’s nothing left but her in my arms, her taste on my lips, and her heart beating against mine.
It’s as if all the pieces of my life are finally falling into place, centered around this incredible woman who’s captured my heart.
When we finally break apart, gasping for air, I can’t help but smile at the dazed look in Sloan’s eyes. She’s panting, arching her back, and there is so much hunger and need written all over her face.
Oh, I can help with that. I’ve been starving since last night too.
I pull her sweater over her head, leaving her in only her bra, and lean down to lick and suck on the delicate skin just under her collarbone.
My eyes zero in on the gold necklace with the St. Andrew pendant around her throat, and I pause.
Did Nash give her his?
