“You really are a little bit of an alpha, aren’t you?” I sass.
“Oh, pretty girl, I may be the one carrying you, but never forget you’re the one with all the power here.” He kicks my door shut and carries me fully into my apartment before depositing me in front of my sofa.
He’s being playful, but I don’t want power over him, or for him to have power over me. Even though I know we both do. We can hurt. We can care for.
“I think we both have the power here.” I cradle his cheek.
“Are you ready for this?” He combs his fingers into my hair.
After all we’ve already done, it might seem silly to be nervous. Even if every single cell within me ignites for this man’s touch, this is more than that. This solidifies what’s been happening between us. Each moment together over the last five years has led us here. It’s like running. The build is the longest part, but when you get there… it’s glorious.
Nodding, I place my folded cane below the coffee table. “Yes…” I slip my jacket off and hang it on the sofa’s arm. “You?”
“No,” he breathes.
“We don’t have to.”
“No.” He swipes his hands down my cheek in gentle strokes. “In so many ways, I’m not ready for you, but I want this. I want you. It’s been a long time since I wanted someone this much.”
“Me too,” I murmur.
Though that is a lie. I can’t remember ever wanting someone in this way. It hurts and soothes in a way that is both comfort and torment.
“I’ve been with other women since Val died,” he says softly.
“I know.” I swallow down the worry that I may not live up to the other women he’s been with.
It’s not a secret. Anker has mentioned that Garrett has had a fewunderstandings, but never a relationship beyond that.
“This isn’t that.” He brushes his thumb along my jawline. “I need you to understand that. This isn’t just two people scratching an itch or me dipping my toe into something. This is more.”
“I know.”
And I really do know. This isn’t false bluster. Even if I worry I may not live up to the experiences he’s had with other women, I want this as much as he does.
Reaching out, I place my hand on his chest. My palm flexes with each beat of his heart. “You remember what to say if something is too much?”
“Turnip.” His heart gallops. “And you remember what to say, too?” Taking my hips, he pulls me close.
“Turnip,” I say saucily.
“Good.” He drags my zipper down the rest of the way and steps away from me, allowing the dress to slide down my body. “Undress but, baby, keep the shoes on.”
With the lick of my lips, I step out of the dress. Spinning my back to him, I slide my bra off and toss it on top of my dress. Blowing a kiss over my shoulder at him, I wiggle out of my panties. Dropping them atop the growing heap, I brush my hair behind my ears as I turn. It’s not the first time that he’s seen me like this, but the scorch of his gaze over my skin makes it feel as if I’m an undiscovered country for him to explore.
The wildfire erupting inside me from the desire radiating from this man surges my confidence. My past insecurities are silent. I’ve never felt so sexy or powerful with a man. Not power over him, but power in myself.
“Look at you, pretty girl.”
“You like what you see?” I ask, my voice husky. “Do you like this?” I trace my fingertip over my mouth in the shape of an O.
“Yes.”
I drag my hands down my neck, over my collarbone, and palm my breasts. “How about these?” A soft whine escapes with each roll and pinch of my taut peaks.
“Yes.”
“And—” Sauntering to the sofa, I sit, and spread my legs wide. “What about this?” I slide my finger down my pussy’s slick center.
