And that’s what it really comes down to. The reason I fight so hard to give her the life she should have. Why I don’t date, and why I want her to have friends.
Her father didn’t want us, and I’m so used to surviving that I didn’t realize how exhausted I am doing everything by myself. Being Mom and Dad. My daughter deserves a father who loves her and fights for her like I do.
I need a partner. Someone to help take some of the burdens off my shoulders. Instead, Ben washed his hands of us, and I hate admitting that I’m not able to be everything Bernie needs. Even today, she was more worried about me than herself. That’s not fair to her.
Breaking down, I hug him and bury my face against his T-shirt. Zeppelin holds me tightly and rubs my back. He’s so much more than I gave him credit for, and I know I can’t fight it anymore. I don’t want to.
“Because her father’s a fucking moron,” Zep suggests.
“You’ve done more for her than he ever has. She adores you, Zep.”
I feel him smile as he rests his cheek against my temple. “That girl is one of the only people on this planet who could get me to wear a tutu over my jeans and have a fucking tea party.”
“I’ll have to remember that.”
“Seeing her crying like that felt like a kick to the fucking nuts. No matter what, I’ll do whatever I can for Bernie, Misty. And you.”
His confession cuts the last string I have holding together my conviction to keep us apart. Everything he offers is what I’ve wanted for so long. I have to stop being scared and take a leap of faith.
“I need you,” I admit. “I hate admitting I need anything from anyone, but I need you. Everything you’re offering is what I’ve prayed for. I’ve prayed for so long.”
“Really?”
I nod against him. “More than needing you, I want you, Zep.”
Leaning back, he bends and forces eye contact. “What is it you want, Misty? I need you to spell it out for me.”
“I want to see how this goes,” I admit. “I can’t say I’m not still scared, but you were there when I didn’t expect you to be. When I didn’t know anyone was needed. If you think we can really figure out how to do this together, I’m willing to give it a real shot.”
I’m in his arms and in the air in one swift motion. He kisses me, his tongue darting into my mouth as my back presses against the front door.
“Mine.”
“Yours.”
“Where’s Bernie?”
“With your mom.”
He flashes that sexy grin. “Fast or slow?”
“Fast. God, I want you so much I think I might explode.”
We both fumble, bumping each other a bit, as we hurriedly strip out of our clothes. It’s a heady feeling to see he wants me as badly as I want him, and almost falling as he tries to kick off his boots with his jeans bunched at his ankles makes me believe this will work.
The moment we’re both naked, we’re on each other. Hands and mouths everywhere. He’s so damn sexy that I know it won’t take much to send me over the edge. At least twice.
Zep kisses down my neck and to my chest, bending until he has my nipple in his mouth. I cup the back of his head as I arch my back to give him everything I can and moan loudly when he grinds his teeth on the sensitive tip. One thing he’s taught me is how good a little pain can feel, and it hurts so good.
“You’re sure about fast?” he whispers against my skin.
His fingers find their way between my legs, and I moan again as he slides three fingers inside. “Yes,” I hiss. “We have plenty of time for slow.”
“We’re really doing this? You and me as a couple?”
I nod, smiling as we lock eyes. “I want you, and I want this. I trust you, Zep. Everything you’ve said, I believe. Now, I need you to bend me over the arm of your couch and fuck me until I beg for mercy.”
“You always know just the right and most romantic things to say.”
