My entire body comes alive as he wraps me in close – so close, my head comes to rest beneath his chin. I meet Lottie’s gaze but my every sense is attuned to him. His scent. His warmth. His heart beating beneath my ear…
But it’s not the desire that’s consumed me since we crossed the line.
It’s something else. Something deeper. Something far too close to adoration, to coming home, to being right where I belong.
He’s never held me like this. Not after Dad died. Not after Sadie ran. Not after her ex accosted me. He’s always stood back: my rock by presence alone, but physical comfort, never.
And now…
Now he has one arm wrapped around Lottie, the otherwrapped around me, and I’m losing sight of the Axel I’ve always known in the man he’s turning into.
The one who makes love to me – no,fucksme – like I’m all he could ever want.
The one who humours a four-year-old just because she asked.
The one who’s willing to give me a child becauseIasked.
And don’t even get me started on what happens when he calls me Baby Girl.
I’ve never been anyone’s baby – except maybe my mum’s. And even then, she died when I was eight, too young to truly remember how it feels…
The safety. The care. The way Axel’s arms make the world go quiet. Like nothing can touch me, hurt me, break me.
And that’s when the panic truly sets in, and it’s not about muddying our friendship with sex. It’s about this – this warmth, this comfort, this level of contentment – it feels too good. Too right.
I’m not supposed to need him likethis.
I’m not supposed towanthim likethis.
Making a baby, yes, but making me feel whole?—
Shit.
What on earth was in that cocktail?
I jerk back from this hold. ‘You know, we should probably call it a night.’
I smooth down my dress and reach for Lottie, desperate to fill my arms with something that isn’t him.
‘You’re going to bed?’ he asks.
‘I don’t wanna goa bed,’ Lottie whines, rubbing at her eyes. ‘I’m not tired!’
‘You need a good night’s sleep,’ I tell her gently, tucking herinto my side before stepping back. ‘You’ll need all your energy for the boat tomorrow, remember?’
Though boat feels like a ridiculous understatement forAngelica, Sterling’s mega-yacht and our home for the final night of celebrations. We set sail shortly after dawn, so itisan early start. But that’s not why I’m running.
And judging by the way Axel’s watching me, he knows it too.
‘I thought you wanted to talk,’ he says, eyes narrowing.
‘I do.’
Just not while my heart’s spinning out with my head.
And not with Little Ears getting front row seats either.
‘But not tonight.’
