“I knew too,” she says quickly, cutting me off. “I didn’t want to believe it, though. Didn’t want—” Her voice is soft, like she’s sharing a secret. “It’s terrifying, Jake.”
“I know.” I cup her cheek, grateful that she doesn’t pull away. “But you don’t have to be afraid anymore. Not with me. Not ever.”
She nods slowly, her countenance softening.
“I… Can we…” she shakes her head, her tongue darting out to moisten her lips, and I give her space to form her thoughts.
I know this has all been a lot for her. Given her past, it may just all be too much too soon, but I’m willing to give her all the time she needs to process. All the support I can give her, even if it means stepping back a little. I hope that’s not what she wants, but if it is, I’llgive it to her.
“Anything for you,” I remind her softly.
And that’s the damn truth. No matter what it costs me, she’s my priority now. Her well-being, her health, her happiness. Her heart.
“Will you kiss me?”
Her question surprises me, but I comply immediately, cupping her face in my hands and gazing into her beautiful eyes.
“I’d love to.”
I lean in, brushing my lips to hers slowly, keenly aware that she might pull away at any moment, and wanting her to feel safe to do that if she needs to.
Again, she surprises me, leaning into my touch rather than away from it, opening her petal-soft lips for me, welcoming me in.
I follow the invitation, deepening things, and as she slips her fingers along my nape and into my hair, our gentle exploration turns to something else.
That electric sensation is back, dancing through my body, making my skin feel alive with its currents.
Holly makes a little sound of pleasure in the back of her throat as she cants her head, changing our angle, and I go with it, following her lead and then taking over again as she surrenders to me. There’s something incredible in this kiss. Something more than I’d imagined before. Something soul-shaking.
I don’t have to name it to know its truth. This right here? It’s heaven.
When we come up for air, all I can see is Holly. Her beautiful face inches from my own, resplendent with happiness.
“My little goddess,” I praise, running the pad of my thumb along her bottom lip. “I could kiss you all day.”
She beams at me, softening even more. “Yes, please.”
Her open consent sends a thrill through me, and as I cup the back of her neck and kiss her again, my heart soars.
That she’s open to this, inviting it even, is huge, and unlocks something in me deep in my core. Something primal and vital. The urge to protect and nurture has always been there, but it’s deeper now. More somehow. All because of this incredible woman.
My Holly.
She’s everything to me, and I want to give everything to her.
I plan to spend the rest of my life doing just that if she’ll let me. However long we have, and however long it takes.
Hell, forever isn’t even long enough, but I’ll take it.
Anything for her.
The Threshold
Holly
Oh, my actual Goddess. Jake is an incredible kisser.
It’s like he’s rewarded my bravery with all the gold stars and glitter and everything glorious under the sun.
