Page 57 of The Truths We Find

He lets out a breathy laugh. “Fuck no. I just think we need to even the playing field.”

Gavin turns me around, pulling my back flush against him, and I can feel his growing erection fighting to get free. It’s impossible to ignore, and I don’t want to. He gathers my hair to one side of my neck and uses his mouth to find the other exposed side. Slow kisses meet my skin, alternating between his lips and tongue.

My arm lifts on instinct, fingers curling into his hair as I tilt my head back, silently offering him more. At the same time, I feel his focus shift, his fingers working the zipper at the side of my dress.

The fabric loosens, then slips from my shoulders, pooling at my feet. I step free of it, suddenly bare except for my heels and thong. The air feels cool against my skin, and I can’t stop the shiver.

Gavin pulls away and turns me to face him. He doesn’t say a word. His expression is unreadable, his gaze intense enough to make my pulse stutter. For the first time since we walked in, I don’t know what he’s thinking.

I fold my arms over my chest and stomach, the confidence I had seconds ago evaporating. Suddenly I’m highly aware of everything—the way my skin feels exposed, the way the air seems too cool. I take a step back from him.

I’ve always been curvy, but I’m not the same woman I was the last time Gavin saw me like this. My body has softened in places that didn’t used to exist. My breasts sit lower now because of their weight, and I have a little extra on the lower part of my stomach that I’ve learned to hide beneath high-waisted pants and careful angles.

“I should go,” I say, bending to grab my dress before he can stop me.

Confusion flickers across his face. “Why would you do that?”

I huff out a breath that sounds steadier than I feel. “Well… I’m basically naked, and you’re just standing there not saying anything. And I think I can figure out why. So⁠—”

I don’t get to finish.

Gavin moves fast, backing me up against the nearest wall. One hand pins my wrists above my head, the other settles firmly on my hip, grounding me in place. A surprised squeak escapes my lips. He leans in until his forehead rests against mine, close enough that I can feel him practically vibrating.

“You have this completely wrong,” he says quietly. “I didn’t say anything because I couldn’t believe you were standing here in front of me. Like this.”

His hand slides from my hip, fingers tracing slowly up my side, adoring instead of rushed. “You are, and always have been, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

I swallow hard. “If you haven’t noticed, things have changed physically over the last decade.” My voice is barely steady. “You don’t have to say that.”

“Dani.” He releases my arms and cups my face with both hands, forcing me to meet his eyes. “I love your curves. Then and now.” His thumb brushes my cheek. “Do you have any idea how crazy you drive me?”

I shake my head, unsure if I trust my voice.

“Well, you do.” A slow smile curves his mouth as he leans in. “So… are you going to let me do all the things I’ve been thinking about since you walked back into my life all those months ago?”

Heat pools low in my stomach. “All the things, huh?”

“Mm-hmm,” he murmurs, already dropping soft, lingering kisses along my neck.

Gavin lowers his head, trailing his lips on my chest, taking my breasts into his hands. His palms are warm and sure, the pressure sending a rush of sensation all the way to my toes. When his mouth closes over one of my nipples, his tongue circling with deliberate care, my head falls back and a helpless moan slips free.

“Keep doing that,” I beg.

He smiles against my skin. “I have much better things planned for you, sweetheart.” His voice is thick with promise.

“Show me.”

Gavin drops to his knees and slides the sides of my underwear down my hips. As I step out of them, I try to reach down to undo the straps of my heels.

“Don’t,” he says firmly. “I want you to keep those on for this next part.”

Oh.

He lifts my leg and settles it over his shoulder, trailing his fingers up my inner thigh. With his free hand, he returns to my chest, giving it the same attention that had me unraveling moments ago. I shiver at the contrast, my eyes falling shut as I give myself over to the sensation.

His touch drifts higher, unhurried, until a single fingertip finds exactly where I need it. He gives my clit a little flick, before moving that same finger inside me. The contact makes my breath hitch, my body answering him without restraint.

“Gavin,” I gasp.