Page 49

His blue eyes softened. “You’re being much kinder than most people would be in this situation.”

“Ranting and raving isn’t going to fix anything.”

“That positive outlook is a big part of why I fell for you,” he admitted. “And why I know you’re the only one telling the truth about what really happened.”

I didn’t see what good would come from telling him he'd bashed his daughter, so there wasn’t much else I could say. “Then let's go home and not let that call ruin what was otherwise the best date of my life.”

“I’d love that.”

By the time he pulled into the garage and killed the engine, I had made a decision. “I don’t need to take it slow. I love you. You love me. That’s what’s important, and I trust you to remember that we’re sticking to the center of our own web.”

“Outside drama doesn’t touch us,” he echoed his words from last weekend.

“Agreed.”

Julian came around and opened my door. He offered his hand, and I took it. But as soon as my feet hit the concrete, he swept me up into his arms.

“I can walk.” But it didn’t stop me from winding my arms around his neck.

“I know.” He kissed my temple and carried me inside. “I like having you in my arms.”

He headed straight for the stairs and into the primary bath. The room was already warm from the afternoon sun, and he set me on the counter just long enough to turn on the shower. While steam gathered, he came back and stood between my knees.

“Still with me?”

“Yes.” I tugged at his shirt. “I have been all day. You defending me just cemented what I already knew.”

He pulled the shirt over his head. “I won’t ever treat you like the thing I might have to give up again. You’re not.”

I kissed him before I got weepy again, and it was all the encouragement he needed to claim my mouth until neither of us could see straight. My legs were shaky when he helped me out of my clothes, stripped off the rest of his, and led me into the shower.

The spray hit my shoulders until he turned me so it beat down on him instead. We hadn’t been naked together like this for a full week, so we explored each other’s bodies as though it had been much longer.

His mouth found the curve where my neck met my shoulder, then his hands slid over my ribs, across my waist, and over the flare of my hips. He didn’t rush, learning me again.

I pressed back into him and felt how hard he was, and the sound he made sent a sensual shiver up my spine. “Julian.”

“I’ve got you.” His palm came around and cupped me, two fingers sliding through where I was already wet from more than the shower. “Let me feel you fly apart for me, baby.”

I braced a hand on the tile while he worked me with a patience I didn’t share. “Please.”

“I’ll always give you what you need.”

His thumb circled my clit, and two of his fingers curled inside me. His mouth was at my ear, his breath hot against my damp skin. “You’re so fucking beautiful. Come for me.”

Waves of pleasure crashed over me, and I only managed to keep upright because his arm wrapped around my stomach. He held me through the trembles, pressing open-mouthed kisses to my neck and shoulder.

When I finally caught my breath again, I turned in his arms and reached down to wrap my hand around his hard-on. “We need a bed. It’s been too long. I want you.”

“Shower first.” He nipped at my shoulder. “Let me wash the salt out of your hair, then I won’t let you out of my room until we have to come up for air again.”

I shifted so my back was against the water, but we were still pressed together. Then I leaned my head back to wet my hair. “Ready for shampoo.”

His thick fingers worked the lather through my locks, gently rubbing my scalp until I was practically melted into a puddle on the shower floor. I didn’t know getting your hair washed could be so sexy. And the way he tipped my chin so the soap didn’t get in my eyes made it sweet at the same time.

When the suds were fully rinsed, I slid my hand down his chest. His dick was heavy in my fist.

He let me stroke him twice, then caught my wrist. “If you keep that up, we won’t make the bed.”