of his profile lost in the shadows.
“I don’t know how to explain what I’m feeling.” I lick at the tears flowing over my lips. “It’s a crushing weight, but at the same time when I’m with you, I feel free.”
I have to concentrate not to lower my eyes to my hands even though I want to look away from him. I feel more exposed than I ever have, and instinct tells me to hide.
“Is it love? Do I love you?”
He clears his throat but doesn’t speak.
“Is that selfish? I don’t want to hurt you or Rick. Is wanting you selfish? It would probably be easier to walk away.”
“I’d be devastated if you did.” He takes a step closer, his handsome blue eyes darting between mine.
“Why?” I manage.
“Because I love you, too.”
“I’m terrified of what that means,” I confess.
“Me too.”
I want his hands on me. I want to be in his arms. I want the assurance that whatever life throws at us, we’ll make it because we’re stronger when we’re side by side.
“You love me?” I ask, because I’ll never get tired of hearing it.
“I love you.”
Tingles cover every inch of my skin as butterflies take flight in my stomach.
Was all the worry for nothing? I have no doubt we’ll hit snags as we traverse our new relationship, but can happiness really come this easily?
“Are you going to stand out there all night?” he asks, a glint of devious intent in his eyes.
“Is Rick home?”
“He is, but you’re welcome here any time.”
“I don’t want to make things weird for your son.”
“We spent the better part of the evening discussing you.”
“And you still want me in your home?” I chuckle, trying to add some humor, but he doesn’t laugh at my half attempt at a joke.
“I love you, Sophia.” Will I ever get tired of hearing him say that? “Of course I talked with Rick. He’s a part of my life, and I wanted to make sure he was aware that you’re going to be a part of it too.”
“He’s okay with me being here?”
“More than okay. Do I have to pick you up and carry you? My bed is calling my name.”
“Tired?”
He doesn’t answer, and when I squeal when he steps close and picks me up, I know I’ve probably awoken the neighbors.
“Am I going to have to gag you?” he asks as he urges my legs around his waist so he can carry me inside.
I can’t answer him because our lips crash together. With me still in his arms, he locks the front door, grabs his firearm and walks us in the direction of his room.
“Can’t wait to get you naked,” I breathe against his lips, his cock already thickening against my center.
“Ah! Gross. Get a room.”
I stiffen at the sound of Rick at my back.
“And maybe keep the squealing to a minimum?”
Colton laughs, his head buried in my throat as Rick closes his bedroom door. Music, louder than decent at this time of night, filters out, and for a split second I feel sorry for the kid. My parents are very affectionate with each other, and I remember nights when my skin would crawl, knowing what they were doing in their room because they were being too loud.
“I’m going to buy him noise canceling headphones,” I vow as Colton carries us into his room.
“He has them, but I’m sure he would appreciate the gesture.”
I bounce on the bed with a squeal, covering my mouth and eyeing the front wall of the room. Rick’s bedroom is across the hall, and I don’t think I’ve even been happier about one room not sharing a wall with another in my life.
Colton deposits his gun in the bedside drawer before turning his attention back to me.
“Maybe we should just cuddle,” I offer, even though my body is humming with need.
Being a responsible adult in charge of others means sometimes forfeiting what you want for what’s appropriate.
“Not a fucking chance,” Colton says as he shoves his sweats down his legs.
How have I only now noticed that he answered the door without a shirt? Dark chest hair calls to me, and I want to feel the soft brush of it on my lips. I didn’t get enough of it last night. I don’t know that I’ll ever get enough of it.
“Get naked,” he insists, but I watch distracted as he produces a condom and rolls it down his very eager and ready cock.
“He’ll hear us,” I argue, but my hands are already working open the