Eligible Receiver (Men of Fall #3)- S.R. Grey Page 0,25

attention to any of the messages printed on them.

I decide to check the message on this last one.

I look down, and two words etched in the candy catch my eye… and my heart.

You’re His

The thing of it is I’ve finally accepted that I really, truly want to be.

Love Her

The trek to the vending machines isn’t too bad. The motel lady must’ve come out and laid down a second layer of rock salt, as the ice is melted to mostly slush.

And from above, the freezing rain has changed over to snow.

It’s not just a tiny bit, either.

This is like a full-on blizzard.

Becca and I are not only frozen in, we’re now officially snowed in.

“She is going to just love this,” I murmur, chuckling when I think of how she feels about the white stuff.

Somehow, though, I think she may like it today.

When I reach the vending machines, I fish around in my jacket pocket for coins that I know I have.

I do eventually dig out a few quarters, but I also find something else—the candy heart Becca gave to me back in the motel office.

“Cool, a snack.”

Just as I’m about to pop the thing into my mouth, I decide to read the message.

Out loud, I say the words: Love Her.

Whoa, what?

I read it again to make sure I’m seeing it correctly.

Yep, it says Love Her.

This must be some kind of custom heart. Aren’t the messages on these things usually like Be Mine?

I bet the motel lady orders these to offer something different and unique for her guests.

But does the message mean something more for me?

Was it somehow meant to be, like a destiny kind of thing?

Becca did hand me this heart.

And this is what’s stamped on it?

Love Her

Interesting.

Should I follow the advice?

Should I love Becca tonight?

Will she let me?

The things I could do to her—with my lips, my tongue, my cock…

A heavy wind rips down the walkway, reminding me of just how damn cold it is out here.

Yet here I am, my mind muddled by a barrage of sex-filled thoughts.

So get back to the room and maybe you can start doing those things you’re thinking about to the woman you care so much about.

“Right.” I pocket the candy once more.

Before I leave, I make a few selections from the vending machines—potato chips and pretzels. I opt not to buy any chocolate bars, as I think we’ve had our fill of candy.

Sugar and carbs.

I laugh.

At this rate, Becca and I will be up all night.

“Though that may not be the only reason we’re up all night,” I murmur as I start back to the room, provisions in hand.

That’s right—I’ve decided I’m making a move.

If Becca rejects me, so be it.

I have to try.

My feelings for her are just too strong.

When I reach the room, Becca is standing in the doorway, waiting for me.

“Aren’t you cold?” I ask.

She doesn’t have her jacket on.

But she looks anything but frigid.

Far from it.

There’s heat in her eyes and a tilt to her hips that is equal parts provocative and inviting.

“Lars,” she murmurs, the snow swirling around us. “I’m actually not cold at all.”

“Okay,” I lamely state, holding up the snack bags. “I. uh, got us some food.”

Grabbing my arm, she groans, “Just get in here.”

Once I’m inside, Becca closes the door, the soft snick of the lock turning the only sound breaking the silence.

But then I hear Becca breathe as she turns to me.

I drop the bags of snacks onto the little table by the door and kick off my boots.

When I start taking off my coat, she walks over to me.

“Do you need any help?” she asks.

There’s so much I want to say, a hundred things I long to ask.

But what do I do?

I just shake my head. “No, I’m good.”

Becca touches my arm. “Lars…”

I’m supposed to be the one making the move, but she’s beating me to it.

Quietly, I ask, “What happened while I was away?”

“This,” she replies, holding out her hand, palm side up.

I look down to see one of those tiny candy hearts in the center of her palm.

I read what it says: You’re His.

Raising my eyes to meet hers, I ask, “Is it true?”

Releasing a stuttered breath, Becca whispers, “Yes, it is.”

I am not expecting that.

But I like it.

My heart starts beating like crazy and my soul soars.

This is what I want.

I have for a while.

Since the night in the theatre, since earlier today, for a long time now, I never wanted to be “just friends.” I’ve wanted Becca from the