Once Upon A Half-Time: A Sports Romance - Sosie Frost Page 0,167

came from a kiss, a touch, and three simple, uncomplicated words. I risked everything to give that much of myself, to put her happiness ahead of my own. That selflessness didn’t take courage or skill.

It required honesty.

Admitting what we felt. Accepting what it meant.

Trusting her more than I trusted myself.

I pressed into her. Her hips arched, a little hope that I’d gather her in my arms and fuck her then and there in the shower.

No. For the first time in my life, I didn’t want sex. I wanted her. Completely. Mind and body and soul.

More importantly, I planned to capture her heart.

My voice growled low. “I didn’t fall in love with you.”

Her eyes widened. I kissed away the fear before she voiced it.

“I never hit bottom or stumbled into how I feel. I just loved you. I’ve probably always loved you, but I never took the risk.”

“I…” She trembled. I kissed her neck, chasing away her hesitations. “I had no idea.”

“It wasn’t a surprise to me. I can’t imagine not feeling this way for you. I can’t imagine not having you here, in my arms. I was lonely, Mandy.”

“I was too.”

“We could be together.”

She bit her lip. “But you never…wanted a commitment. Or a relationship. With anyone.”

“I never found a person who made me want that. You do.” I brushed my hands over her body. Water streamed along her curves. She tensed as I touched her tummy.

“Tell me you want me,” I said.

“I want you.”

“Tell me why you’re still hiding everything.”

Her voice turned to a whisper. “Because I’m scared.”

That ended now. “Nothing will change how I feel about you.”

“Promise?”

I grinned. It was the easiest promise I’d ever made.

Mandy welcomed my kiss, but she needed more than a touch. The girl was a knot of nerves and anxiety and stress. It killed me for her to suffer such insecurities.

Vanilla wasn’t my favorite scent, but on her it made my mouth water. I pooled her body gel into my hand and faced her with a wicked smile.

The cool soap touched her skin, and she coo’ed. I nearly poured the entire bottle over her to hear that soft breath once more.

I spun her to face away from me, and I guided the soapy streams of suds and water over the softness of her body. She sunk into me. I liked that. Gave me access to all the beautiful and curvy parts of her I longed to hold. My hands wove tight circles over her shoulders, back, and to her waist.

I watched with a perverse joy as the most beautiful woman in my world squirmed and groaned. I massaged her hips, belly, and teased the bubbles to her breasts. Even they felt tight and swollen, but I considered that a perk. The silky soap washed over her nipples, and I chuckled as they budded within my hand.

“Feel good?” I murmured, nipping her neck.

Mandy nodded. “More.”

“Always.”

She hummed as I snaked my touch lower, guiding the warm water to caress an already slickened part of her.

Her body pulsed hotter than the water. I bit her neck and shuddered with her. Nothing would satisfy me but that heat again.

And it was mine.

I had the freedom to touch her. Take her. Love the feel of her.

We weren’t sneaking around or playing games. I didn’t bathe her to begin some rushed, desperate fuck so we could get off and become almost-strangers again.

This was real. I could have her and hold her.

And it was the greatest revelation of my life.

Mandy giggled as I reached for the shampoo, but her smile faded into a soft moan as I massaged the gel into her hair. She fell against me, using my strength to stay upright.

Christ, if I knew I could turn her on without even touching her slit…

That was some dangerous knowledge.

And I’d planned to exploit it at every opportunity.

Mandy’s moans became breathy whimpers as the conditioner rinsed away. She grinded against me, and I held her to keep her still as the water teased as much as I did. I never knew a woman could be so desperate and aching for more than my undivided attention.

Mandy slammed a hand against the shower controls and flipped the water off.

Fine by me.

We tumbled from the stall. I didn’t release her from my kiss. A towel waited, bundled on the sink, but I hated the thought of something so rough scouring her skin. Then again…Mandy groaned my name the instant the material stroked her quivering body.

I should have known. She wasn’t a princess who