hand behind my neck and bends his knees so that we’re eye to eye. “I love you. Piece by piece, you’ve stolen my heart, and I gotta tell ya, baby. I don’t want it back. It’s yours. I’m yours. Forever.” Then he kisses me. Not just any kiss. No, this kiss is slow and deep as if he needs to prove to me with his lips molded to mine that the words he speaks are true.
My body trembles as I let this all sink in.
Owen Riggins loves me.
That’s when it hits me that I didn’t say it back. “Owen,” I say, pulling away. His lips trail down my neck.
“Less talking. More kissing,” he says, nipping at my ear.
“Owen,” I try again. He continues to run his lips over every part of my exposed skin, and I can’t think with his lips on me. “Stop, just for a minute.” Just like that he’s gone. His body is no longer aligned with mine, and his lips are no longer caressing my skin. “Hey.” Reaching up, I place my palm against his cheek as I move my body in close to his. I miss his warmth. “I liked what you were doing, but I needed your attention. Your full attention.”
He nods, blowing out a breath. “You have it.”
“You sure?” I ask, my voice playful.
“You’ve always had it, Layla.” His hands slide around my waist, pulling me even closer, and I didn’t think that was possible. “Now, talk. I’m listening. It’s not my fault your sweet skin distracted me.”
I roll my eyes, making him laugh. “You sure? You’re listening? This is important.”
“I’m all ears, Lay. What’s going on?” He sobers, and I know I’ve got him.
“Owen Riggins.” I stand on my tiptoes, bringing my mouth a breath away from his. “I love you.”
He sucks air into his lungs and fuses his lips to mine. This time I won’t be stopping him.
Chapter 17
Owen
Words are powerful. Hers bring me to my knees. I will never forget this moment. Never. Hearing her tell me that she loves me is like a jolt of electricity running through my veins. I can’t kiss her long enough, can’t get her close enough. This woman in my arms is my entire world.
Her hands make their way to my dress pants. I have to force myself to pull my lips from hers and take a step back. Her chest is heaving, and her eyes are glassy from need—all for me. “Strip, Layla,” I say. My voice is deep and barely controlled. I need her naked, and as much as I’d love to take my time with her, the need inside me burns too hot. I know I need to be gentle, but time is not on our side. Not this time. I need to feel her heat wrapped around me.
“Like this?” she asks her hands, starting at the top button of her blouse.
I swallow hard and nod. “Like that.”
“What about you?” I can see it in her eyes. She’s nervous, and that’s not going to work for me. Faster than ever before, I rid myself of my clothes and grip my cock as I watch her undress for me.
“Better?” I ask. She nods, biting her lip. “Layla?”
“Yeah?”
“Faster, baby.” She fumbles with the buttons of her shirt. When she’s finally to the last one, she lets it fall from her shoulders and onto the floor. Her eyes never leave mine as she reaches behind her and unclasps her bra. She hesitates, holding the material to her chest.
“You’re beautiful, Layla. It’s just me, baby. The man who loves you. You can trust me. Show me, baby.” Slowly, she drops her hands, taking her bra with her. Her full pert breasts are finally on full display for me. “Fuck,” I croak, at a loss for words for the gorgeous woman standing in front of me. She stands with her arms at her sides, her eyes locked on mine. I can see the tension in her shoulders. I step toward her and drop to my knees. My hands find the zipper of her skirt and give it a gentle tug. “Step,” I say once the material is pooling at her ankles.
Settling her hands on my shoulders, she lifts one leg then the other. “Almost there, baby.” My hands roam over her calves, and the smooth skin of her thighs. Reaching her white thong, I slide a finger under each side of the waistband, and slip the tiny piece of fabric over her hips, and down her