into his back. He arches into me, his breathing ragged.
“I need to taste you. Can I do that?”
“You don’t need to ask. I’m yours.”
He treats me to another impassioned kiss. “Mine.”
“Yours.”
“Mine,” he says once more, then meets my gaze. “But for the record. I will always ask for your permission. Always.”
“Always,” I repeat as he travels from my lips, taking his time to enjoy every inch of me. From the swell of my breasts, to the dip of my belly button, to the curve of my hips, worshipping me as if I’m a goddess and he’s come to give thanks at my altar.
As he reaches my waist, he looks up at me, a question drawn on his face.
I nod quickly, raising my hips so he can slide off my jeans and panties. After tossing them onto the floor, he returns to me, caressing my stomach, something in his gaze as he admires me. Something I’ve seen for a while now but refused to admit. Something so much more potent than respect or veneration, although those things are there, too. It’s the same look I saw my father bestow upon my mother. The same look I’ve always wanted a man to bestow upon me.
This man loves me. He may not have said those words yet, but there’s no mistaking it.
“Wes, I…”
His eyes search mine. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay. Better than okay. I…” I trail off, steeling myself for what I’m about to do. But just like with the Ferris wheel and snake, I know Wes will be by my side while I confront this last fear. “I… I love you.”
He stills, gaze widening, my declaration ringing out between us.
“You don’t have to say it back,” I continue quickly. “It’s okay if you don’t feel the same or aren’t ready to say it yet. I just… After months…hell, years of keeping all my feelings locked up, I don’t want to do that anymore. I’m turning over a new leaf. And I wanted to tell you. Thought you deserved to know.”
A smile curves his mouth as he delicately brushes his lips with mine. “Do you really think I would have done everything I have these past few months if I didn’t love you?”
I release a nervous laugh. “Probably not.”
He pushes a few curls away from my face. “You captivated me the moment I felt you in my arms. I knew you were different. Knew you would be the last woman I’d ever love. So to answer you, I am hopelessly, madly, and completely in love with you, Londyn Bennett.”
“Oh, Wes,” I exhale as I wrap my legs around him, forcing his lips against mine.
Our exchange turns heated as I circle my hips, his erection straining against his pajama bottoms causing fire to rush through me when he rubs against me.
“I need you. Don’t make me wait any longer.”
“Your wish is my command,” he replies slyly and snakes down my frame, kissing and caressing as he goes, my legs loosening their grip around his waist. With each inch he travels, the more ragged my breathing, my core tightening with the promise of what’s to come.
When he settles between my thighs, he floats his gaze to mine, a devilish glint within. “You have no idea how long I’ve fantasized about this.”
“Is that right?” I smirk.
He slowly nods. “That’s right.”
“Then what are you waiting for?” I ask breathlessly. “A written invitation?”
“Just prolonging the moment. I don’t want this to end any time soon.” When his finger skims my center, I moan, sparks shooting through me. “Is this okay?” he asks as he rubs my clit.
“Yes.” I struggle to catch my breath, a myriad of sensations filling me. I pulse against him, desperate to feel more of him. To feel all of him.
He inserts a finger inside me, the ache building more and more as I increase my motions.
“Is this okay?”
“Yes,” I moan, squirming in anticipation. I peer down at him, his own gaze trained on me as he lowers his mouth toward me. At the first flick of his tongue against my clit, I push out my held breath, muscles relaxing as all the tension that’s been building for months rolls off me.
“Is this okay?” he asks one last time.
“God, yes.”
“That’s my girl.” He returns his mouth to me.
His touch is commanding, enticing, intoxicating. Every swipe of his tongue, every plunge of his fingers, every vibration of his moans propels me closer to that point of complete and utter oblivion.