Page 129 of Beyond the Temptation: Vol 2

It made me feel cherished. Wanted. Loved, even.

"I love other various body parts of yours, too," he whispered against my lips. "But most of all, that sexy brain, your sense of humor, your heart, and your spirit."

I blinked rapidly to clear the tears threatening to fill my eyes. "That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me," I rasped out.

"Trust me, I'll tell you all the sweet nothings every day." He traced his fingers over the apple of my cheek. "I'm going to keep you, Jessika Wright. You're mine."

CHAPTER SEVEN

MILES

I scrolled through my phone as Jess disappeared into the bathroom. I'd packed up the minimal stuff I had in my hotel room and followed her up to hers. I meant it when I said I wasn't letting her get away from me.

I had a message from Hope waiting for me earlier this morning.

Hope:

How did it go? I don't want any details, cause ew, but I hope it was perfect.

Me:

It was. Tho I'm pretty sure she still wants to kill you.

Hope:

I'll take it if you two are finally together. You two coming down for brunch?

Me:

Not sure, let me ask Jess and I'll let ya know.

I'd much rather just take her back to my place, but sometimes, the authors needed to be there to shmooze at the goodbye events.

"Baby girl," I called out as I opened the door a crack. "Are we going to the farewell brunch?" The room was filled with steam, and the mirror was fogged up, making it impossible for me to see her reflection through the clear shower door. Damn.

"Fucking hell, I forgot about that. Ugh," she groaned. "Yeah, I have to be there."

"It's okay, I'll be your arm candy for the occasion," I replied, giving her my best British accent. I knew she was a sucker for accents too. "But it's already 9:30, so you might want to hurry it up a bit."

Jess cursed, and I heard the water shut off.

I told myself I was being a gentleman and not peaking in on her as she got out. But I didn't quite succeed. I opened the door a few more inches and popped my head in. "Hey, sexy mama."

She gasped as she grabbed the towel and held it in front of her body. "Get out, you voyeur!"

The phrase lacked the heat of anger as she broke off into a smile and wrapped the towel around herself. I went ahead and opened the door all the way and stepped in to lean back against the sink.

"I'd be happy to be your voyeur, baby girl."

Jess snorted and shook her head. "Your pickup lines could use some work."

I shrugged. "I don't need pickup lines ‘cause I already got my girl. Just need to convince her to stay with me now."

She stepped up to the vanity, her gaze locked on mine for brief seconds before she picked up her brush to drag through her hair. "How does this girl know that you're in it for the long haul? Maybe she thinks it's too soon to talk about forever."

I plucked the brush from her hands and began gently combing it through her wet strands. Leaning down, I pressed my lips to her ear. "We've been friends for months. I've been obsessed with her since the moment I first laid eyes on her, and then when I got to know her, that obsession just grew. I know I'm in love with her, and I have been. But I'll do whatever it takes to make her believe that she's mine forever."

"Miles," she breathed, dropping the act and whirling around to face me. "Really? You love me?"

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