Page 66 of One Billion Reasons

“Oh, they were. A little forgetful, though. They loved each other so much, and they were real hippies. But they weren’t made for the trials of modern parenting. And we were a real handful. Liam started helping my mom out once we were eight or so. I remember him making sure the crusts were cut off our sandwiches and that Mom packed the special milk I liked.”

“He’s such a busybody.”

“Takes one to know one.” I poke Miles in the ribs, and he wraps his hand around mine. “I was way too much like my mom to be concerned with such terrestrial things. Especially as a preteen. I was more concerned about braiding my hair and reading books about fairies and dragons.”

“And handsome princes?” I can tell Miles is smiling when he asks.

“That came later.” I smile too. It feels good to talk about my parents with him. “You know, Liam and I always celebrate the anniversary of their deaths. We burn sage and take out all Mom’s old crystals and eat their favorite foods. We try to make it a joyful day instead of a sad one. You could join. If you want. We could do something your dad enjoyed.”

Miles is frozen, and I pull myself back against him and press my cheek to his chest. His heart is thumping erratically, like he’s run a marathon instead of been asked to share his secrets.

“I’d like that,” he finally says, his voice hoarse. “Thank you.” He presses a kiss to my hair, and I wrap my arms around his and squeeze him in response.

“Can we head in now? I think my legs are numb,” he says.

“Race you back.” I shove off of him and dive into the surf.

30

Miles

I catch Lane easily, even with the wine in my veins and the heaviness of my heart. She’s a decent swimmer, but I’m better. It feels good to do this again, like riding a bike. I catch her right as we near the shore and scoop her into my arms. She’s laughing and pounding at my chest as I haul her up the beach.

“Put me down, Miles,” she gasps out.

“I should toss you in the water, you demon. Quiet.” I smack her ass as she squirms, and she stills immediately. I let her down gently, and she slides down my body. She’s naked. I forgot while we were locked together in the water, but now my whole body comes alive. She stares up at me with those big brown eyes, her nose ring glinting like a star. I have to kiss her.

I dip my head and press my lips to hers, gently, thanking her for everything she’s done for me tonight. She sighs and kisses me back. Her lips are soft and plush and sweet, and my body is clamoring for more after just this taste.

Her lips part, and mine do too, and then our tongues are tangling and our breaths are mingling. The little sounds she makes in the back of her throat are everything. The way her slick tongue tastes mine is maddening. I weave a hand into her wet hair and angle her head the way I like, so I can devour her in bites and licks. I need her. I’ve spent so long resisting, but now, under the moonlight, with the waves at our back and our secrets bared, I can’t resist anymore.

“Lane,” I whisper in her ear. “I need you. Right now.”

She inhales sharply, and when I meet her gaze, her eyes are wide and excited. She nods. “Yes. Please.”

This may break me. I may finally go mad. But at least I’ll go mad knowing I had this time with Lane Overton. Before giving her up forever.

I dip my head to pull her nipple into my mouth, and she arches under me. She likes that. So I bite her gently, just to see her reaction. She jolts like she was struck by lightning. God, she’s sensitive. My cock is already hardening against her stomach, and she presses against me, the little witch. I suck in a breath as the friction between us tightens my groin and makes me jerk against her stomach.

I drop to my knees in the sand and kiss her stomach, spanning her waist with my hands, while she squirms above me.

She breathes my name when I take my first taste of her. Her hands sink into my hair, and I shudder with pleasure. She tastes like the ocean. I use my fingers and my tongue and even my teeth on her until she’s chasing my mouth with her hips and riding my hand every time I touch her.

I press one finger in and raise my head to watch her reaction. Her lids flutter closed, and her whole body presses forward.

“Yes, Lane. Just like that. I need to get you ready.” I press a second finger in, and she moans quietly. “You look so fucking hot. I should make you come like this. As punishment for yesterday.” I pump lightly in and out.

“Punishment?” Her voice is breathy.

“Oh, yes. You weren’t supposed to go down on me. You made me forget all about your pleasure.” I crook my fingers just right, and she sobs out a breath.

“Please, Miles. I need you.”

“Okay, sweetheart. Okay. Don’t beg me.” She’s drenched and clenching around my fingers when I finally pull them out and drop kisses on her stomach.

I nearly turn around to get my suit jacket, and then I freeze. She can’t see my back. Oh, shit. I walk backward, and her eyes follow me as I grab my suit jacket and lay it in the sand.

“Miles. Your tux.” She bites her lip.

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