Page 35 of Under Ground

And I can’t wait to see Lana.

* * *

Once I’m in the door, Lana’s in my arms in an instant, and I’m lost in her soft scent and her gentle touch.

“I’m glad you’re here. Congratulations,” she says.

I press my forehead to hers. “That means a lot coming from you.”

“How did your dinner go?”

I take her hand and lead her to the couch where we sit. “Amazing, but I’m really happy to be with you now.”

“I’m so proud of you, Alex. Stay with me tonight?” Her eyes search mine.

This is big for her. She hasn’t trusted a man since Gareth, and what a monumental waste of time he turned out to be. I won’t let her down. Lana means way too much to me for that.

I cup her cheek. “Are you sure? I want you to be certain that this is what you want.”

“It is. I want to be with you.”

“I want that too.”

Lana drops her gaze. “There’s just one thing.”

I scan her expression. Whatever it is, she’s nervous about saying it. I can tell by the way she blinks rapidly and from her accelerated breathing. She’s grown in confidence since we’ve been together, but there are times where she’s still unsure of herself. One of those times shouldn’t be when we’re about to be intimate.

“Anything.”

She snags her bottom lip with her teeth, and my cock twitches.

“I don’t want Casey to know about this yet. Not us. I mean, she knows we’re spending time together, but staying the night is next level.”

I take her hand in mine. “I have to leave early to get to set anyway. Is Casey likely to wake up?”

She shakes her head. “Not until about six.”

“Good.”

Her eyebrows rise.

“The things I want to do with you? There’s no way I want her to see.”

Lana giggles, and it’s the most beautiful sound in the world. I’m sure there hasn’t been a lot of laughter for her in the past few years, and now I have it all.

Pulling her to her feet, I take a step toward the hallway.

“Alex, there’s something else.”

I turn back. “What is it?”

“I’m not …” Her voice trails off, and I tilt my head.

“I know you’re not a virgin, if that’s what you’re trying to say.”

She claps her hand over her mouth and giggles. “That much is obvious.” Making her laugh seems to bring out her confidence again. “I don’t have much in the way of experience.”

I shrug. “We can make up for that. I think I have just enough.”

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