Page 55 of Before I Loved You

“Okay.”

“Okay?” I ask, sounding a little too eager.

The corners of her lips lift as she nods.

It’s fucking adorable.

“This is going to be the best date you’ve ever been on,” I tell her, confidence laced in each word.

“I’ve…never actually been on a date before,” she admits.

What kind of fucking guys has she been involved with?

“Then I promise this date will put all future dates to shame.” I push a loose strand of hair behind her ear, my finger falling to her arm, tracing one of the many tattoo flowers I love so much, noting a tiny shiver running through her. “Are you sure you’ll be able to handle all of this?”

She laughs, patting my chest. “I can handle you just fine, big guy.”

“Big guy, huh?” I smile. “I love it when you call me that. It lets me know you appreciate all of me.”

She playfully smacks my arm. “Don’t let your ego get the best of you.”

I shake my head, laughing. “My ego’s been out of control ever since I saw those big green eyes watching me in the bar like I was the only man you’ve ever had eyes for.”

A blush spreads over her cheeks as she looks down. “You wanted me just as badly. Admit it.”

I tip her chin up, our eyes connecting. “I wanted you more than I’ve wanted anything in my entire life. The second I saw you, I was a goner.”

She looks pleased with my answer, resting her head against my chest. “It was my ass, right?”

I laugh. “Yeah, baby girl. That was it.”

She sighs. “It was a good night, wasn’t it?”

“It was the best night,” I respond, kissing her hair and inhaling my favorite scent.

She has no idea how much that night means to me.

We sit in a comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s company, but after a few minutes, she lets out a little yawn, appearing ready to fall asleep.

“How about we get under these covers and take a nap?” I suggest, lifting the blanket beside me.

She appears intrigued by the idea, her body relaxing until her eyes jump to my computer, and she stiffens. Before she can say anything, I slide out from behind her and walk over to my desk. I remove the camera, put it inside one of the desk drawers, and unplug every piece of the computer before facing her, waiting for her rebuttal.

But to my surprise, she slides back on the bed and then, hesitantly, lies down so her head rests on the pillow, silently giving me her answer.

I quickly remove my shirt, watching as Sarah’s eyes roam down my chest in appreciation.

“Like what you see?”

She blushes, ignoring my comment by turning to her other side.

I slip in behind her, wrap my arm over her torso, my hand splayed out over her stomach, and place my other arm under her head. She presses her back against my chest and takes me aback, intertwining our fingers. Her body relaxes against mine at the same moment she lets out a deep exhale. My thumb gently rubs over the back of her hand as I brush my lips across her neck.

“I’ve got you, baby girl. Don’t ever forget that.”

* * *

Silence.

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