Page 76 of Anchor Point

I looked over my shoulder to find her huddled in a big fluffy robe, cradling a coffee cup. The morning sun spotlighted her perfectly, giving her skin the softest glow. When she’d walked into that island bar, it had been the same. Just bam. The minute she showed up, my whole world turned on its head. As if the sun said, This beautiful woman needs a spotlight, so here’s a sunray of her very own.

I turned to fully drink in the sight of her, aware that, once again, I was shifting on the inside. I’d never thought to find lasting love. Had given up on the idea of family.

And along came Rosie and Olivia, and now they made up my world. I couldn’t imagine my life without them. There was still no real resolution to the job situation. I’d been checking to see if my retirement would transfer if I moved, but asking HR any pointed questions was risky. Couldn’t tip them off. Who knew what they might share with the higher-ups, even though the conversations were supposedly confidential. I didn’t trust them.

All I knew for certain was that I wanted this woman in my life.

She caught my eye and tilted her head. “What’s that look for?”

I began a slow stalk toward her, letting all the heat and desire, and maybe even love, show in my gaze.

She turned to face me, her back to the porch rail as I crowded her, taking her mug in one hand to set it aside and untying the sash at her waist with the other. Her nipples peaked under the cold morning air. With the knuckle of my forefinger, I traced the edge of her low-cut silky gown, down the soft mound of one breast and back up to the opposite side, where I pushed the thin strap off her shoulder. The gown fell loose, exposing one tantalizing breast.

I shifted my stance and bent low to take her perfect tip into my mouth.

She exhaled softly, threading her fingers into my hair. I slipped the remaining strap off her shoulder, exposing her other nipple before circling it with my tongue. “I love these delicious tits,” I said, palming her. The weight of her globes filling my hand, spilling over, the indent of my fingers in her soft flesh, the tips peaked in the cold morning air—all of it was a dream come true.

“I love this gown and how sensually it glides over your skin.” I took one pert nipple in my mouth, sliding my hand down the soft front to cup the heat between her legs.

“No panties, Liv? Did you come out here bare so I could have easy access?”

Beneath my hands, she squirmed, her hips thrusting against my hand. I slid a leg between hers, pressing against her heat.

“Look at you riding my leg. Fucking gorgeous. You want me to slip the hem of this gown up? I could be inside of you in seconds. Is that why you came out here looking like a wet dream?”

“Mac,” she whimpered, the longing and need in her voice matching the desire coursing through me.

I backed away from her with a groan of protest and took her dainty hand in mine, pulling her toward the door. “Problem is, gorgeous, I want to take my time with you.”

Letting her see all the desire I held for her, I led her inside the house, the warmth of the kitchen hitting my skin. I pushed her against the door, swiping the robe and gown off in one move.

Her hands slid under the hem of my shirt, branding the skin of my stomach, my chest. I wanted her hands on me, needed to be inside this woman like I needed air to breathe. I craved the connection, wanted to consume all of her. Drink her in and let her passion give me life.

I cupped her hips and took her mouth, drinking from her, devouring her. It was a claiming kiss, a soul-destroying kiss, and I never wanted it to end.

She shifted, wrapping a leg around my hip as if she, too, couldn’t get close enough.

I broke the kiss, lowered to a knee, and feasted on her until her cries grew loud, supporting her as she went limp around me.

I shoved my pants down as I stood, and then I buried myself inside her. Using the door to brace, I lifted her other leg around my hip and drove into her over and over again, giving her everything I had inside me.

Nothing mattered. Nothing except this beautiful woman and the way she commanded my body. Words rose from my soul with every thrust, “You’re beautiful. You’re everything. You’re mine,” until the pressure built and shimmered and, in a blinding flash, washed over me.

When I came down, I lowered her legs, slid my hands to cup her jaw, and kissed her, whispering her name against her lips like a love song.

She cupped my cheek and kissed me softly. “Mac.”

I opened my eyes to find hers on me.

“I love you,” I blurted into the tender moment.

She went still.

“I never thought I’d say the words to anyone again. I never thought my life would feel this full.” I paused to kiss her again because I couldn’t not. She cupped my cheek, her eyes glossing with a sheen of tears.

“I don’t care what happens. I want you in my life. I’m tired of pretending. I want to claim you, let the whole world know that you are mine, but more importantly, that I am yours. All of me. Belongs to you.”

Her thumb traced my lip, my cheek. Then she pushed me away and bent to retrieve her robe.

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