Page 19 of Sturdy & Dirty

I blinked at that. It sounded so…

It sounded like something you’d say to someone you were planning a future with.

I plan on keeping you.

He couldn’t have known how important the phrase was when he’d said it. You’re not keeping material. That’s what Rex had told me.

But Austin thought I was.

Nothing anyone else ever said would matter now.

He boarded the boat and then helped me climb on before starting the engine and pulling away from the dock.

There was a cushioned front deck area that looked perfect for lounging, so I lost my shoes and settled in while he guided us farther from the crowd of the pier. The cool wind in my hair gave me a sense of freedom, but it was the burdens I’d carried for too long leaving my shoulders that gave me real peace.

I thought of the Chub Club ladies from the gym who frequented my salon, and how they’d changed over the years. Finding love had a hand in it, sure. But I had a suspicion that being loved the way they were—purely, with no inhibitions—had allowed them to find themselves in a world where it was so easy to get lost.

That was the key, wasn’t it? Finding someone who loved you well, so you could be who you were meant to be.

Austin slowed the boat, tucking into a dark cove before lowering the anchor. This far out, it felt like we were the only two people in existence.

When he joined me on the deck, he’d untucked his shirt and lost his shoes, and was already staring up at the blackened pinprick sky.

“Wow,” he murmured. “It really is a better view out here on the water.”

“It is,” I agreed.

Except I couldn’t look away from him.

Maybe he could feel me staring because he brought his gaze down to mine, his eyes going instantly hot.

“You’re not looking at the stars, Holly.”

“No. I’m not.”

“You’re looking at me.” His eyes dipped to my lips.

“Did you mean what you said at the restaurant? About keeping me?”

His gaze darted back to mine, becoming fierce in an instant.

“I meant every fucking word. It might feel too fast for you, maybe you need time. And that’s okay because I’ll wait as long as you need. You’re worth it, baby. But I’ve made up my mind, and my heart agrees. You’re the one for me, Holly James. If that scares you—”

I didn’t let him finish. I couldn’t.

I needed to show him.

Closing the distance between us, my lips met his, so hungry for him that our teeth clashed. But he didn’t seem to care as he pulled me tight against his chest, fusing us together with a satisfied growl.

His hand curved around my jaw, fingers gripping my cheek as he explored my mouth, his tongue delving in for taste after taste.

He was like whiskey. All heat and spice. Heady and intoxicating.

I kissed him with every pent-up desire in my bones. With every piece of me I had to give. Because I knew he was the kind of man who’d safeguard it all.

When we pulled apart, I was straddling his waist. When did that happen? Who cares.

“I’m not scared,” I gasped, in case it wasn’t clear. “I… I want to keep you too.” Forever and always. But I couldn’t make those words come. Not yet.

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