Page 26 of Recklessly in Love

Now his brows bunch together. “There’s nothing I’m trying to hide. I swear to you; you don’t have anything to worry about from me.”

I chew my lip. “I know. It’s not that. I just … it also made me realize …”

I cover my face with my hands, unsure I can admit this to myself. I feel his weight settle and his fingers close around my wrists, pulling my hands from my face.

“Talk to me, city girl.” The look he gives me is all lust and longing. And it makes me realize that’s what I’m feeling. Longing. For more.

“I want to know you,” I admit in a whisper. “I want more than sex, too, Greg.”

He goes perfectly still, and I worry that he’d changed his mind about wanting that, too, based on my little performance with his dad. I guess even I get insecure putting myself out there.

It’s weird that I’m waiting for his answer with bated breath. But … good weird. I think. Though just when I think I may not be cut out for going beyond sex, that he may have truly realized I am as bat-shit crazy as … well, I am, his lips are on mine. His hand freeing his cock. His tip nudging me for permission to enter bare.

I don’t even have to think about it. I use my heels to pull him in, joining my mouth to his as he slides in deep. I groan into his mouth when I feel the silky hardness of him thrusting into me.

It feels so good. And a man who answers my vulnerability with his dick? I’m so screwed in every way.

“I take it,” I say, panting, “that means you’re okay with that?” I give him a teasing smile as he rears back, continuing to slide in and out of me.

He smiles back, running his hands down my tits to my hips, holding tight. “More than okay,” he agrees, then leans forward. “Because all I wanted for Christmas was you.”

I tilt my hips to meet his thrusts. “Oh, but I’m on the naughty list. I’m nobody’s present, baby.”

He slams into me, and my head drops back. “Fuck, Joanie. Keep calling me that, and I’ll show you just how much it pays to be naughty.”

“Calling you what?” I ask innocently, wiggling my hips against him. “Baby?”

His jaw tightens, and he unleashes, pounding into me. “Fuck yes,” he agrees in a husky, gritty whisper in my ear as his thrusts turn frenzied. “Scream it for me, naughty girl.”

I tip my head back, surrendering to how much he owns me. How much I want him to own me. No man has ever brought that feeling out of me during sex, much less outside of it.

“Make me yours, mountain man,” I groan in agreement.

Even though deep down, I’m pretty sure he already has.

CHAPTER TEN

JOANIE

By the time Greg and I arrive at Mia and Nate’s Christmas evening, Bev’s insatiable appetite has been quelled many times over, but my stomach is rumbling and ready for the feast I know Mia’s likely whipped up, even with having traveled hours to and from Portland.

As Mia opens the door, the wall of heavenly aromas that hits me confirms my assumption.

“Hey guys,” Mia greets us, her eyes falling on our linked hands. She quirks an eyebrow and smirks at me.

“Merry Christmas,” I respond, holding up my other hand with the bottle of wine Greg thoughtfully suggested we bring.

“Merry Christmas, indeed.” She grins and takes the bottle, stepping back to allow us over the threshold, and I’m stunned by the complete lack of decoration inside. Especially considering how much Mia loves Christmas.

Mia rolls her eyes, interpreting my shock as Greg shrugs out of his jacket. “It’s been busy. We didn’t have time to decorate,” she explains with a shrug.

“Well, as long as you had time to cook, you know I’m a happy camper,” I respond.

Greg helps me out of my coat, his fingers skating over my collarbone, sending pleasant shivers down my arm. I give him a suggestive grin, which he returns. Mia narrows her eyes at the exchange but says nothing.

I’m distracted by a brush against my legs, and I look down to see Simba, Mia’s cat, once her Gran’s, begging for pets. I reach down and scratch him between the ears as he purrs against my palm.

“Aw, did you miss me, buddy?” I croon.

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