Page 155 of Unexpected Hero

His hands trail down my body, leaving a path of electricity in their wake as they journey from my cheeks, over my neck and shoulders, then settle on my lower back. His grip tightens, bringing me closer. My back arches, driving my breasts into his chest.

This kiss says everything words can’t. I feel his apology. Likewise, I give him mine in return.

Yet… I need the words. And he needs to hear mine.

I break the kiss, making no attempt to pull away. “James, wait. Let me apologize for what I said.”

He shakes his head subtly, sliding his hands up my body to cup my cheeks. “No, I’m the one who fucked up. You didn’t—”

I cut him off. “I shouldn’t have said what I said that night. It was cruel and untrue. It was a reflection of me and not you. I’ve wanted to apologize every day since. It’s been killing me. You have no idea how sorry I am.”

“It’s okay, sugar.” His tone is woven with anguish as he launches into his own earnest apology. “I should’ve come sooner. I don’t see you as weak, and I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that way. I know you don’t need me for anything, but I can’t stay away from you anymore. I should have fought harder to prove that to you. And I’m sorry for lying to you about the dating rule. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course I can.”

Somehow, the reason he stubbornly resisted our connection seems inconsequential now. Because he’s here.

And every second since he walked through that door tonight proves he’s done pushing me away.

He slants his lips over mine again as we quickly get wrapped up in each other. Now that the air is clear between us, a lightness fills my chest like the tiny bubbles in a can of pop.

No more unspoken words or regrets.

After dancing around each other for what feels like ages, we’re giving in. This isn’t the same as the night by the pool. It’s so much more.

That night, I baited him. Drove him to act, taking something he wasn’t planning to give me. I forced his hand.

Tonight, though? He’s choosing me.

Consciously.

Willingly.

There’s something special about this man. He’s different. A part of him sings to me, awakening the deepest parts of my soul. A dormant piece of myself I’ve wanted to bring to life for years but didn’t know how.

With each swipe of his tongue, he casts away another layer of my shame and guilt.

How could something this right be wrong?

In his arms, I’m nothing but a vessel for pleasure, waiting for him to mold me into anything he desires.

This is the man.

He’s the one I’ve been waiting for. He’s the one who can bring out the real me. I know he can. And this kiss tells me he will.

What might have started as some type of hero crush has given way to something more.

With my mind made up, my hormones shift into overdrive, leaving me ravenous for him. I want to explore every inch of his body and let him do the same to me.

As our kiss continues, the pressure between my legs becomes uncomfortable. I’m desperate for relief. Even when I read the spicy books Stella sent me and watched the porn that followed — for research — I wasn’t this needy.

The moment he breaks the kiss, I’m ready to beg. For what? I don’t know.Just more.

“James, please,” I whimper, my lips hovering against his.

I bring my hands up to glide over his face, exploring his cheeks as if I’m reassuring myself he’s here.

He came for me.

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