Page 215 of Unexpected Hero

I don’t have a clue what his father did, but I already know I hate that man. Sure hope I have the chance to meet him at some point so I can dish out a little Southern justice.

“Shh, it’s okay, babe,” I soothe him as he rocks against me. I drag my hand through his hair, scratching his scalp and hoping to infuse affection in my touch.

After a heavy few seconds, he pulls back and stiffens. “I’m fine. Sorry about all this. I’m good now.”

“You don’t have to act tough. You’re safe with me. Always.”

He searches my face, eyes scanning from my forehead to my chin and back up again before landing on my eyes. “Lettie, I don’t deserve you. But I can’t let you go.” He rambles on and on, pain injected into every confusing word. “I can’t. I know I should, but I can’t. I’m not strong enough. Forgive me. Please forgive me.”

“Stop that right now, ya hear me? There’s nothing to forgive. You don’t have to let me go. And yes, you do deserve me. That’s the craziest shit I’ve ever heard. We all deserve someone who’ll give us... affection.”

I almost said love. Shit.

That’s the last thing he needs me to throw at him right now.

To smooth over my almost confession, I add, “And I’ve got plenty of it to spare. So help me, you’re going to take it, or I’ll be the one spanking your ass.”

He gives me one peck, then another. A third turns into a tender kiss with tongues touching only enough so we feel connected.

After gazing into my eyes for a handful of seconds, the slightest upward curve breaks free at one corner of his mouth.

“Unlock your legs behind me,” he instructs.

Once I do, he leans backward, bringing me with him. It draws a surprised giggle from me.

“Let’s sleep like this. You on top of me. Be my blanket. My sugar bear blanket.”

“I’ll crush you in your sleep,” I say through a deeper laugh.

“I’ll die happy.”

“Funny. I have that same thought every time you nearly kill me with orgasms.”

“We can do that later. Right now, I need sleep.”

It’s impossible for me to avoid falling in love with this man. I’m pretty sure it’s already happened.

Chapter 41

All hail the Queen

Eight months later

LETTIE

As soon as my foot touches the front stoop of James’s house, he yanks open the door and scoops me into his arms. “Get in here, gorgeous.”

While I giggle into his neck, he carries me inside.

Literally.

As in, my feet do not touch the ground.

He sets me down only long enough to lock the door and arm his security system. Then he’s back on me, cupping his hands over my cheeks and slamming our lips together.

His intensity is so welcome tonight. I’ve missed him.

He’s all but consuming me alive. With our hands groping and tongues twirling, I tumble headfirst into our connection. His clean, masculine scent washes over me.

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