Page 102 of Best Laid Plans

"I do love you," I said, my throat hoarse with emotion.

"I know. I love you, too…but…." She sobbed softly.

I hated that she was crying, that I had no way to make it better.

"You broke me."

I pulled her onto my lap and held her. "I know. I'm so fucking sorry."

"I never…God, Anson, you hurt me."

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. Please don't cry."

She raised her head and gasped when she saw my tears. She wiped them gently.

"I hurt when you hurt," I told her. "Your pain is mine."

She placed her lips against mine and kissed me, first softly, then deeply. We kissed for a long while, open-mouthed get-to-know-you kisses, hungry, I-love-you kisses, gentle, soothing.

As the wind picked up, I caressed her ear with my mouth. "Ready for some more adventure?"

"What do you have in mind?" she inquired curiously.

I set her down. I reached for the large picnic basket and opened it. I pulled a kite out of the side pocket. "How about we try flying this?"

Nova's smile was wide. "I haven't flown a kite since I was a kid."

We spent the next hour running along the beach, the colorful kite soaring high above us. Nova's laughter was contagious, and I found myself grinning like a fool. It was incredible to see her so carefree, a stark contrast to the serious and guarded woman she had become.

As the afternoon turned into early evening, we walked along the shore. The beach was dotted with driftwood and seashells, and the water was cool against our feet. We walked in comfortable silence, occasionally pointing out interesting finds, or just enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

"I have to admit," Nova said as we made our way back to the blanket, "this has been one of the best days I've had in a long time."

"I'm glad to hear it," I replied, feeling a warmth in my chest. "You deserve to have more days like this. Let me give them to you."

She looked at me, her eyes softening. "Okay."

Chapter 38

Nova

By the time we got to my apartment, we were frantic for one another. The entire drive back to Savannah from Tybee Island had been foreplay. Hell, the whole day had been.

He kissed me outside my apartment, and once I managed to get the door open with Anson pressing against my back, he had me against the wall.

"Bedroom," he groaned.

Once in my room, I reached for him, and he captured my wrists. "Let me."

He removed my shirt, and then stood back to look at me. I was left in shorts, a bra, and sneakers.

"Take your bra off, Sugar."

I was nervous as hell, but I did as he asked. My nipples were tight, and hearing his hiss, I was even more aroused.

"Stay like that," he ordered, and began to remove his clothes.

His body was ripped. That night on the porch of his cabin, I hadn't seen it all well, but now, in my bedroom with the lights on, I saw that he took care of himself.

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