Page 77 of All My Heart

There was a soft knock on the door, and I ran to get it. When I opened it, Axel smelled like woodsmoke and beer, but he looked determined to see me. Without a word, he lifted me into his arms, his mouth crashing into mine.

I heard him kick the front door closed but never took my lips from his. He tossed me on the bed, removing his shirt, then shoving his jeans down. “I missed you.”

“Weren't you spending time with your brothers?” I sounded breathless as I less gracefully tore off my shirt and shimmied out of my leggings.

“I still missed you.” He came over me, kissing up my body until his mouth met mine.

“Me too,” I said into his mouth.

I'd never get enough of him. We were frantic. It had a desperate quality to it. I was leaving soon, and this was coming to an end.

Tomorrow, I needed to pack and drive my car to the rental office. Then I'd be gone. I wouldn’t see Axel again unless it was at Violet’s wedding. I tried not to think about what came after, but it was impossible.

I straddled Axel's lap and sunk down over him. I was so full of him. I bit my lip as I rode him, his hands gripping my hip.

“You're so beautiful.”

Why won't you ask me to stay?

Instead of asking the question burning in my mind, I let my eyes drift closed, and the next thing I noticed, his lips were on my nipple, his teeth scraping the skin. Then I forgot about everything other than chasing my orgasm. I wasn't ready for it to end, but I wanted to feel good. I wanted to erase my worries and concern.

I wanted to forget about the pain.

I tried to embed the feel of his hands and his mouth on my body in my brain. I never wanted to forget this or him.

All too soon, the orgasm rushed through my body, sending me reeling. The flood of emotions was too much, and I squeezed my eyes shut tighter to block the evidence. Axel lifted up so that I sat on his lap, and he could move me at his own pace. We were close like this. It was intimate.

I couldn't escape him. I was surrounded by him.

“I can't get enough of you,” Axel murmured in my ear right before he shuddered, releasing into me.

He held me tight for a few seconds, our breathing heavy. Then he gently lifted me, and I went into the bathroom to clean up. I needed a few minutes to myself. That was intense. There was something about feeling everything but not being able to express it beyond the physical. I wanted to tell him I loved him, but that was outside the bounds of our relationship.

And I knew he didn't feel the same way.

When I returned to bed, he gathered me close and kissed the top of my head. The tears threatened again, but I breathed deeply, trying to think about anything else. It took me a long time to fall asleep.

I finally drifted off listening to the steady rhythm of his breath.

The next morning, I woke to the smell of bacon. I showered quickly, knowing I'd have to pack my things today and head to the airport.

I took a deep breath before I entered the kitchen. Axel stood at the stove without a shirt on, his muscles on full display.

“You cooked?” I asked as I slid onto the stool at the island.

Axel looked over his shoulder at me. “It's our last meal together.”

That stung more than I thought it would. But I think it was how easily that rolled off his tongue. This was matter of fact for him.

He plated the eggs and placed it in front of me. Then the platter of bacon.

“I can't believe we finished your cabin. It looks amazing.” I'd talk about anything except my impending departure time.

“Yeah, it's nice.”

“I bet your brothers were happy to help you with some of it.”

“It was good to have them there. I thought we were too different now, but they accepted me.”

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