Page 96 of Best Part of Me

“I don’t expect you to.”

“You’re gonna have to give me time to get used to this.”

“We got time.” Maverick tethers his arm around my waist.

Jones’s eyes track his movement, and he purses his lips. “Because my first instinct is to punch you again.”

“I’d rather you didn’t.”

He looks at me now. “You sure about this? About him?”

I smile. “You, of all people, know how great he is. After all, you picked him as your best friend. So, yeah. I’m sure.”

“Fine. Then I can’t stop you. And I’ll try not to say I told you so when this whole thing blows up.” He turns to leave the kitchen.

“The Pines—Monday night?” Maverick calls.

Jones glances over his shoulder, his lips twitching in consideration. “Fucking hell. Yeah, all right.”

After he turns the corner, Maverick swoops his other arm around my waist and pulls me against him. I press into the firmness of his chest, my fingers traveling to the nape of his neck, reveling in the hold he has on me.

This thing between us is finally real.

With our relationship out in the open, we can be free to embrace one another wherever we want. No more sneaking around. No more hiding. No more secrets.

But instead of enjoying the freedom to hug in the kitchen on display for everyone, the only thing I want to do is take him into my room. I want to show him how happy this makes me. How happyhemakes me.

“I can’t believe it’s out,” I whisper.

He gazes down at me, eyes drinking me in and zoning in on my lips. “I can’t believe I can kiss you anywhere I want.” He bows his head and presses his mouth against mine. The kiss is tender and loving. It’s soft and sensual. It’s heaven and fireworks.

I go on my toes and sink into him, into the kiss, my fingers twirling in his hair. My hips thrust against him, the craving to have him burning all the way to my fingertips. I’m deprived, desperate for him.

Breaking from the kiss, I grab his hands and yank him as I saunter backward, my needy eyes luring him along. He tilts his head, a cute little pinch to his eyebrows. My lips pull into a smile, an answer to his question without speaking.

I need him. Now.

When we pass through the dining room, Rosie is sitting with the grandmas while they finish eating their pie. She glances up from her phone and gives me a knowing look. I’m grateful she doesn’t blurt out her usual blunt comment in a situation like this.

Even though we don’t have to hide our relationship anymore, staying under the radar from the grandmas is preferred. From my peripheral, I see Dad and Jones in the living room watching the football game. A bit of relief wooshes out of me. Football games are long, meaning I have the rest of the afternoon to show Maverick just how happy he makes me.

In my bedroom, a giddiness wriggles through me. Ladies’-Man-Mav is in my bedroom. Only, that nickname is no longer fitting. Now, he’smyman.

I close the door behind us, and his hands go to my hips. My fingertips trace the sculpted outline of his pecs beneath the soft fabric of his sweater. The harsh ache for him builds between my thighs.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been in your bedroom before,” he mentions. “It’s kinda hot.”

“You’re welcome in my bedroom anytime.”

“I want to be welcome in more places than just your room.” His eyes darken, and he presses his forehead against mine, his thumbs kneading my hips.

“Mav,” I whisper, my eyes closing for a moment while I try to find my bearings.

“Say it, Sunshine. Say exactly what I need to hear.” His voice is soft but gruff, it’s demanding but warm.

“I welcome you into my life,” I say, thrusting my hips against the stiff bulge in his pants. “I welcome you into my heart.” I thrust again, and he drops a kiss to the tip of my nose. “I welcome you into every single part of me.”

“That’s all I needed to hear. That you’re open for me. That you’re bare for me.” He kisses me hard and with a desire burning on his lips. “I will cherish you, and only you,” he says it like a promise, a pledge, a commitment. “You are the best part of me.”

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