Page 56 of Three Hearts Hideaway

Love was hard.

Love was complicated.

But it was also fierce, free, and all-consuming.

“You’re awake,” Roman called to her from below.

She peered over the railing. Roman stood below, looking like the manliest man she’d ever seen. Hair tied up in a bun, plaid fleece tight around his biceps. Work gloves stretched across his thick fingers, and dark jeans hugged his ass. He was loading a pile of split logs into the wagon beside him.

Ava smiled down at him.

“I thought you might sleep the entire day with how quickly you were out last night.”

“I’m drained, but I should probably get ready for the day. I can’t remember the last time I slept past ten.”

His chuckle filled her with delight. The deep, throaty sound had quickly become one of her favourites.

“Can I bring you breakfast in bed? Logan fixed you a plate this morning, but didn’t want to wake you.”

“I’ll come down. Thank you, though.”

“Anything for you. You know that.” He winked at her and started stripping off his gloves.

She quickly brushed her teeth, threw her hair into a ponytail, and dressed in her favourite low-cut sweater and a pair of black boy-shorts. It was the weird time of year where the temperature was cold one second, and hot the next. Almost like Mother Nature was trying to hold on to the last remnant of summer, but didn’t quite have the strength left to fight off the autumn chill.

She shuffled down the stairs, wiping the exhaustion from her eyes. Roman was waiting for her in the kitchen with a plate of fruit, a yogurt parfait, a croissant, and a mug of tea. He’d set it all out at the breakfast bar and pulled out a stool for her.

Her stomach rumbled and her mouth watered at the delicious looking spread. “Thank you. This looks amazing.”

“You should thank Logan, but since he’s not here, I’ll graciously accept.”

She took a bite of the croissant and put her palm on her heart. “I will definitely be thanking Logan when he gets home.”

Roman rounded the counter to stand next to her. “I want to apologize.”

“For Logan not being here?” she asked around a mouthful of flaky pastry.

“For hitting Sebastian. I shouldn’t have done that.” He took her hands in his. “Attacking him was wrong, and I take full responsibility for letting my anger get the best of me.”

Ava swallowed what was the best bite of a croissant she’d ever had and tried her best to suppress her smile. Roman was being serious, so she had to be too.

“You don’t have to apologize. If we’re being honest, Sebastian deserved it. I’d like to say it’ll be a wake-up call for him, but he’s too much of a narcissist.”

Roman’s shoulders relaxed. “I was so worried you were upset.”

Her gaze softened. “At you? Are you kidding?”

Roman shook his head.

This time, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Roman, I’ve no reason to be mad at you. You came for me. You removed me from a terrible situation. You defended my honour like a medieval knight.” She slipped her hands out of his and grabbed his face, lowering it to hers. “I’m not upset. I’m thankful. So, so thankful.”

She kissed him, and he opened eagerly for her. He separated her legs, settling close against her body, and she forgot all about breakfast. Their mouths slanted against each other, and his tongue swept deep inside her mouth, possessive and devouring.

His tattooed fingers ran up her thighs and tucked underneath her ass. He squeezed before lifting her to him, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Carrying her to the couch, he ran his lips and teeth down her neck, nipping and biting. She rubbed against him, aching for more. His tonguelicked down her chest and he buried his face between her breasts.

Roman kneeled and placed her softly on the couch, remaining between her legs. His fingers hooked in the waistband of her shorts and tugged gently.

“I want nothing more than to rip these off you so I can give you the best fucking head of your life. But if it's too soon, and you need time, just say the word and I’ll stop.” His tone was desperate, yet controlled.

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