Page 48 of Playing with My Heart

“I love you,” I whispered again, the words feeling new and exhilarating and so right, like I was finally exactly where I was meant to be.

“God, Parker,” he breathed out as we moved, the intensity building in a crescendo of pleasure and adoration. “I never thought I could love someone like this, but I do. I love you so much.”

“Fuck!” I shouted as he shifted position and began hitting my prostate perfectly with every thrust.I clung to him, my nails digging into his back as the pleasure built to an almost unbearable intensity.

Travis’s movements became more erratic, his breathing ragged against my neck. “Parker,” he groaned. “I’m close.”

I gasped. “Don’t stop. I’m almost there. I just need?—”

Travis reached between us, wrapping his hand around me and giving me exactly what I needed to send me over the edge. It only took a few strokes before I was crying out, my release hitting me in waves of ecstasy. He followed moments later, burying his face in my shoulder as he shuddered above me.

We lay there for a long moment, our bodies intertwined, both of us trying to catch our breath. He peppered soft kisses along my collarbone and neck, both eyelids and the tip of my nose, making me shiver with pleasure. I ran my fingers through his hair, savoring the weight of him on top of me and the feeling of being surrounded in love. I never wanted the moment to end.

Finally, Travis lifted his head, his eyes meeting mine with such warmth and affection that it made my heart skip a beat.“That was—” he started, trailing off with a soft chuckle.

“Yeah,” I agreed, unable to stop the wide grin spreading across my face. “It really was.”

He carefully pulled out and disposed of the condom before returning to bed with a warm wet washcloth. He lovingly cleaned me up then tossed the washcloth in the hamper before gatheringme into his arms. I nestled against his chest, feeling safe and cherished. We lay there in comfortable silence, trading lazy kisses and gentle caresses.

“You know,” he murmured after a while, his fingers tracing patterns on my back, “I never thought I’d fall in love like this. It’s kind of terrifying, but in the best possible way.”

I lifted my head to look at him, my heart swelling with emotion. “You never need to be afraid because I will never hurt you,” I promised softly. “I love you and your happiness is the most important thing in the world to me.”

Travis smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners in that way I loved. “That’s how I feel too.” He paused, his expression growing more serious. “Parker, I want you to know—I’m all in. This isn’t just some fling for me. I want to build a life with you.”

I felt tears prick at my eyes, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his voice. I cupped his face in my hands. “I want that too. More than anything.”

He leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss that was tender and sensual all at once. When we broke apart, I couldn’t help but laugh softly, feeling giddy and lightheaded. “What’s so funny?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I shook my head, still smiling. “Nothing, really. I’m just—happy. Ridiculously, stupidly happy.”

Travis grinned, pulling me closer. “Well, get used to it, babe. Because I plan on making you happy for the rest of your life.”

Epilogue

PARKER

Iwoke to the gentle press of Travis’s lips against my neck, his stubble tickling my skin. I smiled, eyes still closed, and snuggled back against his warm chest. “Morning, beautiful,” he murmured, his voice husky with sleep. His arm tightened around my waist, pulling me closer.

“Mmm, morning,” I replied, finally blinking my eyes open. I turned in his embrace, drinking in the sight of his sleep tousled blond hair and full, rose-colored lips. Even after a year, the sight of him still took my breath away.

Travis grinned, that heart-stopping smile that never failed to make my pulse race. “Happy anniversary, babe.”

My heart swelled. “Happy anniversary.” I leaned in to kiss him softly, savoring the familiar taste of his lips. “I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since we got together,” I mused, tracing my fingers along his stubbled jaw. “Sometimes it feels like just yesterday we met at the clinic.”

He caught my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. “Best fucking day of my life was when I decided to hire you.” His eyes sparkledwith mischief. “Though I gotta say, if I’d known back then what a fox you were under those polo shirts, I might not have been able to keep it professional.”

I laughed, swatting his chest playfully. “Please, you were the epitome of professionalism. I was the one struggling not to stare at your ass every time you bent over to help a patient.”

“Oh really?” His eyebrows shot up, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “And here I thought I was being so subtle, bending over extra slow just for show.”

I felt my cheeks flush. “You did not!”

“Did so,” he insisted, rolling us so he hovered above me. “I wanted you so badly. Took all my willpower not to kiss you senseless right there in front of our patients.”

My breath caught as his lips ghosted along my jawline. “God, I felt it too, this undeniable pull towards you,” I admitted, tilting my head to give him better access. “I kept telling myself it was just a crush, that it would pass.”

Travis pulled back slightly, his expression softening. “I’m glad it didn’t.” He cupped my cheek, thumb stroking gently. “I love you so fucking much, Parker. This past year with you has been the happiest of my life.”

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