Page 112 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

“I understand you—”

“Sweet girl—”

“This wasn’t what you wanted—”

What is she even talking about?

“Allison, stop talking,” Angelo interrupted, trying to stay calm but feeling himself teeter on the edge. If she kept going, he might lose it.

“I know you regret this, and I’m sorry—”

“Allison!” His voice rose before he could stop it. He hadn’t meant to yell, but he couldn’t believe she thought he regretted what had just happened.

She stiffened, pulling away from him, and he cursed his own impulsiveness. She wasn’t hearing him, wasn’t seeing the truth of how he felt. As she tried to move again, he tightened his grip on her thighs. He couldn’t let her walk off like this. Not after everything.

“Let me just—”

“Angelo, please.” Her voice was distant, colder than he’d ever heard it. “There’s no need to explain. I get it,” she added, trying once more to move out of his hold, but he wasn’t letting her go.

“Allison Pink Lockwood!”

His tone shifted this time, calmer, but firm enough to let her know he wasn’t angry at her—just frustrated beyond belief. He needed her to stop tearing herself down.

Or I might actually tie her to this bed until she gets it through her head. I’ve got plenty of ties.

“You’re full-naming me? Seriously?” Allison scoffed, pulling the covers over herself and looking anywhere but at him.

“I want you to listen to me very carefully, pet.” The dark, low tone of his voice finally caught her attention.

He released her, though it bothered him to do so, but he could tell she was starting to feel uncomfortable. He hated that. He hated how his own words had brought them here.

She rolled her eyes, still giving him attitude. “Fine. Get on with it, I want a shower.”

Angelo couldn’t help but chuckle. Her sass never failed to amuse him, and he secretly hoped it would show up more often.

“Now is really not the time to test me,” he muttered under his breath, catching the slight hitch in her breathing. Then, louder, “I know you think I regret what happened, especially after how I reacted. But I don’t. Icouldn’tregret a single moment with you, Allison.” His voice softened for a second before turning firm again. “In fact, I’d gladly keep you in this bed all day, but that’s not what we need right now. When the time is right, though… trust me, I’ll make sure it lasts. But first, we need to settle some things. You got that, sweet girl?”

Allison’s annoyance, whether genuine or not, seemed to fade as he finished speaking. She nodded, taking a deep breath before finally,finally, meeting his gaze.

He might not know the full extent of his feelings yet, but he was sure about one thing—he loved her eyes. They were the most captivating shade of green, darkening when she was angry and softening with happiness. He could read her emotions like an open book just by looking into them.

“There is not a single universe in which I would regret what just happened, Allison. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.”

“Despite my weight?” she asked, her voice small, as if she was afraid her appearance might somehow bother him.

Angelo didn’t hesitate. “Your figure is part of what makes you beautiful.”

A faint blush crept across her cheeks, and he took it as his cue to keep going.

“Your large thighs make me want to bury my face between them, like I just did. Your soft waist feels perfect when I hold it, and your beautiful breasts feel like they belong in my hands. I become a walking, talking erection whenever I think of you, much less see you. You drive me crazy, Allison. Don’t ever think otherwise.”

His beautiful woman was stunned into silence. The blush that had started on her cheeks spread all the way down to her chest, and Angelo couldn’t help but admire how his words had affected her. Her response—the way her breath hitched, the way she tried to hide her face—only confirmed what he already knew. She needed to hear this, to know how deeply he meant it.

“And that’s the truth,” he added, his voice softer now but no less sincere. “You’re stunning, Allison, exactly as you are.”

Her lips parted, but no words came out. Instead, she gave him a look that spoke volumes—a mix of disbelief and the fragile hope that maybe, just maybe, he meant every word.

Allison’s eyes went to his attention seeking member, and a small breathy sound left her. “Thank you.”

---