Page 106 of Tempting Him

“I don’t know,” I reply honestly.

“Well,” he says, punctuating it with a kiss before easing back into a sitting position. “I have some thoughts.”

My pulse spikes and my stomach clenches. I scramble up to sit next to him, both nervous and excited. “What kind of thoughts?”

He holds my hand in his as we face each other. “As you know, I’ve never done the relationship thing, therefore I’ve never allowed myself the opportunity to know what true, deep feelings are like. However, during our separation this last time, through all the conversations, and knowing what it feels like to not have you, I started wondering if this was it. How do you know?” he muses, eyes vulnerable. “I kept asking myself that. How do you know? Well, I guess I knew when I came back for the festival. For you.

“You see, I spent that time talking to my therapist, warring with myself, and missing you. I didn’t want to be without you. I loved who I was when I was with you. I loved that you made me challenge myself, and how I wanted to be better for you. I was happier when we were together and miserable when we were apart, and if that isn’t love, then I guess I don’t know what is.”

My breath leaves my lungs in a rush. “You love me?”

He grins, squeezing my hand. “Was that not clear?” he says with a laugh.

I stutter, looking for words. “I mean, I guess I didn’t think you...I don’t know. I’m surprised. I didn’t want to scare you. I wasn’t sure where you were at, but if I’m being honest, I wondered if you did when we were in Chicago at my parents house. The things you said, and my mom reiterating everything you were doing and giving up for me. How could I not see it? But you have to know how much you mean to me. For the first time in my life, I felt content, and I know that seems like a mediocre word, but I never felt satisfied and fulfilled, you know? Until you. I was my happiest with you. I never felt more at home, even in a hotel.”

“God, I love you,” he says, hand going to my neck, bringing me in for a kiss.

I pull away. “I love you, Alek. More than I can properly explain, but I do.”

We come together again, our mouths connecting, tongues tangling, souls entwining.

Tonight, we make love.

Epilogue

We made it six months.That’s all. Any longer than that and I might’ve lost my mind completely. We moved in together just last week. The past few months was him either staying the night here or me sleeping in his bed. It was clear we couldn’t get enough of each other, and the constant back and forth to get more clothes just didn’t seem worth it. We were living together part time, and we needed that full-time promotion.

I hadn’t quite made it a year in my apartment, but Alek paid out the remainder of my lease because my only option was to stay there a few more months and he wouldn’t have it. For now, we’re in his condo, which is bigger and better than mine, and as time goes on, we may find an actual house, but this is all we need.

“Hey, babe,” I greet when I push open the door to his office. “My parents will be here soon.”

He looks up and grins, patting his desk. I stroll over and perch my ass on it, and he rolls up in his chair, grabbing my hips. “Think we have time for a little fun?”

I run my fingers through his hair as he buries his face in my lap. “I wish we did.”

“Well, that’s unfortunate,” he says, his head coming up, but his hands finding their way under my shirt, caressing my skin.

“You better stop teasing me,” I warn.

“Or what?” he asks with a grin, arching a brow.

“I’m not about to give away my revenge plots.”

He stands, pushing his lips against mine. “Fine. No more teasing.”

“Well, not forever.”

He smirks. “Later then.”

I stand up and wrap my arms around his neck. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

“Not today,” he answers, his arms snaking around my waist.

“Mm. Guess I’m slippin’”

“Guess you need to make it up to me.”

“I will.”

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