Page 127 of When The Rain Falls

“No,” he finally says, kissing the underside of my jaw. “Because I already knew you were a criminal. The way you stole my heart.”

My body clenches in laughter as I let out a fake groan. “Ugh, dad joke,” I cough.

“That’s rich,” he grumbles playfully. “Coming from someone who insists on calling me Daddy.”

46MAKING UP IS FUN TO DO

FINN

I walkinto our motel room, a duffel in each hand, and shut the door with my foot. We didn’t feel like driving home after Aimee’s race. We’re staying the night near the mountain. Where we can get lost in each other without the distractions of the outside world. I wish I could take my girl someplace nice. But here we are in somerusticmotel, where weary travelers are greeted by an oversized Sasquatch in the parking lot.

I rolled my eyes at it. Aimee called it adorable and made a crude comment about his large feet.

After we checked in, I handed Aimee the keys to the room while I ran across the street to the convenience store for water. Now I’m lugging our bags in from the cars.

I take two steps inside before I’m hit by the sound of Aimee humming and water running. As soon as I see the steam pouring into the room from the open bathroom door, I drop the bags. It doesn’t take long for my strides to eat up the ground separating me from her.

I stand in the bathroom doorway, shoulder propped against the frame and watch the magnificent sight playing out in front of me. Aimee pulls back the shower curtain and she’s fucking radiant. A contrast of golden skin and delicate, milky tan lines.The tattoo hugging her upper thigh. The triangle of her pussy bare between her thighs sends my pulse into overdrive.

She shoots me a heated smile as she takes one step out of the tub. Steam rises from the water around her. She’s fucking Venus. Rising from the sea. My fingers go electric with the anticipation of touching her bare skin.

She is mine.

It’s going to be impossible. From here on out. To doubt the goodness in the universe now that it’s given her to me.

Laurel will always be part of me. It’s a truth that struck like lightning as I sat on the couch with Vivian and Ruby watching our old home movies. She’s on their faces. She’s in their eyes. She’s in their energy. And she’s etched in my heart. Even if her laugh fades and the memories fray.

Love isn’t so flimsy that it requires a visual memory to anchor it in place. It’s roots are much deeper—invisible markings on our heart that we carry everywhere we go. And it’s about time I started tending to my heart. To richen the soil where those roots are planted so that new blooms can grow.

Aimee’s that new bloom. Just as Laurel will always be my roots.

As Aimee towels off, still humming happily to herself, my eyes catch on the way her hand runs that plush fabric over every curve of her body. Behind her neck, between her breasts, down each arm, the small of her back. I fucking want to be that towel.

When she bends down to pick up her shirt, she pops her ass playfully in my direction. Her smoldering grin and the curve of her backside singes me on sight.

“Don’t bother putting that on.” My voice comes out raw and edgy as I take her delicate wrist in mine and walk her backwards against the wall. “The only thing you’re going to wear are my bite marks and kisses.” Her back lands with a soft thump and her eyes flutter up at me.

“I bet I can get you to dress me in something else too.” She presses her mouth to my ear and whispers. “I want you to cover every inch of my body.” Her fingers trail down my torso and find my groin, suggesting at exactly how she wants me to cover her. Instinctively, I drive into the friction of her hand against my jeans.

“You think I’m going to have the willpower to pull out? After I sink into your perfect little pussy?” I grip her hip bone and pin her against the wall. I’m already questioning how I’m going to last and how to draw this out as long as possible. “That’s cute, Aimee.”

I trace the outline of her lips as I anticipate pulling them into mine. “I don’t think you realize how badly I need you right now. I don’t think I can control myself once I’m inside you.” I nip playfully against her jaw as I consider my words. Once again, I find myself lacking control over my body, but this time, it’s in a good way. The best way.

“Youarea bear.” Aimee’s hand is running up the back of my neck, her fingertips flicking the back of my skull. “And I love it.”

Aimee raises her head in a laugh, but I’m already covering her mouth with mine. The kiss starts soft, but then grows heated and hungry. My hips drive into her and she hooks a leg around mine to gain traction and drive right back.

“You left the door open,” I tease, nuzzling her with my nose. “You waiting for someone?” Aimee’s fingers trail the band of my jeans. My dick jolts towards them, straining and aching to fill her.

“Oh, just someguy,” she sighs as she pulls down my zipper. She only has to start the job, my straining cock does the rest. “Maybe you’ve seen him. Handsome face, kinda trollish.”

“Oh yeah? Who’s thisguy?” I shuck my jeans and my briefs down my legs and when Aimee takes me in her hand, my abs clench.

“You know, just someone who loves me.” I lean in closer, brushing my stubbled cheek against her neck as I root against the hand curled around my groin. I catch the faint scent of honeyed shampoo and the feel of skin softened by hot water.

“Say his name, Aimee,” I command.

“Finn,” she breathes as my hands reach between her thighs and tease her.

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