Page 184 of We Redeemed the Rain

“Tag.”

He stopped.

“There iszeropressure to do anything. We don’t have to hug, kiss, or even hold hands if you don’t want to.” A soft laugh escaped my throat. “I hadnoexpectations when I suggested the cabin. I just wanted to get away and not have to share you with my family.”

His shoulders dropped on an exhale. His quietthank youmade my heart squeeze in pain. I loved this man so much. He had no idea. I’d wait as long as he needed. I couldn’t think too deeply about the significance of his trust or I’d fall apart all over again.

“Tag, look at me.”

His gaze found mine, but not without some effort. The red on his face still raged, and I could see the internal battle waging through the windows to his soul.

“I am not rushed. But I’m not holding back either. We can go your speed in this.”

He nodded, his hand reaching between us—an invitation.

I slipped my fingers into his.

“I love you.” He whispered. “I was afraid all that might make you think I don’t.”

“I don’t think that at all. I promise.”

He squeezed my hand and pulled me across the couch to him,settling his arm around my back and waist—his hand finding movement against my skin.

Gracious.

Rebelliously, my nerves came alive. I would wait for his cues in our physical relationship because I loved him. But, goodness, I wanted all his kisses right now. Not egging him on would take alotof self-control on my end. Especially if his hand kept on slipping under the hem of my shirt.

My breathing went ragged and heat pooled in my belly as his hand danced up my bare side. I swallowed against the urge to kiss him. I had to look away, letting my eyes find the fire instead and forcing them not to admire the slope of his perfect pink lips or the way his stubble tapered down his neck.

“Bea.”

“Yes?” I kept staring at the flames.

“I don’t even have to ask. I knowexactlywhatyou’rethinkin’.”

“What?”

“You’re wonderin’ when we’ll kiss again.”

I playfully swatted his chest. “That’s rather presumptuous. How could you know such a thing?”

His voice, deeper and husky, leaned and whispered over my ear. “Because you licked your lips.”

My breathing stopped completely as tension prickled down my arms and legs. Did I reallylickmy lips? And he saw? Heat rose into my own face. I laughed into the palms of my hands, spreading my fingers over my face in embarrassment.

He chuckled, bumping my shoulder with his. “I was right, wasn’t I?”

“Shut up.” I bumped him back harder.

With a full laugh, he twisted, slipping one arm behind my back and a hand behind my knee. As he sat back, he pulled me, forward-facing, over his lap. I gasped in surprise when we were face to face, gazing into each other’s eyes, my legs settled on either side of him.

He whispered, his lips just inches from mine. “I can’t have you thinkin’ I don’t wanna kiss you. Since that day in the rain, all I’ve wanted is to touch and taste you again.”

The smile melted from my face as his words seared like hot iron on my insides.Touchandtasteme? I was coming apart in his lap. The urgency I felt for him was deep and burning, sending buckets of tingles into my veins.

“Don’t overthink this ‘cause of what I said, alright?”

I nodded, watching his mouth as he talked.

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