Page 48 of Love Her

Thinking of all the things I could do to her has me lifting my hips, pushing my hardness to her core. Skimming her skin, my thumbs graze the lace of her bra. I pull back to seek her permission. Lis’s eyes flutter open but before I can say anything, there’s a knock on the door.

“Pizza,” I say against her lips, our breath mingling as we pant.

Begrudgingly, I slide her off my lap and adjust my crotch as I cross the room to the door. Adding a tip and signing the slip, I accept the square box from the delivery guy and close the door. It’s when I turn to see Lis that I consider throwing the box across the room. Lying on the couch, one arm flung behind her head and the other resting on her stomach, she’s a vision. Her chest heaves, reminding me of what we were just doing. Looking from the box to the scene before me. Cold pizza is just as good, some may say better. Tossing our dinner on the table, I turn my attention back to the woman waiting for me.

With my hands braced on the armrest, I go in for another kiss. Lis wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me down.

“Baby, as much as I love you on my couch like this, it’s just not big enough. Let’s move to the bed.”

Her chest flushes and slowly the redness creeps up her neck to her cheeks. Nodding slowly, she smirks. Standing, I tug her to her feet and when she turns to walk to the bed, I smack her ass. I was right, it’s firm and perfect.

To my surprise, Lis pulls the shirt over her head and tosses it to the floor before climbing up on the bed. Resuming the position I had on the couch, I hover over her and lay my lips on hers. We kiss and touch. My hands on her body, hers pulling my shirt until I grab the collar and slide it off to join hers on the floor.

This time, there’s no question who groans. It’s her. With her hands light on my skin, she pushes my chest. I fear I’ve gone too far but before I can articulate that sentiment, Lis shifts us so I’m on my back and she’s above me. Her hands glide across my stomach and if I’m not mistaken, she’s counting.

“What are you doing?” I ask between chuckles.

“Counting. I’ve never seen an actual eight pack. I thought maybe it was only something they have in movies.”

“It’s all real, darlin’.”

“Mmm . . . I love when you say that.”

I love this version of her. Disheveled and uninhibited as she touches me. Her chest is red where my beard has been. The lace of her bra can’t conceal the hardness of her nipples. Lifting my hands, I rub them over the fabric. Her head falls back, hair cascading down her back.

Then it happens. The moment my fingers touch the hooks of her bra, she freezes. Eyes wide and her mouth in the shape of an “O,” she tenses.

“Hey. I’m sorry. I got caught up.”

Relaxing, her shoulders drop, and she says, “Don’t be sorry. I’m the one who should apologize. It’s just been a really long time since anyone has touched me like you are. Since someone has looked at me the way you are right now.”

“Come here,” I say, pulling her down to the bed so we’re facing each other. Pushing the hair from her face I see the vulnerability in her eyes. And maybe a little sadness.

“Nobody in my life would believe what I’m about to say, but this isn’t about sex for me. Do I want to worship your beautiful body? Yes. Do I want to make you scream and come over and over? Absofuckinglutely. But I also want to get to know you. To spend time with you.”

“I’m going to screw up, Connor. I’m a mess inside here,” she says, pointing to her head. Taking my hand, she places it on her chest. “And here.”

The idea that she feels a mess in her mind and heart breaks mine. Nobody should feel that way. I want to find that ex-husband of hers and beat his ass. His job was to care for this woman. To love her. And he failed. I’m not sure if these feelings I have will turn to love, but I know one thing, I’m going to make it my mission to make her smile and hopefully find some peace in her mind and her heart.

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