Page 50 of Take the Bait

“But Madi and Bella talked some sense into me. And by that I mean, they basically ripped me a new one for being such a scaredy cat. So when I got back to Orange Beach, I was going to call you and give you a much more cleaned up version of that speech. And apologize. Which—I’m sorry. So fucking sorry that I freaked out and didn’ttalkto you. And I was also going to say that—” the thing she didn’t want to tell him caught in her throat, her eyes burning with unshed tears, but she kept going— “that I understand if you don’t want to give me a second chance. I fucked up in all the ways that mattered. But… But I think I’m falling for you. And if you want to give this another shot, I’m all in. For real this time. But if not…” she blinked rapidly, holding back tears. “If not, I at least want to be friends. If you want to.”

Tucker’s eyes were wide, his face unreadable. He reached toward her face with a gloved hand, cradling her cheek. “Fuck friends.”

She sucked in a breath.

What did that mean?

She couldn’t help but hope?—

“That was pretty damn good, shortcake. I don’t think you needed to practice with Bella and Madi. Just speak from the heart.”

She released a breathy laugh, giddy from the hope that was beginning to surge within her. “I really am sorry. And I wish I could promise I won’t get scared and stuck in my head again, butI can’t. Icanpromise that instead of running away, I’ll talk to you about it. I’ll be more brave next time.”

“It’s okay, shortcake,” he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’m sorry. I knew you were nervous about meeting my family, and I should’ve made sure I was with you. You don’t have to be brave by yourself.”

The tears she’d been holding back began to fall, and he swiped them with his thumb.

“For what it’s worth, I’m falling in love with you, too,” he whispered. “Might’ve already fallen, actually.”

The words would’ve scared her weeks ago, but she was being brave now—being brave with him. So she responded, “I might’ve already fallen, too.”

Hanna felt Tucker’s body radiate with equal parts joy and desire, his eyes sparkling with relief and love and lust.

“So, what’d you wish for?” He asked, his forehead pressed against hers.

She grinned. “It just came true.”

His mouth captured hers.

He’d bookeda room at a local hotel, unsure of where Hanna’s home was and how long he’d be here. After finding out she was staying in her tiny childhood home, he was patting himself on the back for making sure he’d booked a few extra days in his own space.

Especially since all he wanted to do right now was sink inside her and hear her say those three little words while he made her come so hard she forgot her name.

His tongue swept against her lips, the sweet taste of her overwhelming him.

“I have a room at the inn down the road,” he said. “Come over.”

“Yes,” she whispered into his mouth.

He cradled her head up to him so he had a better angle to kiss her as her hands fisted against his chest. Fuck, she felt good. His erection was growing, and she rubbed against him with a reckless abandon.

“Won’t be able to walk if you keep doing that, shortcake,” he said, forcing himself to pull away.

She giggled, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the inn. A five minute walk to the inn and a quick elevator ride felt like eons in Tucker’s mind, his eyes glued to Hanna, the curve of her neck, the delicacy of her legs, the way her eyes twinkled when she looked back at him.

As they approached his room, he couldn’t take it anymore.

Picking her up, she squealed as he threw her over his shoulder, keyed open the door, and took a few long strides toward the bed before tossing her on it. She bounced, giggling and breathless, then sat up and took off her shirt to reveal a red, lacy bra underneath.

“Fuck, Hanna,” he said, unzipping his pants and toeing them off before taking off his jacket reaching a hand behind his back to tug his sweater over his head. “You’re so?—”

“Hot.” She blushed. “Have I mentioned how fucking hot you are?”

He felt his cheeks turn pink at her praise, smug satisfaction filling him as her eyes glazed over his pecks, his biceps, his abs—then lower still, where she couldn’t look away from his?—

“I want you in my mouth,” she said.

His mouth went dry. “I want to spend the next five days in this bed with you.”

---