Page 90 of Recon Rendezvous

Pulling away with a shake of her head, my heart follows, as it always will.

“It may be insane, maybe the shortest courtship of all time. But for me this relationship, this fire burning inside of me to be with you started months ago. That first night I saw you on that beach, you took my breath away, and I had to have you, even if just for the night. Maybe I didn't go about it the right way, you know, fucking in the bathroom.” My smile is predatory as her eyes flare at my words. “But you’ve been under my skin, blistering me from the inside out ever since. I didn't know what that meant before, I thought it was just sex. Burning curiosity to explore you and map every inch of your body with my tongue. But after all those months of not seeing you and for you to walk back into my life it was like a jolt to my heart, restarting my life. I had to know you better, get closer to you as something started growing and unfurling inside of me. You changed me, London. You've made me a better man.”

Her hand rests on my chest, right over my heart. “Xander, you have always been a good man. I have no doubts about it.”

The tension fades from my chest at her touch and the softness in her voice. My words are slowly getting through to her and my hand finds hers, and I hold on to it like a lifeline. “Maybe. But I was selfish. Only thinking of myself, my wants. Before you, I thought I was happy to play the field, but since you and that night all those months ago, I've been searching for something, for more, and that more is you. If that means a white picket fence, cute little babies, then that's what we'll do. It’s what I want.”

She shakes her head. “Xander, what’s happening right now? I’m sorry,” she continues. “You’re you and amazing but taking a chance with this. It’s too big, too important for me to risk it. We haven’t known each other for long, but you can’t be ready for such a drastic change. Even I’m still wrapping my head around everything and I want this more than anything. But…” Her voice wobbles as she trails off.

My heart seizes and without thought, I lower to my knees, gently turning her to face me. “I know, baby. I fucked up and I’ll never be able to apologize enough. I froze, and it took me a while to get my shit together, to wrap my head around what you said, and by that time, you had already walked away. But I never wanted you any less. If anything, I’ve wanted you more, craved you deep in my soul after you painted that picture for me. I’m not going to lie, the images I have of uspracticing, me coming so deep inside you over and over again, filling you with my cum night and day, is such a fucking turn on. I seriously think I have a breeding kink.”

“Be serious.” She stands with a huff, and I shut it. Not willing to risk losing her again.

“London, wait.” My hand shoots out to grab her before she can escape, leaving me again. I’m not making that mistake this time. “Baby, I know you’re scared, but please. Let me prove it to you.” She hesitates for a split second, and I forge ahead, not giving her a second to reconsider.

Rising to my full height, she’s in my arms, and I just breathe her in, allowing her to center me before I step back, and her eyes rise to mine.

“Come home with me tonight.” Sliding my hands lower, they find her hips before cupping her ass, pulling her closer.

“Sorry, slugger.” She gives an exaggerated head shake. “Your dick is not going to change my mind. Been there. Fucked that.”

I can hear the smile in her voice and my hand comes to my chest as if I’m wounded. “That sounds like a challenge. But seriously, I just want to spend some time with you. Alone.”

She stares at me. Those hazel eyes simmer with something I can’t decipher.

“Please. I’ll be a good boy,” I murmur.

Sighing, she looks away, staring off into the distance. “We’ll see how the rest of tonight goes, but I’m not making any promises.”

Relief flows through me as I release a breath. All I need is this inch, and I’ll scrape together a mile. “Cake, that's all I'm asking for. Just give me a chance. I'll make all my promises come true.”

My lips brush against hers in the briefest caress, testing the waters, tasting the want on each breath.

“Baby, I’ve missed you. Don’t leave me again,” I beg against her lips, moaning in anticipation of her familiar taste, I suck that full bottom lip into my mouth. She gives a small shake of her head as I surge forward, cutting off her protests, and she opens for me so beautifully. Delving into her sweet warmth, our tongues stroke, seeking more, and I take everything she's offering and the words she refuses to say.

Pulling back, we both suck in deep breaths and the intensity of London’s gaze is almost my undoing, and I growl, “Don’t you know by now that I’ll always chase you.”

She shakes her head, those eyes burning holes into me, and I bask in her undivided attention.

“Come on,” I say, pulling on her hand. “Back to the party. I have the prettiest girl here tonight. I wanna show you off.”

Hesitating, she meets my gaze. “Where’s the restroom? And no, not for that.”

She knows me well.

Stopping at the powder room, I stand, leaning against the doorjamb, riveted as she reapplies her lipstick, her handssmoothing her dress and hair in the mirror, when she clears her throat.

“By the way, hypothetically, if we were to get married, who says I would become Mrs. Grant? London Cameron has the best ring to it.”

I scoff. “Don’t start with me.”

“What?” She pulls an innocent face that I know better than to trust.

Shrugging, I concede. “You know what, once you give yourself to me, I’ll call you whatever you want.”

“I’m just saying.”

Shaking my head, I extend a hand. “Are we ready, gorgeous?” My eyes trail over her and she’s perfect.

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