Page 101 of Everlasting Promises

He’s shaking his head before I can finish. “You haven’t ruined anything. You’re allowed to feel how you feel and express it however you wish. I’m here for all of it.”

I push up onto my toes and kiss his jaw, covered in bristles. “You’re a good man, Ben Taylor.”

“I wouldn’t say that. I should feed you, not feel you up in the shower.”

I giggle as he turns off the water, then leads me out of the cubicle to dry me off with an enormous gray, fluffy towel. Once he dries me, he taps my butt.

“Go get dressed and meet me downstairs.”

“So bossy,” I chuckle as I step past him.

He wraps his hand around my throat, freezing me in place. “You ain’t seen nothing yet, Hope,” he tells me, then kisses me roughly and urges me out of his bathroom.

Giddiness is my companion as I dress in one of Ben’s T-shirts and sort out my hair the best I can so it doesn’t turn into a bird’s nest. When I’m satisfied, I follow the delicious smell of dinner downstairs to find Ben crouched next to Rex, giving him plenty of love.

“I know, buddy. I’ve fallen hard, but I promise I won’t forget about you.” My heart swoons while he places a bowl of food on the floor. “Here. Your favorite—steak and vegetables.” He rubs Rex’s scruff, then stands, and that’s when he notices me leaning in the doorway. A pink hue paints his cheeks, and he rubs the back of his neck as he walks over to me.

His eyes dance to my hair, and his cheeks rise as his fingers tease the curls. “I love these curls of yours.”

I chuckle. “They’re freaking hard work.”

“I think they’re beautiful and definitely worth the time and effort you devote to them.” He leans forward and lightly kisses me. “Come. Let me feed you.”

“You’re completely spoiling me. I might get used to this, and then you’ll be stuck having to look after me.” I slam my mouth shut. Shit. We had sex once, and I’m acting like a stage-five clinger. Completely his fault. He’s been so terrific to me and Evan. And he even hinted that he’d like to have a baby with me.A baby!

He tugs me into his hard body and presses his forehead to mine with our eyes locked—my aquamarine to his gray. “I’ll happily spoil you until we’re wrinkly and gray.”

I wrap my arms around his neck, and my heart swells for what feels like the first time in forever. I press up on my toes and kiss him. I kiss him with everything I am and a heart full ofhope. Hope for a future that is free from the deep sadness I’ve been drowning in.

He returns it tenfold, picking me up and carrying me to the granite counter in the middle of his kitchen. Our kiss escalatesquickly, and dry humping ensues. We tear at each other’s clothes with desperate fingers like we didn’t have sex less than an hour ago, and when he finally pushes inside me, I know I’ll struggle with soreness, but I really don’t care.

I just want this connection with him as often as possible. I want this feeling he gives me so freely. The feeling I thought I’d lost forever.

47

BEN

“So,how are things going with you and Hope?” Sebastian asks as he jams a fry in his mouth.

My body heats at the mention of the woman who’s always at the forefront of my mind. “Pretty great.” Images of her curled up on my chest the morning after we finally crossed the line and all the times we’ve stolen moments to be together as a couple—and as afamily—over the last week run across my mind like a movie reel.

I’ve never felt so content.

So at peace.

Like I’ve finally found the place I belong.

And I get the impression Hope feels the same. Ihopeshe feels the same. It’s natural between the three of us, even though we haven’t had asleepoverwith Evan in the house yet.

Seb points at my face. “If that look is anything to go by, I’d have to agree things must be pretty great between you.” He lifts his beer to his lips. “I’m happy for you, man. If anyonedeserves to find happiness, it’s you.” He punctuates his sentence by gulping the rest of his drink.

Warmth unfurls in my chest with his words. “You deserve it, too.”

He responds with a shrug. “One day.” He brushes off any talk about a relationship for himself, but I know he aches to have someone to call his own. “So tell me, what changed?”

I blow out a long breath. “Everything.” I can’t stop the grin from overtaking my face, then I sober. “I know the road ahead won’t always be smooth. I know she’ll always mourn everything her and Evan have lost, but hopefully being with me will make it hurt a little less. I’ve watched her laugh and smile more than she ever did when I first met her. Even her family have noticed the change in her and Evan. She has a sparkle to her eyes and a lightness that was missing. I’m trying to show both of them life is worth living. The way Tahlia taught us.”

“That’s great. I’m glad things are working out.” He pauses for a moment, a thoughtful expression pinching his features. “How does she feel about you being a cop?”

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