Page 45 of Finding Her Strength

“Thank you so much for bringing me here, Levi. This is the best weekend I’ve ever had.”

I wrap her up in my arms as we stand there looking out at the ocean. “And it’s only just begun.”

I slidemy hands through my hair for the millionth time this evening, unsure of the best move to make. I have very few options, and not a single one is good.

“You have to make a move at some point,” Hope taunts. I glare at her, but it only makes her smile grow wider. I pick up my little, plastic warrior pieces, moving them around the board.

Hope is beating me handily atRisk. At this point, I’m just trying to save my pride since I have no chance of making a comeback. “How are you so good at this game?”

“Mostly luck since I’ve had good rolls. I’m also very analytical. I examine the entire situation before making a decision.”

“I’ve always been impulsive. I make decisions entirely too quickly.”

“No wonder I’m beating you so badly.” Hope laughs, and I grin at her, happy she’s happy despite getting my ass kicked.

After we left the beach, we cleaned up from our waterescapades and drove into town. We had lunch at a small café with the best potato soup I’ve ever eaten. Then Hope insisted we go grocery shopping so she could make dinner. I offered to take her out on a date, but she said she wanted to cook for me instead. Who am I to turn down a home-cooked meal?

When we got back, she wanted to go back to the beach, so we grabbed some chairs and lay out in the sun, listening to the waves. After eating Hope’s phenomenal enchiladas, we found a closet under the stairs with stacks of board games. I’ve since learned that Hope is super competitive, and stone-cold when it comes to defeating me. If she hadn’t kept the little sheepish smile on her face while destroying me, I’d be wondering if she was playing up the innocent act.

“You know, we should just call it. You’ve already clearly won, and my pride is heavily dented. I don’t know if I can take much more.”

“You have plenty of pride to spare, so I’m not too worried about you.”

I dramatically slap my hand over my chest. “Drive the knife in deeper, why don’t you?”

Hope throws a potato chip at me, making me laugh. “Fine, we can be done.” She sighs. The smile she’s hiding tells me she’s not put out in the slightest.

“How about you pick out a movie while I clean up?”

“Perfect.” As Hope heads into the living room, I gather all the game pieces, sorting them back into the box. When the game is put away, I turn to find Hope snuggled up in the middle of the couch. Her feet are tucked under her with a blanket lying across her legs. I love that she chose a spot where I would have to sit right next to her, no matter what.

“What did you pick out?” I ask, sitting down next to her.

“A superhero movie. This one has the two hot guys who start off as best friends and then become enemies.”

“First of all, I’m sitting right here. I’d rather not have mygirlfriend lusting over a hot guy who isn’t me. Fictional or not. And second of all, fantastic choice.”

Hope’s head whips around so fast, I’m worried she might hurt herself. I knew my nonchalant statement would get a rise out of her; I’m just not sure which part caught her attention. The girlfriend bit or the preference that she doesn’t fantasize about other guys.

“First of all,” she echoes, a little heat behind her words. I have to fight my grin at seeing her get fired up. “I’ve never lusted after anyone else but you, however, there will be people I find attractive. I mean, I’m not dead, so you’ll have to get over it. Second of all, when did I become your girlfriend?”

So, it was the entire statement. Good to know. “Your point on the attraction thing is fair, so I’ll concede that one. As for being my girlfriend… You became mine the minute I woke up on your couch with you in my arms, never wanting to wake up alone again. Just as I became yours the minute you woke up terrified and allowed me to hold you.”

Hope’s eyes bore into mine as if the harder she stares, the better she’ll be able to read my mind. I hold her eye contact, needing her to see me, see what we could be together. “I’m yours…” she says slowly like she’s deciding how the words feel out loud.

“Just as I’m yours,” I repeat.

Hope continues to stare at me, vulnerability radiating off her in waves. I’m worried I pushed her too far too soon, but it was time she knew exactly what was going on here. I don’t want to pussyfoot around, waiting on her to decide if we’re doing this. I know she wants me as much as I want her. We can figure out the rest later.

She nods her head decisively, then suddenly straddles my lap, knees on either side of my hips. She holds my face in her hands, her gaze serious. “Don’t let me down.”

I slide my hands up her back and into her hair. “Don’t run away from me when you get scared.”

We lean in at the same time, our mouths meeting in the middle. Her lips are soft and pliant against mine as I take control of the kiss. Everything I’ve dreamed of is in my arms right now. She’s the one I never truly believed was out there. The future I always hoped I’d have.

My hands start roaming all over Hope. Down her back, around her hips, up her rib cage. Her curves feel phenomenal in my hands like I always knew they would.

As mine continue to explore, Hope’s do the same. Around my arms, across my chest, down my sides. Her hands feel like electricity is buzzing across my body, sending blood straight to my cock.

---