Page 68 of Finding Her Strength

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LEVI

The early morning light peeks through the window, slowly waking me up. The past two days have been tough. With Hope’s confession and talking with Cooper, I feel mentally and emotionally drained.

I look over at Hope, who’s sleeping peacefully for the first time in a week. She didn’t have a single nightmare last night when most of the past week she’s either been restless or waking up in a panic. I’m still hurt that she didn’t trust me enough to tell me her full story. After hearing what happened to her, it makes sense, but it doesn’t stop the hurt from being there.

I know I need to have patience and give her time to adjust to having a safe, loving relationship. I have to keep reminding myself it’s only been a couple of months. With how fast our relationship moved forward, I forgot where we started.

And I’m willing to wait. I’ve always been willing to wait. I love her with everything I have.

She’s it for me.

Hope starts to stir, her eyes fluttering open, vulnerability spearing me as she takes me in.

“Good morning, love.”

Hope smiles, her eyes shining with love. I think this is the first time she’s seemed completely open to me. As if there’s nothing standing in her way anymore. Nothing blocking her from fully accepting me into her life. “Good morning.”

I run my thumb across her cheek, wishing we could stay in bed for the rest of the day. “I don’t want to go to work today. Can we stay right here all day instead?”

“I would love nothing more, but I have The Boys & Girls Club event to finish today.”

“Damn responsibilities.”

Hope grins. “You still wanna take me to the beach?”

“Fuck yes. Plus, it’ll be warm enough to get you in a bikini.” I smirk.

Hope laughs at me, shaking her head. “If you take me to the beach, I’ll wear a bikini for you.”

“On it.” I lean over to grab my cell phone from the nightstand. “I’ve got this weekend available. Shall I book it?”

Giggling, Hope grabs my phone from my hands, then leans in for a kiss. “Crazy man. I didn’t meanthisweekend. But soon.”

“Soon.” I kiss her deeply. Even with the stress of Antony breathing down our necks, I know we’ll be okay. Whatever comes our way, we’ll figure it out in the end.

Groaning, I get out of bed to start my day with Hope following closely behind. Side-by-side, we go through our routines of getting ready. There’s a deeper feeling of connection this morning than there has ever been, which makes me incredibly happy. If only this mess with Hope’s ex could be sorted out, we’d be home free. I’m ready to explore what we could be without any secrets between us.

“Have I ever told you how much I love those black jeans you wear?” I ask, watching Hope go through her clothes.

“These?” She holds up the exact pair I’m talking about. She’s standing in the closet in nothing but her bra andpanties, and it’s taking a lot of effort not to throw her on the bed and have my way with her.

“Yep. Your ass looks fantastic in them.”

Hope looks at me with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. “You’re sassy this morning.”

“I love you this morning. I’m also having a hard time concentrating on anything else but you in your underwear right now.” My gaze roams over her body for the millionth time.

“Eyes up here, mister.”

“No thanks. I’m good right now.”

Laughing, Hope rolls her eyes as she puts on the black jeans. Score one for me.

I can’t wait to take those off her tonight.

The spaceI’m in is dark and small. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to fit, but I squeezed my wide-ass shoulders into it for one reason only...

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