Page 58 of When We Burn

“Come inside of me, Bridger.”

His voice is rough as he swears incoherently, his hands tighten on my hips, pulling me back even harder, and then I feel him let go, filling me.

I’m panting, pinned between him and my car, but if he lets go of me, I’ll fall on my face. My knees are jelly.

Bridger doesn’t pull out right away. He guides me back against him and wraps his strong arms around my shoulders, plants his face in my hair, and holds on to me so tightly, as if he never wants to let me go.

“My good girl.”

My muscles contract, and I feel him smile against me.

“You like that.”

“Yeah.” I sigh and hug his arms against my chest. “I like that.”

“I wish I could stay with you today.” His voice is calmer, quieter, as he brushes his lips rhythmically over my hair, back and forth, soothing us both. “But Birdie’s at a birthday party, and I have to go get her in a few minutes.”

I sigh again, but I nod. I know and respect that Birdie is his priority. If she wasn’t, I wouldn’t be as attracted to him. I love that he’s a good dad to his adorable little girl.

Sure, it adds a layer of difficulty for us. Maybe it means that this isn’t going to be a relationship. Maybe sex is all we can do right now, with everything that we both have going on in our lives.

And, honestly, I’d take it. Because there’s nothing like this. Absolutely nothing in my life has ever made me feel as amazing as being with Bridger does, and I don’t want to let go of it.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, and I can hear the sincerity in his voice, but I can’t have him feeling guilty for even one moment.

“No.” I let go of his arms, and he pulls out of me, giving me room to turn around so I can plant my hands on his chest as I look up into his dark eyes. “Don’t apologize for Birdie, Bridge. Never.Not ever.”

He nods and kisses my forehead, sighing almost in relief. “Okay, then. What are your plans for today?”

It feels a little weird to be standing in my garage,naked, well and truly sexed, talking about my day, but here we are.

“I’m going to finish my yard, and this afternoon, I’m going to check out the new bookstore. Bee wouldn’t let me come before this because she wanted it to be a surprise.”

He grins down at me and swipes his thumb over my lower lip. “We’ll be there a little later, too. Maybe I’ll get to see you.”

Reluctantly, Bridger turns away to put his clothes on, and the sexy moment is over, which makes me sad. I don’t know when I’ll see him again, aside from catching glimpses of him coming and going, which is absolutely not good enough now that I’ve had so much more with him.

But I’m not about to make him feel guilty about that. When he can see me, he will. It’s not like he’s made me any promises.Although, today showed me that he wants me as much as I want him.

Once we’re both dressed again, I open the garage door, letting in the breeze. Before leaving, Bridger pulls me in for one of his amazing hugs, and I press my head to his chest, enjoying his warmth and the steady beat of his heart. Then he tips my chin up so he can brush his mouth over mine in that way that makes my toes curl.

“Don’t work too hard out here,” he murmurs against my lips. “Take some time for yourself today.”

“I will.”

I want to ask him when I’ll see him again, but I don’t. I let him walk away, across the street and into his ownhouse before I check on Pickles, pleased to see that she’s still snoozing happily on the porch. I hurry inside to quickly clean up enough that I can comfortably finish mowing the lawn.

By the time I go back outside, Bridger’s truck is gone again, and I get back to work.

The bookstore is the most beautiful store I’ve ever seen.

The shelves look old, made out of honey-colored wood that you just want to drag your hand across, and are filled with so many colorful novels that it fills my book-loving heart with pure joy. There are decadent, colorful, deep-stuffed chairs by the windows for someone to curl up in and read, and everything about this store screams cozy.

Welcome.

Sit a while.

Have some coffee and relax.

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