Page 75 of Sven

“Is that why you seem physically incapable of wearing a shirt?”

He couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled out of him. “Maybe a little... but I’m never wearing a shirt again now that I know for sure how it affects you,” he said, sweeping the hair out of her eyes.

She just smiled and shook her head, and it was everything.

“So, we are doing this, then?”

“Yeah, we are,” he said, leaning into kiss her.

She hummed as he pressed his lips to hers. Her soft hand came up and cupped his jaw as she opened to him. He swept his tongue into her mouth and kissed her slowly. This was all he intended to do tonight, but he was going to make it worth it.

Then, to his surprise, Natalie moved to straddle him. Looking up into her eyes, he settled his hands on her hips before she cupped his face and took the lead on kissing him. He was more than happy to get lost in this kiss and ached to feel all her lush curves. But there would be time for that because, while she might still need convincing, he was already certain.

Natalie Roper was his.

They sat there, kissing, lost in each other. Time ceased to exist. Cupping her ass and pulling her closer to him, he became unraveled in the feel of her body pressed into his and the connection of their kiss. As he kissed down her neck, she ran her hands through his hair. He knew if he didn’t stop this soon, they would end up in his bed, but he didn’t want that. And while he would really enjoy that, he wanted to do this differently.

He pulled back from her, but she followed, still kissing him. Finally, she retreated and looked at him. The smile that lit up her face settled in his soul.

“I have to be on the plane around nine tomorrow, and I still have to pack,” he said with pain in his voice. He wanted to saySo, why don’t you come keep me company?but he knew the moment she set foot in his room his control would crack. “So, why don’t we say good night? But I’m going to call you every night and maybe we can spend some time getting to know each other a little bit more.”

“Okay,” she said, moving off him.

“Or I mean... that’s a crap idea. You could just come upstairs with me.”

Who knew his resolve would crumble so fast? He should have known. He was kidding... mostly.

“No, you’re right. I think it’s a good idea. I’ll be in tomorrow before you leave.”

She stood from the couch, and he walked her to the pool house. She slid open the patio door and stepped in.

“Good night, Natalie,” he said before leaning in for a good-night kiss.

“Good night, Sven.”

He walked back into his house and floated up the stairs to pack his suitcase for the road trip. It was a good thing he’d been packing for road trips for years because his mind was definitely elsewhere. He kept peeking out his window at the light on in the pool house. When he checked and saw all the lights off, he texted her.

Sven: Good night Natalie

Natalie: Good night

Sven: Sweet dreams

He plugged in his phone, crawled into bed, and gave a contented sigh.

It could have sucked with his dad showing up, but as hard as that had been, it forced him to deal with this thing with Natalie. So, he should actually be thanking his dad, but that would not be happening. Because the more he saw himself through Natalie’s eyes, the more he thought he deserved better than the way his father had always treated him.

Setting his alarm, even though he very rarely needed one these days with a tiny baby alarm in the next room, he slid into bed, wishing he had a soft warm body in bed next to him. Maybe when he got home, they could do that. He really wanted to do that.

26

Natalie

Natalie sat on the floor with Winnie, waiting for Alice to come over. They were watching the game together, like always. But not only was Alice coming over, but Sydney was coming over, too. She was excited for Alice and Sydney to get to know each other because Sydney had been her best friend for years, but Alice was quickly becoming a best friend, too. The fact these women were so different made her nervous. Sydney was driven and no nonsense, and Alice was soft and artistic, but both were bad-ass women, and she needed them to get along. Not to mention she needed to talk to them about Sven.

Her phone buzzed.

Sven: getting ready to head into the locker room. I’ll call you when I get back to the hotel.

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