Page 126 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“It’s better for your knees.”

“I know I’m old, but my knees are just fine,” she retorts.

“You’re not old. You’re perfect.”

She rolls her eyes. “Then why are you telling me to get running shoes?”

“To protect your knees from injury.”

Her eyebrows draw together. “Let's see if I like it before anyone buys new shoes.”

I lean in, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Who knew you weren't into shopping?”

Her lips twitch, but she keeps her expression serious. “If I need something, I’ll buy it. But other than that, I’m not interested in wasting my spare time shopping.”

I step into her space, my hand finding the small of her back, and I pull her closer. “You don’t have spare time now that you and Chad are mine.”

Her breath catches slightly as she arches her eyebrow. “Is that so?”

I nod, lowering my voice. “Yes, so get used to it.”

She rolls her lips to bite back a grin, and my heart feels so fucking full. She’s so beautiful when she smiles. I’ll do whatever it takes to never see that gutted look on her face again.

We enter her apartment, and she heads to her closet. “What should I wear?”

I follow her, and as she stands there in just her white shirt and cotton briefs, I’ve never been more captivated. My gaze traces the length of her legs until they meet her amused expression.

“You alright there?” she asks.

“I’m just admiring how fucking lucky I am.”

A blush rises on her chest. “I know the doctor mentioned running…”

I walk toward her, locking eyes with hers. “Hmm,” she mumbles.

“We could do something else.”

“I think she meant actual hobbies,” she says, her voice cracking slightly.

“Why can’t sex be a hobby?”

“It’s not,” she argues, but there’s no conviction.

“Says who?” I ask, stepping closer until we’re toe to toe. I reach out, skimming my finger along the bottom edge of her top, my fingernail lightly scratching her skin. She visibly shivers.

“Harvey,” she whispers.

My lips twist as I lift her shirt. Her hands dangle at her sides, not stopping me. “Well, I think we could do both. Your first run can’t be long anyway.”

Her breath quickens as I pull the white shirt over her head, leaving her in just her cotton bra and briefs.

“I can’t be late?”

“You meanwe,” I correct, leaning in to kiss her chest where her heart is. She already owns my own heart, and I hope I own hers too.

I’m desperate for her to give me all of herself, but I know she needs time. I need to be patient.

“Harvey…” she breathes.

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