Page 47 of Beauty and the Beard

“Promise I get pancakes in the morning?” I whisper.

“Promise.”

His lips brush mine, and I clutch at his shirt. Kissing him back, he moans deep and his beard tickles my cheek. “Let’s do this right,” he mumbles against my lips before gently tugging me down the short hallway.

The bedroom is almost as big as the main living area, but there’s only one small window that opens and a beautiful set of French doors. Leaf follows my gaze.

“That leads to my little secret, and I’ll show you later.”

“Still mysterious. How charming.”

My heart slams into my ribs and the tender look in Leaf’s eyes sends a shiver through me. Is it possible he’s just like the men in my favourite books? I’ve been brave, trying so many things while here, but letting someone get so close is more terrifying than the bear encounter Roman teased me about.

“I’ve never been called charming before. Mysterious, yes, but not charming.”

Again, he places a hand on my cheek, and I bite my lip at the gentleness that resides in those hands. “But I’m honest, Sasha. And I meant what I said earlier. You woke me up. There’s something about you I can’t ignore.” His lips kiss my forehead and he stays there with a shaky sigh. “Don’t make me beg. If this is one-sided, tell me now.”

“It’s not one-sided.” I whisper, and his body sags as he kisses my head again. “But you know if begging is a kink, we can work with it.” I joke and a puff of air crosses my cheek as he laughs.

His hand trails down my side and his fingers dip under my shirt. The hairs of his beard dust over my skin and when I fist his shirt with my hands, he covers them with his own.

“Let me take care of you. I know you’re scared and I am too, but I can lead us if it’s easier for you.”

I feel like an idiot, but I nod, and with gentle hands he removes my shirt, taking time to feather kisses across my chest and swirl his tongue across my nipples. My hands reach for his body and I tug his shirt over his head. His hair pokes up all crazy and I laugh softly.

“Did you use gel or mousse in your hair tonight?”

A blush sweeps up his neck. “Yeah. Why?”

Giggling, I smooth his wonky hair back. “You look like the guy in that movie who has cum in his hair and the woman thinks it’s hair gel.”

He kisses my knuckles, his gaze never wavering from mine.

We’ve already seen each other naked. We’ve shared orgasms and plenty of intimate touches, but this is different. It’s not hurried or awkward and saturated with lust.

There’s so much more crackling here and Leaf’s lips on my skin snap me back to the present again. The reality of this broken man finding himself whole again with me is unexpected and I’m not prepared to handle all these new feelings that keep erupting.

“Stop thinking. Let’s just be, Sasha. Let us just be. Right now. It’s you and me. Even if it’s just for tonight.”

His fingers fumble with the buttons on my skinny jeans, and with a strained laugh, I help him.

“These are just as hard to get into as they are to get out of. Let me.”

I shimmy and pull the tight pants off to Leaf’s amusement.

“I have to say, I’m quite happy I don’t follow fashion trends.” He unzips and pushes his jeans over his hips and they slide to his knees. After stepping out of them with ease, he pulls me close to him again. “Getting undressed shouldn’t leave you short of breath. It’s what comes after that should take your breath away.”

“Are you planning to take my breath away?”

Those damn brown eyes see into my deepest secrets, but I stand firm. He already found his way into everything, no sense trying to hide now.

“Just enough so you don’t forget me.”

And I fold into his strong arms. He’s safe and kind and his touch is so… reverent. There’s no mistaking that I’m not just a fling or a hot ass to use for a night. Leaf means every word, every kiss, and every touch. I can’t turn him away, even if I wanted to. I’m too weak to avoid the broken heart that I know is on the horizon, but I’ll bask in his worship for one night just so I know what it feels like to be someone’s treasure.

He slides off my skimpy thong with care and a hum of approval before shedding his boxers, and I’m a panting puddle of desire. He backs me to the bed and lays me out more gently than I’d like, but it’s exactly what I need.

Leaf’s touch burns a path along my skin. Talented hands turn me into putty and my hips move on their own, seeking more. More touches, more kisses, more hot breath on my skin. His lips do nothing to quench the want, and before I know it, I’m the one begging.

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