Page 65 of Heartfelt Goals

Her lips curled into a soft, teasing smile, though her heart pounded wildly. “Go for it – and quit dawdling.”

“There’s something sweet in not being in a rush…” Dustin murmured, his voice a low rumble against the quiet of the room. His fingers skimmed over her waist, light as a whisper yet potent enough to send a shiver racing down her spine. It wasn’t just his touch—it was the promise laced within it. The patience. The control. The aching restraint that told her he wasn’t just lost in the moment; he was savoring it, savoringher.

Laurel’s breath caught in her throat, her heart a drumbeat in her ears. “I’ve been waiting for years,” she admitted, her voice thick with emotion.

She hadn’t meant to say it aloud, but there it was—the truth, raw and unguarded. Shehadwaited for him. She had dreamed of him, and had wished he would look at her differently.Through the days when she had convinced herself he didn’t see her the same way, through the lonely nights where she had yearned forthis—of his hands on her, of his lips finding hers, of finally beinghis.

And it was better than anything she had ever written in her books!

Dustin’s expression softened, the weight of her words sinking into him, settling in the depths of his gaze. His lips curved, understanding flickering across his face like a flame catching hold. “I know that now, sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice full of something she couldn’t name, something deeper than desire.

And then he kissed her.

It wasn’t tentative. It wasn’t hesitant.

It was everything.

A sharp inhale was all she managed before his lips crashed into hers, his arms moving to wrap around her, holding her as if he was afraid to let go. The force of it sent a thrill down her spine, her body melting into his as he pulled her closer—closer still—until she was nearly in his lap. His hands weren’t just touching her; they were caressing her, silently encouraging her to give in to the feelings that had been simmering between them for so long.

She didn’t resist. Shecouldn’tresist.

Her fingers curled into his hair, gripping tight as she met him with equal fervor. There was no hesitation, no space for second-guessing—only the rush of sensation, the deep hum of happiness vibrating through her as he coaxed her for more.

And then, suddenly, the world shifted.

A startled gasp left her lips as he cupped her bottom, lifting her effortlessly against him as he stood. The movement sent her heart lurching, her legs instinctively tightening around his waist.

“W-Where are we going?” she breathed, dazed, her arms clinging to his shoulders as if letting go wasn’t an option.

“I’m shoving those stupid twin beds together,” he whispered fiercely.

Laurel sagged in his arms, a mixture of joy and relief bubbling inside her. She let out a breathless laugh, her forehead resting against his as warmth flooded her chest. Hegot it. Hegot her. Those twin beds had been a slap in the face and now a symbol of something much deeper. They were finally taking the steps to become a couple… and the space between them?

Gone.

Dustin chuckled, his laughter vibrating against her skin as he carried her into the bedroom. Setting her down on the corner of one bed, he didn’t even hesitate—he strode straight toward the nightstand that separated the twin beds, gripping the lamp cord and yanking it out of the wall with almost reckless impatience. The lamp thudded onto the surface as he grabbed the entire nightstand and moved it aside like it was nothing.

Then, with a determined breath, he turned and shoved one of the twin beds toward the other with a forcefulscrape.

Laurel watched him, her chest rising and falling as the reality of the moment settled over her. This wasn’t just about beds. This wasn’t just abouttonight.

This was him making a statement.

A decision.

Apromise.

He turned to face her, chest heaving, a small, sheepish grin breaking across his lips as he reached for the hem of his T-shirt. “I’m sorry,” he said breathlessly, tugging the fabric over his head and tossing it aside. “We’re not using twin beds ever again.”

Her throat tightened as heat curled inside her, twisting and turning until all she could do was nod. “Nope,” she managed to croak.

Dustin’s expression darkened, the teasing edge fading as something far more intense took its place. He stepped towardher, the weight of his gaze holding her in place, his voice rough with need.

“And you’re sure?”

She met his stare without hesitation, her heart pounding, her answer absolute. “Completely.”

A slow, wicked smile tugged at his lips as he whispered, “Good.”

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