Page 31 of Back to Me

“So, that’s what this was? A way for you to get back at me because you thought I was dating Jenna?” When she doesn’t answer me, I narrow my eyes and slowly take steps toward her. I’m always drawn to her—even when we’re angry. “You say you want the truth. You say to cut the bullshit. Oh, I’ll tell you the truth, Sara, because I’m tired of this little game we’re playing.” My voice is direct and even.

Looking up from her feet, her wide-open eyes focus on me.

“I’m in love with you,” I say, taking one step closer.

Time stops, everything stops. Her eyes soften just slightly as she loosens her arms a little. They’re still wrapped around her chest, but her arms and shoulders are no longer tense, struggling to keep her together.

I tighten my jaw, gearing myself up for revealing the secret I’ve kept for so many years.

“I’ve been in love with you since the minute you stumbled into my life. I think about you every hour, every minute, and every goddamn fucking second of every day. I love everything about you. I love the way you pinch the tip of your tongue between your teeth when you’re concentrating on a drawing.” I take another step. “I love the way you dress and the way you wear that purple-red lipstick. I love how you care so much about a person, putting their needs before your own. I love how you were there for my sister in ways I couldn’t be.”

When I finally reach her, I bend my knees just enough so my eyes are in line with hers. Tears have fallen from her green eyes once again, and it’s not until I place my hand on the small of her back and pull her toward me, I realize she hasn’t taken a breath. Her chest is still, and her arms are still crossed over her chest, pressed against mine. I lift my hand and slide her blonde hair away from her face with my fingertips. Dragging my thumb along her cheek, I catch the tears as they fall from her green eyes.

“I never intended to call Jenna,” I whisper. Her eyes search my face, trying to gauge if I’m speaking the truth. Her lips part, allowing a small passage of air to pass through them. “I don’t know why I took it, to be honest. Maybe it was because I never believed you could ever love me back. But Sara, it’s always been you. Even with my eyes closed, you’re the only woman I ever see.”

Another tear spills down her cheek, and I catch it with my finger. Her chest falls, and her body relaxes against mine.

“You love me?” she asks, breathless.

I nod, allowing her a few seconds to absorb what I’ve just told her. I hold my breath, unsure of how she’s feeling with my confession.

Taking a deep breath, she melts in my arms.

“I love you, too, Graham. It’s only ever been you.”

Then I feel it. The tile floor beneath me crumbles, and everything fades into the background—all the bullshit and every argument. It all makes sense.

Looking into her eyes, I place my hands against her warm, wet cheeks. Briefly closing her eyes, she nods, sending me her silent reassurance, and I crash my lips into hers. I pull her so fast and so quick, she releases a hot breath through her nose. Her arms untangle between us, and she wraps them around me, digging her fingers into the muscles of my back. Her lips are smooth and taste like berries. Parting her lips with my tongue, I caress her mouth, feeling my body melt into hers.

Unwilling to break our kiss, I cup her ass, lifting her and placing her on the edge of the center island. She parts her legs, allowing my body to be wrapped inside them. Crossing them at the ankles, she pulls me closer, pinning me against her. My lips move from her mouth to her neck, dropping her head back to give me more access. Her breaths are heavy as she runs her fingers through my hair, dragging her nails across my scalp.

I’m instantly hard for her. I want to take this slow, seeing how I’ve never felt Sara this way, but the fire growing in me is too much to bear. I want to feel every inch of her as fast as possible. With my lips pressed against her neck, I can feel her rapid pulse beating against my mouth. I slide the straps of her dress over her shoulders, pulling them down far enough to expose her breasts. She’s not wearing a bra, and I let out a small growl, amazed at the woman in my arms. Taking her breast in my mouth, I bite down, feeling her flesh between my teeth. Her skin is hot, yet sweet against my tongue. She moans, pressing her chest further into me. Moving her hands from my hair, she pushes me away, but only far enough to grab the hem of my shirt, pulling it over my head. Digging her fingernails into my shoulders, my body tenses and pressure builds beneath the suddenly tight fabric of my torn jeans. With shaky fingers, she undoes the button of my jeans and slides the zipper open in one move, relieving the pressure.

She leans forward, frantically trying to push down my jeans and boxers. She grunts, frustrated only being able to push them down so far. I help her, removing my hands from her body long enough to slide them down my legs. I don’t bother stepping out of my jeans, wanting to return to her as soon as possible. Sliding closer to me on the counter, I feel her press her sensitive spot against my stomach. She still has her legs wrapped around my back, keeping me pinned to her.

Hooking two fingers onto her panties, I shove them aside and thrust myself into her. Her fingers return to my hair, and she grips the ends, feeling me push myself farther into her. She’s warm and wet and everything I had imagined this moment to be. My chest explodes, remembering all the times I dreamed of this—all the ways I would have her, taking her right here on our kitchen counter, her flesh and limbs wrapped around me.

When I pull back and push into her again, she calls out my name in one breath. Fire returns to my body, but this time it’s not filled with anger. It’s filled with desire.

Tightening her legs around my waist, I can feel her approaching her release. Placing my lips against hers, I breathe her name.

“Sara.”

Against my mouth, her hot breath dances across my lips.

“I love you, Graham. I’ve always loved you.”

I break our kiss long enough to take in her beautiful face, staring into her eyes.

“I love you.” Quickening our pace, I pull back and push into her again. Her head falls back, moaning once more.

“I want to see you come undone,” I grit out, feeling the pressure beneath me reaching its peak. Her legs quiver against me, her nails digging into my scalp when she reaches her climax. Her eyes are closed, her mouth is relaxed. I watch as her body slowly relaxes enough to push into her a few more times, allowing myself to come undone beneath her.

Our breaths heavy, I rest my head against her chest, listening to her heart thrash against her ribs. “Your heart’s beating so fast.” I breathe out.

She giggles, resting her cheek against the top of my hair. “It always is when I’m around you.”

Flexing my arms around her waist, I lift my head and stare into her emerald green eyes. Her lipstick isn’t smudged, and her face is perfect as always.

“You’re beautiful.”

Her eyes search mine as a single tear spills down her cheek. Feeling her tear soak into my skin, I’m reminded of where we were just minutes ago. The anger and frustration that once filled this room have all but disappeared. The air has cleared, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

Everything is perfect, the way it should have always been.

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