Page 82 of The Forever Play

I’ve never seen Zander this vulnerable before, and it’s busting my heart wide open.

“I know I can never say it enough. But I’m sorry I acted the way I did. I don’t know what possessed me to think I had to explore the world of women, but it left me empty. So, at Christmas, I came back for you. I was willing to do long-distance until you could join me… but you weren’t there. Not even a goodbye.”

Guilt shreds me, and I shuffle around so I can drape my leg over his and pull us closer together again. The condom sticks between us and I cringe, reaching behind me to grab a tissue and clean him up.

Yeah, my duvet’s going to need washing, too, after the wet mess we made.

But I ignore the problem and focus back on my man.

My man.

He’s my man again.

My heart does a little twirl as I press my cheek to his. “We’ve both made big mistakes.” I run my fingers through the back of his hair—a gentle caress. “But I’m learning to trust you again.”

“And I’m going to give you every reason to.”

His promise is so heartfelt and sincere.

Aw, man. I love him so freaking much.

With a soft giggle, I press my lips against his, joy bursting through me like a rainbow as I roll him onto his back and snuggle against his side.

Tugging the blanket out from beneath us, he makes sure we’re covered, then curls his arm protectively around me. I draw patterns through his light dusting of chest hair until my eyes drift shut and I fall asleep beside my man, the way I’ve dreamed of doing a thousand times before.

CHAPTER 30

ZANDER

Falling asleep with Sienna in my arms feels like home. That might be a sappy thing to think, but it’s true.

I can’t believe I fucking cried in front of her, but that was the most emotional sex I have ever had. It was like our souls were reconnecting or something. I didn’t realize how much I needed it. Being inside her was a cleansing ritual.

She let me be a part of her again. Even after everything she saw.

Shit, she can never find out about the other stuff. I won’t put her through that.

She’s forgiven me, and I need to cherish that.

Fuck, I’m never letting her go again. Even if I don’t deserve her, I’m going to selfishly cling, because she’s my woman and I can’t lose her.

Drifting in and out of sleep, I keep rousing into a semiconscious state and feeling her beside me. Running my hand around her naked body, I reassure myself she’s not an illusion before letting my mind float away again.

By the time soft baby cries rouse me, I’m on my side with Sienna tucked perfectly against me. Her ass is nestled into my junk, my knees resting beneath hers. My hand is under her right boob, and I’m in fucking heaven.

Except that someone’s crying.

Wait.

My eyes snap open, my body instantly alert as I jerk up straight and hone into Zoey’s soft blubbering.

Sienna groans, coming to and pulling back the covers.

“S’okay. Mama’s coming,” she mumbles, sounding half-drunk as she sits up and flicks on the light.

I squint against the sudden glare and can’t help an instant smile as my eyes adjust. Sienna’s still gloriously naked, and I skim my fingers down her back as she sits on the edge of the bed and obviously tries to wake herself up enough to attend to our daughter.

“Will it freak her out if I go?” I surprise myself by asking.

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