Page 95 of Give Me Perfect Love

Wanting to see her face as I fully slide into her, I look up. Her eyes are hooded, her mouth slack, and when I push in, she sucks in an audible gasp before the pleasure takes over, causing her eyes to close.

I fuck her slowly, my hand splayed out on the dresser, while my other holds her waist. Needing to kiss her, I crash my mouth to hers and die a thousand deaths when she pulls away for only a moment and whispers, “I love you.”

I can’t get enough. I pull her closer to me, going faster. Her arms link around my neck, and I press my face into her throat. I kiss and bite as the dresser hits the wall and things fall off.

She holds on, and God, I hope she never lets go.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Kathrine

It’s spring in Georgia, and today couldn’t be more gorgeous. There’s a nice breeze blowing in from the pasture, and the short grass sways with it.

Bryce and I made it through the harsh winter, learning everything there is to know about each other. After he told me about the illegal gambling under Red, we grew closer.

I know he kept it from me.

I know what he does is wrong, but I stand by him.

I love him, and that’s all there is.

What? Am I supposed to fight every day and beg him to shut it down?

Am I supposed to threaten him and say I’ll walk if he doesn’t do as I ask?

Who would that benefit? Surely not me.

I’ve felt what it’s like to be without him, and fuck that. I’m not in the business of constantly hurting myself anymore.

I deserve better.

I deserve the love that we have.

Bethany used to say everything disappears eventually, but as I look at the scenery in front of me, I think some things stay. Like these people I now have in my life. Lee, Emily, Monnie, and Lou. Fun-loving Jace and my best friend Claire. Austin and now my dad, Mills.

And lastly, Bryce.

I sigh contently as the horses neigh and bob their heads. They all have flowers draped around their necks, and the house behind me has lights strung around its thick columns, ready for when the sun fades.

The ceiling fans are spinning, and as of right now, the rocking chairs are empty. The dogs, Doc and Holliday, are inside because they like to give kisses. A few kids are running around in their Sunday best getting scooped up by their parents. Their laughter fills the air, and it makes it even more beautiful out here.

“Your flowers are pretty,” one of them says.

“They are, aren’t they?” Emily beams.

A lot has changed over the last few months. The remodel on Mugs & Books is complete, and we reopened a few days before Christmas. Claire started working with me. I gave her free reign of the kitchen to do as she pleased.

She came up with a delicious menu––canapés and sandwiches. The food add-on has been a hit and has us thinking about expanding more and having a restaurant.

Mary woke from her coma and is recovering in a very nice rehab facility. We visit when we can, and Bryce speaks to her daily. He’s a good son. Better than she deserves. Mills is a part of my life as much as he can be out on the road. I’d never ask him to stop doing what he loves to spend more time with me.

He plans to retire one day soon, but I’m happy with the phone calls, video chats, and the amazing pictures he takes when he visits certain towns.

Mills is not only my dad by blood, he’s my friend. I knew he was easy to talk to when I worked at the diner, even though I didn’t talk much, not wanting to reveal how bad things were for me at home. But now that he knows my life, I find that I want to call him and tell him how my day was and what issues we have going on.

He’s my family.

I smile over at Emily, the woman who was there while Bryce was going through teenage hormones. Today, she is marrying Lee, and the ranch has never looked prettier. The flowers are in full bloom, and the trees are thick with green.

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