Page 107 of Falling For You

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Owen chuckled, stepping back and running a hand through his hair. “I’m looking forward to it, though. Spending Christmas with my family is important, but I’m also excited to return here. To see you.”

I bit my lip, feeling a surge of warmth in my chest at the thought of his returning to Buttercup Lake. “You’re really coming back?”

He nodded, his expression sincere. “Of course. I meant what I said earlier. I don’t want to be away from you for too long. This place… it’s different. You’re different. And I like that.”

I felt my cheeks flush at his words, the warmth of his gaze making my pulse race. “Well, I guess I’ll have to ensure the lodge is in good shape when you return. Keep everything running smoothly while you’re off playing businessman.”

Owen grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I have no doubt you’ll have everything under control.”

We stood there for a moment, the silence between us comfortable, the tension simmering beneath the surface. I could feel the chemistry between us building with every glance and every word. It was undeniable, and I knew that whatever happened next was only the beginning.

“So,” Owen said, his voice dropping slightly. “Do you have any plans for the rest of the night?”

I raised an eyebrow, my lips curving into a teasing smile. “What in particular are you thinking? The town is closed down for the holiday.”

I sat on the couch and grinned.

“Oh, I don’t know.” He sat next to me and brushed his hand against mine again. “I’ve got some other ideas.”

I laughed, realizing how good it felt to let go. “All right. Let me have it. Tell me what you think we ought to do tonight?”

Owen grinned. His hand slipped into mine as the warmth of his touch sent a shiver through me. “I’m ready for whatever you throw at me.”

Excitement built with every second. It was as if we were both tiptoeing around something bigger, something more, and I sensed that tonight—right here, in this cabin—was the start of something even more thrilling.

He kissed me softly as his hands skimmed my cheeks, sending a frenzy through me.

A moan buzzed against his lips as his tongue swiped my bottom lip. “This feels right.”

I nodded, kissing him harder before breaking away. “More than right.”

His eyes steadied on mine as he slid his fingers through my hair, and I smiled.

“Don’t slow down on account of me,” I teased.

He laughed, and my belly clenched as the electricity crackled between us.

Owen slid his knee toward me and cradled my chin in his palm as his lips swept over mine. His eyes locked on me, and a flutter of excitement flitted through me as he studied me in a protective way.

This was it.

This was how I imagined our first time. His loyalty and gruffness mixed with something unspoken between us, a softness.

Owen’s eyes bounced down my body as I lay back against the couch, and he nudged his leg a little closer before caging me in with his arms.

Everything about this moment was intoxicating. The closeness and awareness we had for each other created an unstoppable connection. His mouth pressed down to mine as the bond between us heightened.

Owen’s lips tasted sweet as his tongue slid deeper, and I let out a happy moan. The vibration buzzed between our lips as his hand slid under my top.

My fingers already skated across his bare skin. My thumb grazed over his pecs as a burning ache settled within me, wanting so much more.

I tugged his sweater over his head, our kisses barely stopping as he helped me with mine. His mouth skated down my neck to my breasts. Unfastening my bra, he slid it off as his lips teased my sensitive skin. His hands reached my jeans, and he expertly unbuttoned them as I shimmied them off.

I’d thought about this moment so often, and now the need was nearly crippling.

Owen kissed the soft spot on my neck as he balanced with one arm, shoving off his pants with the other as I let out a whimper of need.

He brought his mouth back to mine as he nudged my legs wider. I writhed underneath him, hoping to encourage him, but his mouth continued to tease and taunt as his fingers slid over my bare sides.

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