Page 103 of Beautiful Defiance

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LEIGH

Ilive in the here and now, happier than I have ever been in my life. Little did I know, my perfect world would come crashing down around me with another godawful truth that was kept from me.

“Seven, we can’t seriously go rolling down the hillside. What if there’s cow poop or snakes in the grass, or sharp objects?”

We stare down the hillside that ends close to the spot where Maddox dug up the safe. Seven points at the section of grass he wants us to tumble down.

“Do you see any shit or snakes or anything sharp that will poke you?”

The grass is freshly cut. Thomas had it done as soon as I opened my mouth and suggested I be his new groundskeeper.

“No.”

“Point made. Now come on. The faster we do this, the faster we can go for a bike ride. Then my parents want to meet you.”

When Seven was at my place last night, his dad was with his mom. On our way up the hillside, holding hands, he filled me in. He got the text late last night. His mom invited his dad to stay over after his confession, and the rest is history. I can’t wait to meet Seven’s parents. Their second chance gives me hope in the power of love.

“You go first,” I say.

“Promise you’ll follow?”

“Wait a minute. You said you’re not a follower. How aboutyoufollowmylead?”

He smiles, and coming from behind, he slips his arms around my waist and nuzzles my neck. “Gladly.”

I go down the hill first, laughing all the way. I stand and sway. Goodness that was fun, but I amdizzy.

“Doing okay?” Seven stands, and he is completely steady on his feet.

“You’ve done this before,” I accuse, playfully shoving my finger into his chest.

He takes my finger and strokes up and down, his eyes fixed on my mouth. “First time, honest to God.”

Unable to look away from the smolder in his eyes, I tip my head up, reading him like an open book. His mouth crashes over mine. He tastes good. Morning coffee and peppermint.

His fingers shove in my hair. I lean into him. His thickness presses into my stomach, and a moan slips from me. It’s embarrassing how much I want him. Or the sex noises I make when he turns me on. Moaning. Sighs full of longing. Groaning. Breathless and dizzy, I break off the kiss, and cradling his face in my hand, I tell him what I would like him to give me for a belated birthday gift.

“Leigh, are you sure?” He searches my face for clues.

“I can’t wait until my next birthday. I want you to be my first, Seven Shanahan. Say yes.”

He slings me over his shoulder, and with purpose in his steps, he makes his way to my place.

I take it that’s a yes.

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