Page 57 of How to Deal

“Really?” I draw out. “That’s hard to believe.” I give a little nod to his body.

Tathan chuckles and leans to one side. “It’s the truth.”

You probably know this, but watching him lean is like watching porn. I fan myself. I can’t handle the leaning.

His eyes twinkle when he speaks. “I’ve had two girlfriends in my life and never—up until you—have Ieverslept with someone outside of being in a relationship with them.”

Sigh. Just fucking sigh.

“I’m not interested in sleeping around. Sure if I wanted to, it’s available, but I wasn’t raised that way. When I’m with a woman, she’s gonna know that it’s just me and her.”

I don’t say anything. I’m not sure I can after this week and everything I’ve been schooled on.

“I want you.” He takes a step closer, and another until he’s backed me up against his door. “Why can’t you give me a chance?”

Nothing comes out. I guess in some ways, I’m not protesting it.

“When I’m with a woman, I’monlywith her, and she’s going to know exactly who she belongs to, every single inch of her. I don’t share.”

Panties feel free to melt now.

His stare, so serious and relaxed, searches mine, waiting to see my reaction. I close my eyes, unable to reply, and his hands move to my face.

“Do you believe me now?” He asks so quietly I almost can’t hear it. I hear him swallow, and when he pulls me closer, his heart is pounding in his chest, or maybe it’s mine, but I think it’s both of ours, one drowning out the other, but neither able to determine who’s is beating the loudest.

“Yes.”

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