Page 64 of His Last Shot
I’m alive.
On instinct, I snake my arms around his broad back, pulling him closer to me, our lips moving as if we have done this a thousand times before. His other hand lands on the back of my head as he weaves his fingers through my wet hair, pulling me to him. The speed of our kiss intensifies, and something akin to fireworks explodes throughout my whole body. My hands clutch onto his back with purpose, wanting more of him. Needing more of him.
But he doesn’t take more. Out of nowhere, he softens the kiss. As my lips yield to his, a lightness fills the air. Johnny’s lips are undeniably meant for kissing. I’ve decided that kissing him every chance I get is my new goal in life.
How is this man so perfect?
I’m sure I’ll get my answers later, but right now, I mold my mouth to his, yearning for more as my pulse races. This kiss, this perfect kiss, is warm, sweet, and full of passion. My mind is clear of all that troubles me. For the first time inmy whole adult life, my RA isn’t front and center in my mind. It’s only Johnny, this moment, and his mouth. The world and all of my fears melt away.
Taking his time, he pulls away, breaking our connection yet leaving behind a soft, lingering peck, while his hands gently cup my neck. As I let out a satisfied sigh, I muster the strength to open my eyes, instantly connecting with his longing gaze. Nothing compares to this.
This feeling.
I’m falling.
My hand journeys up his chest and rests on his shoulder. A sly smile forms on his face, and his heart thumps beneath his shirt, quickening with anticipation. My lips part, and he captures the tiny whimper with his mouth, consuming me. Another kiss follows, then another, each one deeper than the last.
After an eternity, we break apart. His calloused fingers gently caress my face, then he plants a light peck on my nose before pulling me into a tight embrace; his arms encircle me in a comforting hug. Wrapping me up in his orbit.
A wave of safety, love, and anticipation flows through my soul, soothing it. Passion courses through my veins as I bury my face in his chest, sucking in a deep breath, taking in his scent of forest trees and vanilla.
“Are you ready for what happens next?” He exhales.
I pull my head away to look at him, curiosity and anticipation filling my heart. “So what’s next?”
“Our forever.”
“I’ve never wanted anything more.”
I’m ready. For us.
Neither of us wants to let go. Neither wants this night to end. So, for God knows how long, we stand locked in an embrace in the middle of my living room, our bodies pressed together, our breaths syncing.
This man, this all-consuming man, is claiming me and our life together.
And I’m here for every second.
“God, I can’t wait to start this new chapter with you. I’m going to show you everything.” He cups my face again as that sly smile I love so much makes an appearance. My favorite dimple follows. “Are you ready for that? Ready for us?”
“I’m ready.”
His lips meet mine again, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that my life has just begun.
19
That’s Very High School of You
Rachel
With a wineglass in hand, I leisurely sway back and forth on the swing on Johnny’s front porch. Laura, Shelby, and I just finished cleaning up after a picnic Johnny hosted. Micah, Shelby, Scott, Johnny, Jake, and the OBGs are playing a small game of football on the front lawn. Mallory is in the house, coloring and taking a much-needed social break.
Laura had to take off and go to work, so it’s just me, my wine, and my heart.
And that heart of mine is so completely in love with the man currently in a huddle with Scott, Jake, and Micah. I can’t help but smile as he’s being all Daddy Johnny again.
This time it’s with Jake.
Before the game started, he was showing Jake the proper techniques for throwing and catching a football. And it was by far one of the cutest and sweetest things I have ever seen.
