Page 9 of Come Apart
"I know, but..."
Her gaze drifts to the pool in the backyard as she trails off.
The first place we kissed, though from the look on her face I really hope she's not reliving what I remember as the utter exhilaration of our lips meeting.
If she is, she must be thinking of what an ass I was to pursue her so aggressively. What with the small matter of her being engaged to my asshole business partner.
I don't regret it.
I reach for her hand, wanting the physical connection. The simple touch feels so good.
I rub the back of her hand with my thumb, considering my words.
I want her to feel secure.
"I want a life with you, Ally. I don't have a life with her anymore. A weekend a month maybe. That's it."
"Two most months," she corrects.
I nod.
She's not wrong.
"Still." I shake my head, leaning in, hoping she can see the sincerity in my eyes. "I don't want her." I cup the side of her face. "I don't want anyone but you."
"Are you sure?" A little spark returns to her eyes.
"Of course. I want you so badly it kills me. I'd drive to Las Vegas and marry you tonight if I thought you'd have me."
Her pink lips curve into a smile. "And you'd text Ryan a play by play."
I smirk at the thought.
Not a bad idea.
"He needs to know all the details of our newlywed sex."
She laughs, giving me a look.
"You're insane."
"You should see what I sent him when you were getting dressed."
"Please," she scoffs. "I know what it said—I'm an awful tease and I'm constantly torturing your poor, innocent ex-fiancée."
She's grinning now.
Is the room suddenly brighter or is it just me?
"Would you prefer if I didn't torture you?" I ask. "Say if I never sucked on your nipples?"
"Luke!" Her cheeks turn red. Beet red.
Fucking adorable.
"So you don't like that?" I push, enjoying watching her reaction.
"Of course I... You're awful. You know that?"
