Page 78 of Connected By Stars
“What do you mean?”
“The way you two would argue. He would get so mad every time you went out on a date, and sometimes I felt like you didn’t even want to go on the date.”
“I didn’t,” I sigh. “I liked the rise I would get out of him. I was trying to make him jealous and give him a taste of what I was feeling every time he left the bar with someone. I knew I was being immature, but I couldn’t help it. The other part of me was hoping I would find someone that would make me feel even half of what I was feeling for Maverick so I could move on.”
“That had to have been hard seeing him with all those girls. In a way, I guess, you both were in your own personal hell, neither of you knowing what the other was feeling. Do youreallyfeel he’s capable of giving you what you want? I love mybrother, but he’s got a lot of fear around commitment. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“We talked about it last night, and we really want to give this a go. I can tell he’s scared, and I am, too, because of all the feelings I have for him, but at this point, I don’t think either of us can walk away. When we’re together, it’s like a fire is lit inside me. I’m so drawn to him, and if there is a chance I’ll get hurt in the end, I don’t think I could walk away now, even if I wanted to. I’ve been saving myself for the one person who would ignite those flames in me, and now that I have, I don’t ever want to let it go.”
She reaches out and squeezes my hand. “I saw the way he looked at you yesterday morning. He’s right there with you. I know Mav, and if he wants to try with you, then he’s not taking it lightly. That’s a huge step for him, and, like you, I think he was waiting for that person too, who would make him feel alive as well.”
Nodding, I wipe the tears that appear on my cheeks. “Thank you for not freaking out about all of this. I really don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Well, lucky for you, you won’t ever have to find out. We’re sisters for life, remember?”
“Sisters for life.” I lean over and hug her. “I love you.”
“I love you more. Now get your beautiful ass to work and help me with these books before I go crazy.” Laughing, we get to work organizing the photos and artwork for each child. I’m halfway through the book for little Cody when Maverick walks in.
“Oh, thank God! I’m starving.” Sophia shuts the book she was working on and gets up to get some plates. I stand and walk to the kitchen.
Maverick sets the bags down on the counter and walks overto me. “Hi.” He gives me a dimpled grin, and my stomach does a little flip.
“Hi.” I grin back at him and shriek when he throws me over his shoulder.
“We’ll be right back,” I hear Maverick say.
“Seriously, guys? You can’t wait to have sex and eat first?” Sophia asks.
“We’re not having sex,” Maverick says, laughing. “I just want a proper kiss, and I don’t think my sister is ready to see that just yet, and I don’t want to wait.”
“I’m okay with you guys kissing in front of me,” she laughs.
“PG kisses, yes, but this one will be Rated R,” Maverick says over his shoulder as he walks me down the hall.
“Oh my God,” I say, laughing against his back. He goes into my room and shuts the door before setting me down.
“I’ve missed you today.” He bends down and nuzzles my neck, breathing in my scent. “I’ve missed your smell.” He kisses my neck. “I’ve missed this body.” His hands roam down and cup my behind, bringing me up against his rock-hard arousal. “I’m not used to missing anyone.” His tongue slides down my neck. “Or thinking about someone all day long. Please tell me I’m not the only one feeling this way,” he says close to my ear before sucking my lobe.
“You’re not the only one feeling this way. I’ve thought about you all day, too. My thoughts are consumed by you.”
Groaning, his lips find mine. His tongue traces my bottom lip. Teasing me.
Tasting me.
He dives in deep and kisses me thoroughly, our tongues seeking each other out as he deepens the kiss. I run my fingers up in his hair as he presses against me. My body starts to burn for him when I feel rock-hard heat touch my core. I moan as Itry to get closer, my body aching with need that only he can ease.
We break away, panting hard. “I’ve been looking forward to doing that since I left this morning.” He brushes back my hair and smiles at me. I run my fingers over his perfect lips and take in his beautiful green eyes. I see my emotions mirrored back at me as he looks at me. “What are you thinking about right now?” He asks softly.
“That I’ve waited my whole life for you to look at me the way you are looking at me right now.”
He leans down and softly kisses me again. “I’m sorry it took my stubborn ass so long to let you see it.”
“Yeah, you definitely were a stubborn ass,” I laugh softly.
“Well, I’m your stubborn ass now, so you better get used to it.” He slaps my ass and grins. “We better get out there before Sophia eats all the sushi. You know how she can put those away.” He takes my hand and leads me to the door.
Laughing, I walk back out to the kitchen with him. “Yeah, she can. I’m not one to talk, though. I’ve been known to eat a few rolls all by myself, too.”
