Page 133 of Tangled Kisses
Her thumb strokes across my knuckles, steady and sure. “I’ll call tomorrow. See whether it makes more sense to draw from the annuity or the 401k.” She says it so casually, like she’s ordering groceries, but her eyes are fierce when they meet mine.
“You’re really sure?”
I can hardly believe that this time, things are working out.
“You are the first thing in this world I’m sure of,” she tells me.
It’s not exactly an I love you. But sitting here, her hands wrapped around mine, her smile unguarded, it feels like something better.
Chapter Thirty
Reese
Griffin is tossing his duffel in the truck bed when I step onto the porch, cradling the small amber bottle.
“Hey,” I call, holding it up. “You forgot your vitamins.”
He turns, the early morning sun catching the edge of his jaw, making him look like something carved from light and shadow. “Thanks, darlin’.”
I cross the gravel, leaning against the tailgate like I’m just enjoying the breeze and not fighting the sudden knot in my stomach.
He grabs the bottle and studies me. “You good?”
“Of course.” I shrug. “Just be careful driving, okay?”
Griffin doesn’t move for a beat. Then he rests his arms on the side of the truck, watching me with that look that sees too much. “Come here.”
“I’m fine,” I say again, softer this time. “Really. You don’t have to?—”
“Reese.” His voice drops, gentle but firm. “Come here.”
I step into the space between us, and his hands find my hips like they always do now—easy, familiar, reverent.
“I know this thing with Lauren’s bothering you,” he says. “I get it.”
“She was supposed to have a driver.”
“I know.”
“And now you’re going up there and staying over and?—”
“I’m not staying.” His jaw tightens. “I’m driving her back, but I’m not staying.”
I shake my head, my fingers playing with the button on his shirt. “That’s too much driving for one day. Stay in Portland and come back in the morning. I don’t want a night away from you, but I want you safe.” I force a small smile. “And keep reminding Lauren that you belong to me.”
His hands slide to my face, tilting my chin so I can’t look away. “Forever. I didn’t dream before you, and now all I can think about is putting a ring on your finger.”
If he only knew how much I think about it, too. Silly, considering I just ran away from one marriage. But it’s different with Griffin. Everything is. He makes it easy to believe that love will save the day.
He leans in, pressing a kiss to my forehead, then my cheek. “You are everything I never knew existed. No one could take me from you.”
Gazing into his blue eyes, I see the truth reflecting at me. He means every word. I have nothing to worry about. “I’m sorry. I know I’m being stupid.”
“You’re not.” His voice is raw as his lips brush my ear. “You’re mine. And late tonight?—”
“Tomorrow,” I cut in, shooting him a defiant glare.
“Tomorrow,” he concedes, “I’m crawling into bed beside you and I’m taking you raw, no questions asked. I want you swollen with me, belleza. I want it all.”
