Page 29 of Outspoken Hearts
The naked emotion in his eyes nearly undoes me. "Even though I'm too intense sometimes? Too emotional?"
"Especially because of that." He traces my cheekbone with gentle fingers. "I'm in love with you. All of you."
My breath catches at his words. Not "falling in love" this time, but "in love." Present tense. Certain.
"I'm in love with you too," I whisper, the truth of it settling into my bones. "That's why the Boston thing scared me so much. Not just because of the distance, but because what we have feels too important to risk."
"It is important," he agrees. "The most important thing in my life right now. Which is why I've been thinking about alternatives."
I prop myself up on one elbow, studying his face. "What kind of alternatives?"
"I spoke with Robert Westcott yesterday." James tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "Asked if they would consider a modified arrangement—part remote work, part on-site. Three days a week in Boston, the rest here."
Hope flutters in my chest. "And?"
"He's open to it, at least for a trial period. Said my leadership abilities are worth being flexible about the structure." A small smile tugs at his lips. "It would mean a lot of commuting, but it's doable. And it would let me keep my roots here while still taking on this new challenge."
"That sounds... perfect, actually." I trace patterns on his chest, thinking. "And I could come with you sometimes. Work remotely from Boston for a day or two when you're there."
"You'd do that?"
"Of course I would." I meet his eyes. "I want this to work, James. I want us to work. And that means finding solutions together, not making either/or choices."
Relief floods his expression. "That's all I want too. To find the 'and' instead of choosing between you and my career."
"We can do this," I say with growing confidence. "It won't be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. We can talk about it later," I murmur, sliding my hand down his stomach. "Right now, I have other plans for you."
His breath catches as my fingers find their target. "Already?"
"I told you." I press a kiss to his chest, then lower. "I don't do anything halfway."
"Thank god for that," he groans as my mouth replaces my hand.
I take my time exploring him now, learning the taste and texture of his skin, the sounds he makes when I use my tongue just so. His hands tangle in my hair, not guiding, just connecting, as I take him deeper.
The power I feel in this moment is intoxicating, watching this controlled, composed man come undone beneath my touch. His cock hardens further in my mouth, heavy on my tongue, his taste both foreign and already familiar.
"Eva," he warns after several minutes of this delicious torture. "If you keep that up?—"
I release him with a final lick. "We can't have that. Not when I want to feel you inside me again."
His eyes darken at my words. "Come here."
I move up his body, straddling him once more, but he surprises me by flipping us over again, settling between my thighs. He positions himself at my entrance, pushing inside in one long, smooth stroke that has me gasping.
"I want to look at you this time," he explains, setting a slow, deliberate pace. "I want to see your face when I make you come again."
"Confident, aren't you?" I tease, though we both know it's not misplaced.
"With you?" He thrusts deeper, making me whimper. "Absolutely."
This time is different—slower, more deliberate. James watches my face as he moves within me, angling his thrusts to hit the spots that make me moan. My legs wrap around his waist, drawing him deeper, my hands running over the strong muscles of his back.
"You feel incredible," he murmurs, dipping his head to take one nipple into his mouth. "So perfect around me."
I arch into the sensation, words failing me as pleasure builds. He knows exactly how to touch me now, how to move, how to push me toward the edge. When his hand slides between us, finding my clit with unerring accuracy, I feel myself spiraling toward release again.
"That's it," he encourages, his own breathing ragged. "Let go for me, Eva."
