Page 14 of Forever Flames: Padraig & Stevie
Our chests are heaving with exertion, so I lean her back against the shed, my hands gripping her ass. Eventually I lower her down. She’s gorgeous. Lips plump from our kisses. Sex hair. Eyes bright with mischief and love.
“Padraig, I know things are rough at home.” Stevie caresses my cheeks between her soft palms. “I hope you remember the love we have is special. It never flickers or fades. It’ll always burn steady, even when everything else goes dark. You’re my forever flame.” She kisses my cheek. “I’m heading back over. Follow me in a couple minutes.”
Touched, I fight back tears as she ducks back through the hedge. A few minutes later, after I’m tucked and zipped, I follow. Join her at the drinks table like nothing happened and pour myself a limeade. Take a long sip.
Stevie snuggles up against me and lowers her voice. “My favorite memory of tonight will be right now. Standing here inthe middle of our friends and family with your come running down my thigh.”
“Jesus.” I shove my hands in my pockets to hide the renewed bulge in my slacks. “You gave me another woody.”
She bites her straw. “Don’t tempt me to blow you in front of our friends and family.”
I lean in and drop my voice to match hers. “If you’re gonna say sexy-ass shit don’t be surprised if I take you for round two in the garage. Bend you over the truck and christen your ass.”
“Promise?” She licks her lips.
I kiss her temple. “You’re killin’ me.”
We manage to blend back into the party. As far as I know, nobody missed us.
Until I notice—too late—the truck’s not out front.
Liam’s gone.
“Are you worried?” Stevie threads her fingers through mine.
I pull her into my side. “About Liam?”
“Well…yeah. But also, college. Leaving. Growing up.”
I glance at her. “I’m scared of all of it,” I admit. “Except one thing.”
She lifts her brow.
“You.”
She leans up and kisses me. Slow, aching and gentle as the moonlight. Then pulls back, searching my face. “Say it again,”
“You,” I repeat. “You’re the one thing I’m never scared of.”
She melts against me. Nods. “Same. So, he left?”
“Didn’t say a word.”
She frowns. “He okay?”
“No.” I pause. “Maybe.”
Stevie leans her head on my shoulder. “He’ll come around.”
I want to believe her.
He’s always searching, like there’s a part of him missing.
All I can hope is for him to have what we have now.
If he’ll let himself.
four
