Page 31 of Resilient Rhythms
“Just the way you look, right now. Can’t take my eyes off of you,” he admits, his voice low. Husky. “I like watching you in your element, doing daily things. It makes me feel like I’m…home.” He ducks his head, blushing at his admission.
“I like knowing that you’re next door.”
He looks up sharply, his eyes darkening.
“You’ve always made me feel safe, Mav. Even before we were…anything.”
He holds my gaze for long moments before striding toward me, determined. The tension between us snaps, and the air tightens as he nears.
My heart rate increases, my breath stuttering in my throat.
“Mckenna…” His tone is tortured.
I lean back against the countertop, the ledge cutting into my lower back. Mav stops inches from me, his arms bracketing my hips as his fingers catch on the lip of the ledge.
I raise my face to his, studying the warring emotions in his eyes.
“I don’t want to rush this with you,” he admits.
I shake my head, lifting my chin. “You’re not.”
His eyes drop to my lips before catching my eyes again. A silent plea.
I give in breathlessly. “Yes. Kiss me, Mav.”
Kiss me. Show me. Please.
Relief skitters across Mav’s expression. He releases his hold on the ledge and his hand finds my hips, squeezing once in warning.
I don’t protest.
Slowly, his mouth descends. And I tip my head back farther, awaiting his kiss.
His lips land softly on mine. My eyes flutter closed and I nearly moan from the contact alone.
I missed him. Craved him. Never stopped loving him, not for one single heartbeat.
I slide my hands up his chest until I can wrap my arms around his neck. As I pull him closer, he lifts me up onto my tippy toes and deepens our kiss.
His kisses are slow, deliberate, and sensual. As he dips his tongue into my mouth, I open for him like a flower searching for sunlight. We kiss passionately, desperately, next to the kitchen sink for several long moments.
Time stops. Past hurts fade. And all that exists in this moment is us and the possibility of a future. It glimmers brightly and, oh God, I want it. Want it with him.
The whistle of the kettle cuts through the air and Mav breaks our connection, dropping his forehead to mine.
“The kettle,” he murmurs.
I snort and shake my head. I move to turn off the stove but he beats me to it. Once it’s off, I reach for his hand and pull him back toward me.
I hold his gaze for a long moment before I lace our fingers together and move toward the staircase.
Mav follows and I feel his gaze in between my shoulder blades.
When I reach the top of the stairs, I push open the door to his bedroom.
“I’ve been sleeping in here,” I admit. “I just wanted to feel close to you.”
“Mckenna.” His voice cracks as he murmurs my name. His eyes dart behind me to his bed. “Are you sure, beauty?”
