Page 129 of Smooth Moves
“I’m not immature, irresponsible, or unintelligent. I make up my own mind, and I’m decisive. I’ve decided I want you. No one else. So this is what happens. We start living together. We make choices together. We talk, and when we argue—and with us, it’ll be a lot—we always go to bed happy, no arguments between us. Good?”
He nodded. “Yes. I think—”
“Shut up.” She bit her lip to contain her smile, especially when he frowned. “Swear to God, talk about failure to follow simple instructions.”
He rolled his eyes, and she snickered.
“Now, as I was saying. This relationship is about respect. We’ve had this conversation, so I’m going to drop it. I say what I mean. No passive-aggressive crap is allowed in our relationship.”
“Thank God.”
“I’ll allow that.” She gave him a look, and he quieted but remained smiling. “I want us to be equals. That means we share money, we share chores, and we share bodies. I like fucking you.”
He gave her the goofiest grin.
“I like loving you too. So no more talking down about yourself. If I can get over being unsure of myself for the first time in forever, then you can get over feeling like a loser. I don’t date losers. And I sure as hell won’t marry one.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Still talking. Friggin’ Marine.”
He ran his hand over her thigh.
“Stop that. You’re in no condition for nookie.”
He looked so sad she had to laugh. “No BJs either, not until you take a few days to heal. Then I’ll blow your mind, okay?”
“How about cuddling?”
“Fine. Now shut up. I’m almost done.”
He nodded.
“Cash, I love you. We both have issues, and together, we’ll work them out. We will fight. We will make up. But we have to be open to screwing up. Note I’m tell this as much to myself as I am to you. It’s tough not being the best right now. I’m a sucky civilian. But I can be a better one. I gave up my dream of retiring from the Army when I left. Now I need to figure out what I’m going to do with the rest of my life. But whatever I do, I want to do it next to you.”
“Okay, Ms. Bossy. I’m done shutting up.”
“Must have killed you to be quiet for all of four seconds,” she muttered, thoroughly in love with her Marine.
“You love me. I love you. But you need to know what you’re getting. I’ll never cheat on you. I’ll never betray you. I’ll try really hard not to lie. Rafi made up the part about me having some kind of brain bleed. I’m fine.”
“He’s such a punk.”
“I like the kid.” He gripped her thigh. “Jordan, I love everything about you, and I never want you to change. I’ll be with you every step of the way, no matter what. But you have to know. I’m not some snooty college guy and never will be. I’m blue collar and happy about it. Heck, I might be moving couches when I’m sixty. You gonna be okay with that? Because I doubt I’m ever going to be rich.”
“If I decide to be rich, maybe I’ll be the one making the money.”
“Outstanding.” He crooked his finger, so she leaned close. He kissed her. “I never want to go to bed mad either. I’ve still got a mess to sort out with Smith and my supposed real dad. My family is Reid—and soon Naomi—Evan and Aunt Jane. And you, of course. That’s it.”
“You’ll meet my parents. You already know my lying, drug-pushing brother. And you’ll end up meeting the perfect Leanne and Mr. Teeth.”
“I can’t wait. Sugar Boots, we’ll take it slow. You and me, we have time. Let’s get to know each other better. Live together, make love all over that damn house. Oh, and you have to help me with the furniture. Because we have none.”
“Sounds fun. Just one thing.”
“Whatever you want, it’s yours.”
“If I said your soul?” She arched a brow.
