Page 65 of Whisper of Surrender (Whisper Lake 2)

When her release slammed into her, she slapped her hand on the tile and cried out as a thousand tiny bursts of ecstasy exploded through her. Behind her she could feel Ethan’s body tense as he groaned and they climaxed together.

Knowing that he was feeling the same crash of pleasure that she was increased the earth-shattering bliss that was claiming her.

When she came floating back to reality she was being picked up and carried out of the shower. Just like she had in Chicago when he’d carried her to the bed, she held onto his neck and buried her face in his chest, absorbing his strength. Not just his physical strength. She absorbed the calm authority that made her feel safe and protected.

He began to lay her down but she held onto him tighter and curled against him. “No!”

“What?” he asked.

“We’re wet and there’s cat hair on the comforter.”

He grinned as he tugged it off, revealing sheets she’d freshly laundered.

“Better?” he asked.

“Better.” She smiled as he gently laid her down.

She sank into the mattress under his weight. Her hand roamed over the hard planes of his back as she wrapped her legs around his hip. As incredible as the sex was with Ethan, this was her most favorite part. Holding him and feeling his skin against hers. Feeling the heft of his body on hers.

He rose up on one of his elbows and brushed a wet strand of hair off her cheek with heartbreaking tenderness. She leaned into his palm and her eyes met his.

“Hi,” she whispered.

“Hi.” He grinned down at her.

“I missed you,” she admitted.

“I missed you, too.”

There were a lot of questions running through her head.

What was going to happen after the talent show?

When he’d asked her to be his fake girlfriend, was that all he really wanted?

Did he have any real feelings for her?

But none of those came out when she opened her mouth. “Did you see the fireworks?”

“No. Did you?”

“Yeah, I watched them with Ali and Dumbass.”

“How did he do at the kissing booth?”

“Good. Dumbass was the best canine kisser we’ve ever had.”

He grinned and she snuggled closer to him as she told him about how they didn’t have to use treats to bribe him and he told her about a drunk that came into the station and reported himself missing. They talked about movies they wanted to see. They discussed what the best pizza toppings were. They argued over whether or not the Cubs had a chance at a ring this year.

They talked about everything under the sun except them and their relationship. But as Jess fell asleep wrapped in Ethan’s arms, a peace settled inside of her. What they had was real, she knew it. And if he didn’t, she’d just have to show him.

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