Page 43 of Coming Home

“Once we do move into the house, are you going to try and let the apartment?”

“No, I could actually use it for storage. It could also serve as my office. It would be convenient to have office space on site and not clutter up our home with business stuff.”

“That’s a terrific idea.” He pulled into a spot directly behind the bakery. “And I have an even better idea now.”

Jackson leaned in for a slow, sweet kiss, flooding her with warmth.

Breaking it, he said, “Ainsley, more than anything, I would like to make love to you. Tonight.”

CHAPTER 15

Jackson watched carefully as Ainsley blinked several times, taking in his request. He knew from their previous encounter that either her experience with sex was limited or her sexual partners had been selfish jackasses.

Probably both.

But more than anything, he wanted to be one with this woman. He had pulled Dylan aside and asked his brother-in-law if he had any condoms handy. When Dylan handed over his keys, he also passed Jackson three condoms, telling him he hoped that would be enough, a roguish smile on his face.

He tucked her hair behind her ear. “But only if you want to make love. There’s no rush. I know it’s been a long day.”

“It’s not that,” Ainsley began. “I do want to be with you in the worst way.” She glanced down. “But... well, you’re Jackson Martin. You’ve had a string of women falling at your feet since kindergarten. I remember how girls used to throw themselves at you. I’m sure college was no different. And you’ve lived in L.A. for years now.” She raised her eyes, meeting his gaze. “I’m not sophisticated. I’m definitely not very experienced. I mean, I’m not a virgin, but I am pretty limited in what I know and how to do it.”

He framed her face between his hands. “Babe, you practically exploded when I touched your breasts. You came with very little effort. I think all you’ve needed is the right lover to come along. A man who cares about making you the priority.” He kissed her lightly. “I’m that man, Ainsley. I love you.”

Still, doubt flickered in her lovely periwinkle eyes. “But you’ve made love to dozens of women, Jackson.”

“No,” he said firmly, his thumbs caressing her cheeks. “I’ve had sex with more than my share of females. But you’ll be the first woman I’ve ever made love with. And I know this experience will be sensual and meaningful—because you’re the only one I’ve ever loved.”

He gave her a soft kiss, hoping he had talked her off the ledge. She was a beautiful woman, confident in business. Like him, though, she had never been in love. He wanted time with her to show her how good they would be together.

“Would you like to come up?” she asked.

“Definitely.”

Jackson claimed her bike from the bed of the truck and escorted her inside the bakery and up to her apartment, which he was seeing for the first time. It was incredibly small, and he hoped after reading over Pete Pulaski’s bid tomorrow and okaying it, that the contractor could start work immediately. Jackson liked having space and hoped he and Ainsley wouldn’t have to live here for too long. On second thought, he might actually prefer living at Boo’s with Willow and Dylan. But that could wait. Tonight was all about Ainsley and introducing her to what physical lovemaking was all about.

With someone you loved…

“It’s not much,” she apologized, removing her jacket and taking his, setting both down on the couch. “But it’s home.”

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him. “Home is where you are. It always will be.”

Jackson bent and pressed a soft kiss on her lips, lips he wanted to devour. But he wanted tonight to be special. The first time between them. The first in what would be the beginning of their life together.

Ainsley was the one eager to kick it up a notch. She teased his mouth open, lighting him on fire as her tongue swept into his mouth, stroking his tongue. As the kiss progressed, he realized it was the best kiss of his life—because it was instigated by the woman who had claimed his heart. Who had made him realize he could build a life in his childhood hometown with her. A woman who was smart and resourceful and kind. One who was a balm to his soul.

His arms tightened around her, and Jackson relished the feel of her warm, lean frame against his. Everything about this moment felt right. Real. Wonderful.

She broke the kiss, breathless, staring up at him. “I love you,” she declared. “I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

“Never.”

“I want you to teach me, Jackson. I want to learn how to please you. I don’t want you to think you’ve made a mistake in proposing to me.”

His hands slid to her ass, squeezing it. “No mistakes on my part. You feel amazing.”

“No, seriously,” she said. “I know I’m lacking as far as sexual experience goes—but I’ve never backed down from a challenge in my life. I’ve worked hard to get everything I have. I will work hard to make you so happy, you’ll never regret—”

He cut her off with a hard, demanding kiss, his hands kneading her buttocks, his nostrils inhaling the vanilla scent rising from her skin.

---