Page 10 of Summer Lovin'

Romero kicks off his boots and then drops to his knees in front of me. “What can I do for you, Jules?”

I throw my arms around his neck and come down to the floor to sit in his lap. “Just hold me and reassure me this isn’t a dream.”

He stands up and pulls me to my feet before swinging me up into his arms, his strength a natural aphrodisiac. “Let’s lay down and reassure each other.”

Romero carries me to the bed, placing me gently on the mattress. He removes my shoes and lies down, pulling me into his chest. My arms are pinned between our bodies while he lovingly strokes my hair and traces my jaw with his fingertips.

“I can’t believe we’re here right now,” I whisper.

“Me neither.”

“My father isn’t going to make this easy.”

He smiles down at me. “I don’t care. You’re worth it.”

“The sooner we get married, the sooner my father will realize I’m no longer his pawn and give up.”

“We’ll call the surrounding county courthouses in the morning to schedule an appointment for tomorrow, Mrs. Romero.”

I smile. “Mrs. Julianna Romero. I like the sound of that.”

“Me, too.” Romero continues to hold me, stroking my hair and back until I’m fully relaxed. Without meaning to, I fall asleep, waking hours later as the sun rises in the east and peeks through the separation between the curtains. I lift my head from Romero’s chest and look up at his face, peaceful in slumber.

He stirs and opens his eyes, glancing around and then down at me. A warm smile greets me, his voice husky with sleep. “I’ve waited a lifetime to wake up with you in my arms.”

“I’m sorry I fell asleep.”

Pressing his lips to my forehead, he hums, “We’re awake now.”

I place my palm against his stubbled cheek, memories from our teenage years rushing to the surface. We had sex seven times in the last two months of our senior year, and I remember each time perfectly. Back then, neither of us had the freedom to experience what it was like to make love—unhurriedly. The most freedom we had was his truck, which he did his best to make comfortable for us. He brought blankets, and we’d lie in the bed under the stars, making out for hours—touching, tasting, and exploring each other. While those nights will always be special to me, lying next to him in an actual bed behind closed doors brings on a new level of excitement.

He kisses me gently at first, until I part my lips and swipe my tongue against his. Then his touch turns demanding. I roll to my back and he adjusts, sliding his hand under my shirt to cup my breast.

We never were able to be completely nude, no matter how remote a location he found us in the woods, and I want that freedom now. I push him back and throw the covers off us, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. Standing, I smile and make eye contact, noting the furrowed confusion of his brow. Wordlessly, I pull my shirt up over my head, tossing it to the chair in the corner. I then unhook my bra, letting it fall down my arms.

Romero sits up, his eyes glued to my body. Neither of us needs words to convey exactly what this act means.

No more teenage exploration.

No more forbidden, stolen moments.

Today, on what I hope is my wedding day, I’m shedding my clothes for my husband. Stripping myself bare for him and only him. This is the man I will spend the rest of my life with, and I give myself to him freely, as he also gives himself to me.

I slide my jeans down my legs, followed by my underwear, and then fan my hair over my shoulders and bite my lip, the heat in Romero’s eyes as his gaze caresses my body from head to toe causing warmth to build between my legs. This is what I’ve been dreaming about for five years. I’ve never wanted anyone else—my prayers finally answered now that he has come back to me.

Romero stands on the other side of the bed, pulling his shirt over his head. He’s tall, muscular, and defined—breathtaking in every way—with a tattoo over his left pectoral that I’ve never seen before. It’s a heart with a rose and a dagger surrounded by text. “I Am Fortune’s Fool.”

He unbuckles his belt and pushes his jeans and boxers to the floor, his cock jutting out proudly in my direction. Although we’ve been together before, it’s been a long time, and I’ve never gazed upon his magnificent form unfettered like this. I can’t help but suck in my breath as I take in every inch of him. A chill sends goosebumps to rise on my skin. He kneels on the bed and offers me his hand. I mimic his movements, kneeling on the bed in front of him, his naked chest pressing against mine for the first time.

He wraps his arms around my waist, sliding one hand into my hair, the other down to cup my ass and pull me flush against him, his lips once again claiming mine. His hot skin warms me, the hairs on his chest tickling my smooth skin. Romero’s cock, hot and heavy, presses against my belly, making me ache to take him deep inside me once again.

I slide my hand between us, my fingertips brushing over the smooth, soft skin covering his hard length.

Hissing, he pulls my hand away and bends me until my back hits the mattress. He covers me with kisses, moving down my neck to suckle my breasts. “You are mine, Jules. My love, my life, my wife. I want to take my time with my new bride this morning, and after we marry this afternoon, I’ll take my time again tonight.”

“I am yours and you are mine, so take all the time you need.” I moan as he moves lower, parting my thighs with his wide shoulders.

He looks up and makes eye contact with me from between my legs, a coy smile spreading his lips as his tongue flicks out and runs along my pussy lips. “I love you, Jules.”

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