Page 87 of The Autumn We Fell in Love

Dr. Rosen whisks around the curtain, leaving us alone once again.

I turn to Isla. “Are you okay?”

She shrugs. “I just found out that my injury isn’t all that bad, considering. I’ve got a hot, sweet man who I’m pretty damn sure wants my bod.” She turns her head to the side. “I think I’m fine.”

“Should I insert a joke here about how you are definitelyfinein my eyes? You know, the sassy, gorgeous kind of fine?” I sweep a thumb over her cheek.

“No, but you should definitely sweep me off my feet and into your bed after we get out of here.” She rakes her fingers through my hair. “I mean, if you want.”

“Oh, I definitely want, Isla Ingersole,” I growl, moving to pick up our kiss where it left off. “I definitely want.”

Isla

When we race along the highway away from the hospital, this time I’m filled with excitement instead of foreboding. My ankle’s not ruined, I’ve had some ibuprofen — and Ash wants to make me his.

I glance at him. His jaw is set, the orange glow of street lights washing over his face at regular intervals. I wonder what it will be like when he touches me, when he undresses me, when he’s inside me.

I shiver.

Then another thought storms my mind — what willIbe like for him?

I swallow hard against the fear that ices my nerves as we curve off the highway. It’s been a while since I’ve had a sexual partner — between work and Guin, it’s hard to find the time, or the energy.

And honestly, since my first sexual relationship ended in my teen pregnancy turning me into a social pariah, I haven’t been too motivated to get invested in the dating scene.

Which means that I haven’t had a ton of experience — and that I might not be very good in bed.

Ash flicks his gaze at me. Seeing me watching him, his lips curl into a smile. He reaches out a hand and clasps one of mine, squeezing it.

The solid warmth of his touch steadies me. This is the man who’s loved me since we were pimply, hormonal teenagers. He certainly couldn’t have been attracted by my sexual prowess because, at the time, I didn’t really have any.

This man wants me for who I am. Somehow I don’t think he’s currently worrying about my performance in bed — just like I’m not concerned about his.

My nerves settle as we roll up to the garage of a car mechanic shop. I squint at it through the windshield — the place looks familiar.

“Is this —?” I begin.

Ash nods. “Yep, it’s my dad’s garage. Well, mine now. I live in the apartment upstairs.” He faces me head on, eyes on fire. “Do you want to come inside?

I answer by leaning across the car and kissing him, feeling his stubble grazing the skin beneath my bottom lip.

When I pull away, Ash is grinning. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

He exits the vehicle, keys jingling. Ash stalks to my side of the car as I open the door. Before I can haul myself out, he’s got his arms around me, lifting me. I allow my weight to fall on his chest, twining my arms round his neck. He bumps the car door closed with his hip and carries me into the shop, unlocked just like his dad always left it.

The shop looks and smells just like it did years ago. Mom used to send me here to retrieve Tristan for dinner.

But I hardly notice. I can’t take my eyes from Ash’s face as he easily carries me up the wooden stairs to his loft. That strong, whiskered jaw, the intensity in his gray eyes, the smell of him — god, I can feel myself getting wet just looking at him.

At the top of the stairs he sets me down — he needs to unlock this door. I wrap my arms around his waist and stand on tiptoes to nibble his ear. He fumbles with the keys when I lick his neck, filling me with warmth — I know he’s as ready for me as I am for him.

He gets the door open and rounds on me with a growl. He kisses me, hard, hands cupping my jaw. I grind my hips against him. My ankle complains, but not enough to stop me from grazing his bottom lip with my teeth.

Ash pulls away, eyes raking over me like he’s a wolf and I’m a piece of meat. Grabbing my hand, he pulls me into the loft apartment and kicks the door closed behind us.

I move to walk forward out of the entryway but Ash blocks my way. He advances on me, step after careful step, until my back meets the door. I marvel that my thudding heart doesn’t make the wood thump.

He comes still closer. His pelvis meets mine, a growing bulge nudging my belly and sending currents of excitement running over my skin. I love that I’ve turned him on this much — that he’s ready to take me and I’ve barely even touched him.

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