Page 6 of Perfect for Her

When I pass the large mirror in my foyer, I grimace, seeing my reflection for the first time in hours. My sweaty, knotted, and dry-shampoo-filled hair is gathered on top of my head in a scrunchie that I’m pretty sure I’ve had since I was eight. My favorite Eagles T-shirt that used to belong to my father hangs loose on my tiny frame and covers the boxer briefs that I wear instead of pants because… priorities.

I hope the person on the other side of that door is prepared for what is about to greet them because it’s not going to be pretty. And just as my lips part to say just that as I open the door, every thought I’ve ever had shatters to the floor as Mark stands in front of me, looking better than any memory I’ve ever had of him.

“Jesus,” Mark mutters before his hand curves around the back of my neck and hauls me flush against his chest. “I didn’t think it would actually be you,” he whispers before his lips take mine in a kiss I’ve been dreaming about for four years.

I haven’t said a word, my brain still reeling from the fact that he’s standing inside my house, but the second those lips take mine everything comes flooding to the surface and I flatten my hands on his chest and push, sending him backward.

“Seriously?” I say breathlessly, my lips swollen and my heart racing from the need to continue what he started. “I haven’t seen you in years and that’s how you greet me?” I shake my head as I turn my back to him, trying to catch myself before I sink further into my need to feel his touch once more.

“Sorry… reflex?” he says sheepishly, and a bitter laugh escapes, my head shaking as I pull at the hem of my shirt.

Mark’s eyes follow, darkening when he notices just how little I’m wearing.

“So that’s how you greet all women that open the door for you? Wow, going out in public with you must be an adventure…” I mutter sarcastically, his laughter filling the room.

“God, I missed you, sweetheart,” he says, his voice low, those light eyes staring into my soul as I shift from one foot to the other.

My eyes close on instinct as that endearment washes over every inch of exposed skin until it’s raw with regret. What I wouldn’t do to go back to that hut in the Caribbean and take him up on his offer to keep in touch. What would my life look like if I didn’t run scared from the one thing that made me happy back then?

“Why are you here?” I ask, shutting the door behind him as I walk into the living room and begin picking up Ethan’s toys. I know I’m distracting myself from his gaze as it follows me around the room. “How did you know I was here?”

“Addison is my brother’s wife.”

I don’t think my jaw could hit the floor any harder as I stare at the man that’s been haunting my dreams for so long and I’ve been becoming friends with his sister-in-law. Holy shit.

“So, Luna’s your niece?” I ask, his eyes smiling as his head nods.

“When Addison mentioned your name and the fact that you were taking care of Luna, I knew I had to see you. And seeing my niece and allowing my brother to have a night alone with his girl was just icing on the cake.”

My heart melts just a little as the love for his family comes through in every word. The silence stretches between us and that uncertainty I feared all these years floats to the surface as I sink into the couch and pull my T-shirt over my knees.

“I have no idea what to say here,” I admit, my hands shaking with all the possibilities floating around me. “I came here hoping to find you, but I never…” My voice trails off as Mark sits next to me, his fingers taking my wrist and gently stroking that sensitive skin, causing a shiver to race up my spine.

“You have no idea how happy I am to hear that.” He smirks, his fingers tightening around my wrist as he brings it to his lips and kisses it softly, a shuddering breath leaving my lungs at the contact.

My tongue darts out and licks my bottom lip, my eyes staring at his mouth, wanting nothing more than to taste him once more. Mark’s eyes darken, his body slowly leaning into mine as I close my eyes, waiting, wanting those lips on mine. And before I know it, my body moves for me, straddling his hips as his fingers dig into my ass and pull me flush against his chest.

“Mark,” I whimper, those deft fingers I’ve longed to feel for so long caress my bare skin. “Is this a good idea?” My voice is hushed, his lips taking mine in a punishing kiss that sends me reeling. Four years. That’s how long it’s been since I’ve felt the touch of any man, and right now my body is ready to explode.

“I don’t fucking care,” he mutters against my lips, nipping at my bottom lip as his hands guide me lower until his hard cock is resting right against my heat. “I’ve waited four years to feel you again. I’ve waited four years to hear those sounds fall from these lips.”

He kisses me hard, passionately, until I’m breathless.

“I’ve waited four years to have you back in my arms and I’m not wasting a goddamn minute.”

True to his word, my underwear is ripped from my body, his fingers finding my heat, and before the gasp leaves my throat, my body convulses against him, the orgasm rocking every limb as I tumble over the edge.

“Did you just…”

I nod slowly, my body slumping forward as his fingers circle against me, sending shock waves through my system.

“It’s been four years, Mark,” I mutter, my teeth sinking into the crook of his neck as a chuckle reverberates through his chest.

“I can’t lie and say I’m not happy about that, sweetheart,” he whispers, nibbling on my ear before those fingers sink inside me, causing my back to arch as my fingers lace themselves through his hair. “But once was not enough, I need more,” he growls, his free hand palming my lower back as he guides me into a rhythm above him.

“Mark, I can’t.”

He shakes his head, his lips taking mine while his tongue demands entrance. The kiss is feral, needy, and so fucking incredible that it sets me on a path of no return. My hips begin to move on their own, his subtle noises filling my ears as his fingers plunge deeper and deeper into my heat. Getting myself off for four years pales in comparison to the way I’m feeling right now. My body is on fire, lighting up with every stroke, every grunt, and every thrust of his hips against mine.

---