Page 115 of Off Limits

“Do you really think that’s such a good idea after last time?”

“Okay, maybe not. It’s whatever you want.”

“I’m not picky. All I know is that whatever it is, I want to do it with you.”

“Good thing I will always be here then.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” To make sure it’s a real one, he seals that promise with a kiss.

Chapter 22

Twistinghisfingersintomy hair, Lochlyn looks lovingly into my eyes. “Let’s do something fun today.”

“Lochlyn, I’m fine.” It’s been two weeks since the anniversary of Dad’s death and I’ve been a little sullen. I don’t need to burden him with my sadness. There are so many things he does for me on a daily basis, I don’t need to add this to his plate of things to handle or worry about. I’ll be okay.

We’re lying so close to each other that I shift as he raises his shoulder. “We can have fun anyway. It doesn’t have to be to cheer up a certain beautiful girl who’s been wearing a frown more frequently than a smile as of late.”

Despite the fact that it’s been almost a year since we got together, I still get flutters in my chest every time he calls me beautiful. It makes the slightest of smiles grace my face. “What did you have in mind? Nothing crazy, I hope. Like skydiving or bungee jumping,” I tease.

“Okay, I mentioned those things once, over a year ago. And I never expected you to go for it. I was just trying to get you to laugh a little, loosen up.” His voice holds a touch of irritation, but mostly amusement.

“And for today?”

“How about apple picking?”

“Apple picking? Huh. I haven’t been apple picking in…I don’t know long. I’m sure I’ve gone; I just can’t remember when.” Narrowing my eyes, I lose focus of his face as I try to think back through the memories.

“We went together as kids once. A long time ago. But I think it will be fun. I mean, it’s kind of quintessential New Yorker thing. We basically have to. There’s a handful in Ithaca or just outside. We could even drive farther out if you want to make a real day of it.”

“That actually does sound fun.”

“Well, don’t sound so surprised. I have good ideas sometimes.”

Leaning in, I gently press my lips to his as my hand cups his cheek. “You always have good ideas. Should we invite Chelsea or Wes? Chelsea mentioned maybe having Brendan up this weekend since I told her I was planning to be here.”

“No, let’s go, just us.” As he says this, his hand slides down my bare back.

“I like that plan better.”

“Being alone with you is always my best idea.” His mouth crashes to mine, tongue sliding in as he pulls me tighter against him.

Lochlyn’s kisses have a way of making me fall into oblivion. It’s my favorite destination.

As he glides over me, resting on his forearms, he deepens the kiss, cupping my chin with one hand while tangling his fingers in my hair with the other.

Suddenly, going apple picking doesn’t sound as intriguing as spending the day in bed.

My body needs more of him, and I lift my pelvis to press against his. Taking the hint, he slides a hand between our bodies, feeling my wetness before pressing two fingers inside me. Arching toward him, my hands grip tightly at his back. His muscles shift below my fingertips as he moves his fingers deftly.

I’m whimpering and writhing beneath him as he kisses down my neck and across my collarbone.

“Loch, please.” I need to feel him.

“What do you need, baby?”

“You.”