Page 83 of Press Your Luck

He stared at me, but I saw skepticism in his eyes.

“When we were in San Diego, I started dreaming about us being a family. You, me, Porter, and the babies.”

Emotion swept across his handsome face, but he worked hard to school it back into indifference. He did feel something for me, he just didn’t want to or was afraid.

I set my tea on the coffee table and moved closer to him on the couch. “I fell for you too, Pierce. I fought it, but not because of our age difference or that I didn’t think you’re good enough. I fought it because I was afraid that I’d ruin my career, and at that time, it was all I had. All I’d ever worked for.”

“And now?” His voice was rough with emotion.

“And now, I’m terrified I ruined my chance at true happiness. Hockey is great. But it’s not what I had with you.” I remembered I hadn’t said the important words. I took in a breath because I was terrified he’d reject them. But I owed it to him to give him the truth. “I love you, Pierce.”

He let out a shuddering breath. “Are you just saying that because of the babies?”

I shook my head. “No. I’m saying it because it’s true.” I reached out and pressed my hand to his cheek, hope filling me when he didn’t pull away. “Is it too late for me? Have your feelings changed? Can I be forgiven?”

He closed his eyes, and I was sure he was having a battle in his head. What would win? Love or fear?

His arms reached out and pulled me into his lap. Relief washed over me as he held me close.

“Say it again.”

“I love you, Pierce.”

He lifted his head and looked me in the eyes. “I love you, Naomi.” Then his lips were on mine. A wash of emotion flooded me. Relief, love, hope, happiness, and yes, arousal because this was Pierce. Sexy, sweet, Pierce.

“I want you,” he murmured against my lips.

“I’m yours.”

He lifted his head and looked at me. “I’ve wanted to hear that for so fucking long.” His smile turned sheepish. “But I was also meaning I want to touch you. Make love to you.”

“Like I said, I’m yours.”

He smiled as he stood while still holding me.

“You’re so strong.” I squeezed his bicep.

“Not too old, eh?” He carried me toward the bedroom.

“Not at all.”

“Which door?” he asked.

“The one at the end of the hall. Thank God I made my bed.”

“Why? We’re just going to mess it up.” He set me down by my bed, his hands lifting to cradle my cheeks. “Tell me again.”

I laughed. “I love you. Now get naked.” I pushed him, and he fell back on the bed. I crawled over him. “Maybe I’ll make love to you.”

“Maybe we make love together.” He tugged me down, fusing his lips to mine. After that, we disrobed and, flesh to flesh, showed each other how we really felt.

He moved down my body, stopping at my belly to kiss the babies. “Bo thinks I have super sperm to impregnate you with three babies.”

“Big Ed was pretty impressed too.”

Pierce rolled me under him and slowly slid inside me. “I love you, Naomi. I love you and the babies.”

“And I love you and the babies.”

---