Page 85 of Give Me a Reason

“I don’t know. I love my job. I thought I’d be a wedding planner one day. Maybe even go out on my own eventually, but it might not be a bad idea to take a few business classes.”

I had a feeling taking the classes would boost her confidence. College wouldn’t be this unattainable thing anymore. “That’s a good idea.”

“You think so?”

“What can it hurt to try one class? Iris said there are more options now.”

“I’ll look into it.”

“I’m proud of you. You’ve always gone after what you want.”

“Not really,” she said as we pulled up to my house. It was dark now, as we’d been gone since late afternoon.

“What do you mean?” I asked when she stepped out of the SUV and onto the sidewalk.

I led the way up the steps, unlocked the door, and pushed it open. When I closed it behind me, she said, “I haven’t gone after everything I want. In fact, I’ve been actively resisting it.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked as every muscle in my body tensed.

“I want you, and I’m sick of denying myself.”

“Tell me what you want.”

“I want that night in bed you promised. I want uninterrupted time with you.”

“I want that too,” I said as I moved closer, playing with the strands of her hair while I tipped her chin up with my free hand. “I love you, Aria.”

She sucked in a breath.

“That’s my truth. You don’t need to say it back or say anything at all.” Before she could respond, my mouth was on hers. Softly at first, then more insistent. She wrapped her arms around my neck as I lifted her. Her legs came around my waist as I climbed the stairs, with her still kissing me, to my room at the end of the hallway.

I couldn’t get close enough to her. I wanted her to surround me like this forever. I carefully lowered her to the bed and followed her down, kissing her chin, her neck, and her shoulder as I pushed her shirt up with my other hand.

She arched into my touch as I found the lace cups of her bra. “I want to see you.”

She let out a breath. “Finally.”

I reared up to pull off my shirt, and my fingers went to my zipper as she watched me, taking me in. I wanted to take my time, to savor her. But I wasn’t sure that was a possibility.

I shucked off my jeans, leaving me in briefs.

I was too overcome with emotion and pent-up sexual tension to go slow. I’d been waiting to have her in my bed for so long. I hoped the fantasy lived up to the vision in my head.

She spread her legs, and I settled between them, kissing the skin of her stomach. I pushed her shirt up so that the lace of her bra was exposed and pulled the cups down. Her breasts were gorgeous. A perfect handful with hard nipples.

I told her that as I sucked one into my mouth. Her whimpers filled my ears as I took my time. She moved restlessly beneath me.

“I want to feel you.” I helped her sit up and pull her shirt off, and then she unhooked the bra and flung it off to the side.

I dropped kisses down her torso to her stomach and then helped her wiggle out of her jeans and lace thong until she was bare. I stood at the end of the bed, pushing down the last barrier—my briefs—before I knelt on the bed.

I gripped her hips and pulled her legs wider. I settled between her legs, finally feasting on her. In all the times we’d had sex, I’d never gone down on her, and it was my greatest regret.

She deserved someone worshipping her. I kissed and licked her as I used my finger to slowly pump inside her. I whispered how gorgeous she looked and how much I couldn’t wait to sink inside her. My words seemed to heighten her desire.

Her fingers tightened in my hair, and she writhed beneath me. I wanted to watch her let go, but I also wanted to be inside her when she did. I sat up and positioned myself between her thighs. With my cock notched at her entrance, I braced my forearms on either side of Aria’s head so that my body was pressed against hers.

With her nipples rubbing against my chest, it felt amazing. It was exactly what I’d been waiting for. Her legs came around my hips, and I slid slowly inside.

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