Page 45 of Where We Belong

He takes my hand and feathers kisses on the inside of my wrist. “Still, I didn’t know exactly what I was doing. It’s not until now that I’m ready to work on my fears and try to become a better man for my girls.”

Somehow, it surprises me that he sees himself as a failure. He doesn’t understand how loving, caring, and amazing he is. “Do you always compare yourself to your family?”

“That’s where I came from,” he states matter-of-factly.

“But you’re nothing like them,” I counter, shaking my head. “You’re so different—it’s why you left and avoided them for years.

Ben’s shoulders slump. “I was scared I’d become like them. That’s why I thought staying away from you was best for both of us.”

“But it wasn’t,” I mumble, gaze dropping involuntarily to his lips.

“I know, and I’m so sorry.” He cups my chin, tilting my face up to meet his earnest eyes again. “Hurting you is my biggest regret. Please believe me when I say I love you.”

My heart pounds wildly as I search his intense green eyes, full of longing. The air around us crackles with electricity, drawing us closer. I can almost taste the anticipation hovering between us.

My breath catches as Ben slowly leans in, close enough that I feel the heat radiating from his body. His heated gaze never leaves mine. With a featherlight touch, he brushes a strand of hair from my cheek, sending tingles dancing across my skin.

The moment stretches taut with tension. Ben moves nearer still, until I can feel the warmth of his breath on my face. His eyes, dark with emotion, search my face before dropping to my lips. I sway toward him instinctively. This is it—the point of no return.

My heart races as he moves closer until our lips are a hairsbreadth apart. Ever so gently, he brushes his lips against mine. The touch is soft and tender, yet the passion simmers behind it. How long has it been since we last kissed? It feels like an eternity.

The gentle caress grows more heated as his hand slides up to cradle my cheek. His touch is at once powerful yet incredibly tender, and I find myself melting into his embrace. Our lips move in perfect sync, the kiss deepening as sparks ignite between us.

His tongue glides along my bottom lip, exploring and tasting, sending waves of pleasure washing over me. My hands trail up his firm chest, fingers tracing the hard lines of muscle. His free hand slides down my back, pulling me tighter against him. I can feel his racing heartbeat thudding against my palm.

Finally, we break apart, lips clinging for a few lingering moments before separating. His eyes lock with mine, blazing with that same intense emotion as before. But now there is no fear, no holding back. This time he’s ready to surrender himself completely.

“I love you,” he whispers. “I always have.”

I capture his lips again in a searing kiss, pouring all my bottled-up feelings into it.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Benedict

My lips tingle as I pull away from the most incredible kiss of my life. A kiss that was far too long in the making. Cory’s eyes flutter open, lips parted, and cheeks endearingly flushed. She’s so fucking beautiful. She takes my breath away.

I brush my thumb over her bottom lip, still stunned that this amazing woman is giving me a chance after years of pushing her away out of misguided fear. She waited for me until now, and I’m finally ready to give her my whole heart. It’s not like she didn’t own it, just… I couldn’t believe that a man like me could ever have a woman like her.

She’s so much more than I deserve. Still, she’s willing to let me regain her trust and love her forever.

“I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” I confess, shaking my head ruefully. “If I could, I’d kiss you all the time.”

Cory gives me that smile that makes my chest tighten. “Well, we might do it more often. I mean, you need to make up for all the long-lost time, right?”

I grin. “Is that an invitation?” I wrap my arms around her waist, our bodies fitting together perfectly like two lost souls reuniting at last. “Because I fully intend on kissing you every chance I get from now on.”

Cory lays her head against my chest with a contented sigh. As I hold her close, I make a silent promise. Never again will I make the mistake of letting her go. She’s my future now.

Except I should probably let her go before dinner gets cold, and she can’t enjoy it. Though, the way she’s looking at me, I’m tempted to drag her downstairs and get her naked. Gotta pace myself.

“We should eat,” I say reluctantly.

“Who cooked?” she asks, intrigued.

“I’m not sure...” I trail off, realizing I have no idea.

Cory frowns slightly. “I saw people going in and out of your brother’s place earlier. One was carrying pots. I was wondering where they were going.”

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