Page 78 of After You Returned

She gazes into my eyes as if she’s searching for the truth. She can search all she wants because there is only one truth. I love her, and I’m never letting her go.

She swallows. “Okay.”

Disappointment slams into me. I want her to admit her feelings for me. But I need to be patient. I was a dick to her for years after I returned home injured from my first pro surfing event. She needs time to accept I’m no longer that man.

I stand with her in my arms and carry her bridal style to her bedroom. I don’t throw her on the bed the way I usually do. Nothing about today will be our usual way of doing things. We’re slowing things down so I can show her how I feel.

I lay her on the bed and crawl on top of her. “You sure about this?”

She fiddles with my t-shirt. “Are you sure you won’t disappear tomorrow morning?”

“I plan to stay glued to you for every moment you’re on the island.”

“What if I never leave?”

“Then, I’m never leaving your side.”

“You better not expect me to surf by your side because sharks…” She shivers.

I kiss her nose. “The mermaids and smugglers keep the sharks at bay.”

She rolls her eyes. “Whatever. I’m not learning to surf.”

This is an argument we’ve had too many times to count. When I was young and dumb, I wanted to share my love ofsurfing with her. I’m not young and dumb anymore. And I refuse to argue with her about this.

Especially when I’m laying on top of her in her bed. My cock pressing hard against my zipper, impatient to sink deep inside heaven.

“I won’t disappear on you again.” I nibble along her jaw and she arches her neck to give me better access. “Tomorrow morning, you’re going to wake up to me in this bed with you. The place I want to be forever.”

She studies me for a moment before nodding. “Okay.”

“Anything else you want to get off your chest before I strip you naked and give you a few orgasms?”

She taps her cheek. “Let me think. We could try to solve world hunger.”

I tickle her ribs. She tries to bat me away but I’m draped over her. She doesn’t stand a chance.

“Stop, Miles. I’ll pee my pants.”

“You can’t pee your pants if you’re not wearing any.” I unsnap her jeans and her eyes flare. “You want to stop at any time, say the word and I’ll stop.”

“When have I ever wanted you to stop?”

“The time we were on the beach and you were convinced a sand crab was aiming for your pussy.”

She slaps me. “I spent days getting sand out of places sand should never be in.”

I don’t remind her having sex on the beach was her idea. I’m not a stupid man.

“Lucky for you, there’s no sand in this bed.”

I draw her zipper down, exposing her pink, lace panties. As sexy as they are, they’ve got to go. I tap her hip and she immediately lifts up. I drag her jeans and panties down her legs and throw them over my shoulder.

I glide my fingers along her legs until I reach her core. Goosebumps follow in my wake. I love how her body responds to mine. As if her body yearns for mine. As if she can’t wait for me to touch her.

“Do you want my mouth or my fingers?”

Her breath hitches. “You forgot one option.”