Page 134 of Hollywood

“You told me the business was struggling. He would have lost it either way.”

“Yeah. I guess.”

“I’m not saying you don’t make mistakes. We all do. I’m just saying that the people who love you shouldn’t hold them over your head. I won’t do that, Tex. Because all the good you do will always mean more to me. You stepped up, you’vebecome a second father to Ruby, and you’re the man I want. Not just right now.Always.No matter what.”

Tex hooked a hand around my neck. “God, I love you.”

He crushed our lips together, his tongue slick and sweet as it pushed into my mouth. There was more to say. More unpacking to do of the guilt and shame Tex had internalized over the years.

We couldn’t change that with one conversation.

But showing him that I loved him unconditionally? That was a step in the right direction. So, I let him kiss me, reveling in the feel of his lips against mine, and then stood and extended my hand.

“Come on. Let me show you how much I love you.”

He clutched my hand tightly, rising to follow me to the bedroom. “I don’t deserve this.”

“Wrong,” I said. “You deserve everything.”

CHAPTER 29

Tex

Hendrix undressed me—battingmy hands away when I tried to help—then pushed me down onto the bed. “Just relax and enjoy.”

I bit my bottom lip, watching as he unbuttoned his shirt, exposing a gentle swell of pecs tipped by rosy nipples and the dark hair arrowing down his belly that I always wanted to trace with my tongue.

“Not sure why you’re rewarding me right now, but I’ll take it,” I murmured as he peeled out of his jeans and briefs.

Hollywood climbed onto the bed and crawled over me, bracketing me with his hands and knees. His cock, half hard and growing stiffer and longer by the second, lightly brushed my thigh.

“This isn’t a reward.” He dipped his head to kiss me. His lips were a soft, sweet brush. I lifted my head, trying to chase the kiss, but he pulled back. “This is love, Tex.”

My heart contracted sharply. “I don’t deser?—”

He locked his lips with mine again, harder this time. Hebit down on my lower lip, tugging until I opened with a gasp. Then his tongue swept inside.

“You deserve my love,” he said, voice a little breathless when he pulled back. “If you didn’t, we wouldn’t be here. I decide who gets my heart, Tex. Understand? I choose you.”

“I choose you too.” My voice trembled as the words came out.

There were too many emotions crowding my chest. It was hard to breathe. I’d been so afraid of losing him when I admitted to my mistake. I’d never imagined Hendrix would take me to bed and shower me with love. But then, in my fear, I’d forgotten just how big his heart could be. How sweet and caring he was. How unlike my father.

He never would have forgiven me for running away otherwise. He’d given me a second chance. And now a third.

It wouldn’t be the last time he had to forgive me, either. I wouldn’t stop making mistakes. I knew that. But maybe I could start trusting Hollywood to love me, anyway.

The way I loved him.

He kissed my right eyebrow, then brushed his lips just under my left eye. He traced his way down my jawline, featherlight kisses that poured warmth through me. Not lust. Something much sweeter.

My eyes burned when he gently pushed my head to the side to kiss my neck. God, I was so lucky to have this man. I couldn’t believe I’d ever wanted to erase this attraction, push it down and hide it. Hendrix was the best thing to ever happen to me.

He laid his hand over my chest. “Your heart is racing and you’re shaking, babe. Are you okay?”

I let out a shuddery breath. “You’re just so amazing.”

His full lips hooked up on the right, his crooked smile nearly undoing me. “I’ve barely gotten started.”