Page 97 of Yours, Finally

Jake: Let's just… wait and see

Gabe: As you wish

Vi: Just know we'll be there for you

Jake: I know

Jake

I went into the gym that morning with a smile already on my face. Vi had texted me to let me know what time she would be there, and seeing her stretching on the mat came as no surprise.

The opening of the door must have caught her attention. Her hand went right into her ear; she took an earbud out and offered it to me.

"Do you want to share?" she asked. "My book is getting really good, if you know what I mean."

I smirked and closed the door behind me. It didn't have a lock, but I dropped my bag at its feet to block it— it would buy us a couple of seconds, at least.

In just a couple of steps, I reached her, ignored her hand, and wrapped her in my arms. Holding her tight, I gave her a long, deep kiss.

Her response was instant. Both arms went around my neck and she stretched high to kiss me better; in her tennis shoes, she didn't have the aid of her heels to match my height.

She was tall but I was a giant— in my head, the fact was another sign of how she was made for me. The way she immediately mirrored my need was an even better one.

Our lips still touched when I ended the kiss; we swayed in the spot in a mimic of a slow dance. I sucked on her bottom lip. She pushed her pelvis onto me.

"Fuck, Vi. I don't think I can get enough of you."

"Is that a no to the audiobook?"

There was enough light coming through the windows that she had forgone the cold ceiling lights. Between the warm, golden sun rays of the early morning sun and the bright smile she gave me, I didn't think I would need artificial lamps ever again.

And to think only a few weeks before I thought I wouldn't get those, unless she directed them at someone else, and I stole it for myself.

I recorded the moment in my mind. The warmth of her skin under my hands, in the patch of skin between her sports bra and workout leggings; the softness of our bodies melding together. Affection in her eyes and my own quickened heart.

She leaned on me and I would never fail her. It was the only reason why I didn't simply melt in my love for her. The fact we wore gym clothes and were technically at work occupied practically no space in my brain. Every firing synapse cared about one thing only— that Vi was in my arms.

"We'll save that for another time." I walked her back until she hit the wall. "Today I want to be the one whispering sexy things into your ear."

She gasped as I pushed into her. I let my mouth slant with hunger.

"And we probably want to hear if anyone is approaching," I added. "Though that might be a responsibility I leave up to you."

I bent down to kiss her neck. A mix of perfume, shampoo, and clean sweat smell invaded my nose, and I drew it in. I ran my nose up the tempting curve; the faint echo of her heartbeat made itself known on the delicate flesh.

I groaned. "I'll be too busy making you forget about your book. Making you feel like you're in your own romance novel of a life."

"Holy shit." She slid an inch down the wall, like her bones had turned to jelly.

Her hand flew up to cling from one the hangers meant for bags and clothes.

I chuckled. "You might need a bit more purchase than that hook, lovely."

"And you want to leave me in charge of detecting intruders?" Her free hand grabbed a handful of my shirt and pulled me closer. "I can't be blamed. I can barely think right now."

"Mmmh. Tell me more." I dropped to my knees and kissed her tummy. Lower.

She moaned. I used my teeth, light over the stretchy fabric of her leggings; one of my hands shot up to fondle her breast, the other braced on the wall behind her.