Page 157 of Dream Chaser

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“This looks great. What do you think?” Ale wiped sweat from his forehead. The kitchen looked like it once did, only better. Tidier, brighter. Ale had hung the cabinets, then we’d cleaned everything and put the kitchenware away.

“I think I’m a lucky girl,” I said.

He leaned against the island and pulled me to stand between his legs. “I’m the lucky one. I wanted to ask you something.”

His suddenly serious tone kicked my pulse into gear. “What?”

“Asher’s first race is in Jerez this season. I want you to meet my family.”

My breath stuttered. “Your parents?”

“And my brother.”

A knot twisted in my stomach. I took a lungful of air, trying to think of something to say. What if they didn’t like me? What if they wanted someone different for Ale?

“Hey,” he whispered, lightly touching my face. “Where’d you go?”

“Still here. I’m just…”

“Too soon?”

“No.” I shook my head. “But what if they don’t like me?”

Ale squeezed my waist gently. “Then it’ll be their loss because I do. But that won’t be the case because they’ll love you.”

“You seem so sure.”

He slipped his fingers under the chain on my neck, brushing his thumb over the A of his name. “I love my family, Nova. They’re great, and we’re close, but I don’t need their approval. This is our relationship and our life. Nobody will meddle. I wouldn’t let them.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing myself to him. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

“Thank you.” Ale hugged me tightly. I sighed, relaxing in his hold.

“A bath?” he asked.

“Hopefully, the water heater works.”

“It better.” He patted my behind, straightening. “Let’s go check.”

I led Ale to my bedroom. The bathtub in the en suite wasn’t huge, but it would fit us both. He checked the water, and I found candles, then lit them and put them on the vanity.

After filling the tub, he pulled his hoodie up, exposing a sliver of abs. His sweats followed. In nothing but black boxer briefs, he looked unfairly good.

“Need help undressing?” His voice deepened as he swept his gaze over me.

“Please,” I whispered.

Alejandro stalked over to stand at my back. The heat from his body enveloped me in a cocoon, making me feel safe. Warm. Wanted.

He pushed my hair aside and pressed his lips to my neck, breathing me in. Then his hands slipped under the hem of my sweater, stroking my stomach. As they climbed toward my breasts, I arched against him, leaning into his touch.

He skimmed his fingertips over my hardened nipples, rubbing them through the lace of my bra.

I palmed his erection. He drew in a breath. “Don’t tease me, or we won’t make it to the water.”

“Maybe that’s not a bad thing.”