Page 122 of Here & Now

His eyes darkened as she led him to her entrance and widened her legs.

“I should—”

“You don’t have to.”

He gazed at her with uncertainty.

“I’ve been on the pill for years—bad periods.”

“You sure it’s okay?”

“Positive.”

With that, he pushed forward, and she welcomed the intrusion.

The rain came even harder now, and the wind whipped through the palm trees. Luckily, she had the best distraction and was no longer feeling scared. She moved her legs further apart, and he plunged forward again, emitting a long groan.

She gazed at him, overcome with love and desire and brimming with hope for their future.

“Bree…”

“It’s okay. Don’t hold back.”

He pushed the rest of the way in, filling her completely, and she tipped her head back and moaned.

As their bodies ground together, the sounds of their lovemaking filled the air, competing with the storm.

The candle flickered, but she no longer needed its light. She was lit up from within, her body bursting with love and happiness.

“Stay with me,” he urged as his hips began thrusting harder, faster.

“I’m not going anywhere…”

An orgasm ripped through her, stealing her breath and carrying her away.

His release followed, and it was just as beautiful.

As they drifted back down, the rain lessened, having reached its peak at the same time they had. It was still dark and windy, but the storm seemed to have lost its fierceness.

He collapsed on his back, and she nestled her head against his shoulder. As they caught their breath, she caressed his chest and rested her hand over his heart.

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“For distracting me from the storm.”

“Better than a board game?” he teased.

“So much better, although I’d whip your butt at Monopoly.”

He laughed heartily, and his chest vibrated beneath her fingertips.

“You think I’m joking, but I always won when I played with my…” The memory gave her a jolt.

“Grandparents?” he said softly.

“Yeah.”

He turned on his side and faced her. “I know nobody can take their place, but I’ll do my best to make you happy, Bree.”

She smiled at him, and this time, the tears filling her eyes were from what she’d gained, not what she’d lost. “I believe you, and I want to do the same for you.”

“You already are.”

They leaned in for a kiss at the same time.

“Starting here and now, we’re going to make a good life together,” he said with conviction.

“We already are…”

He kissed her again and then distracted her some more until the storm blew out of sight.