Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80634 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80634 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“They’re making it an early day. Oh, and it’s girls’ night tonight.” The elevator doors slide closed before I can hear his reaction.
Owen doesn’t stop moving until we reach his car. Silently, he opens the door for me and waits until I’m buckled in to close it. My eyes trail him as he walks around and slides behind the wheel. Leaning over the console, he slides his hand behind my neck and presses his lips to mine. All too quickly, the windows are fogging up, and we’re both gasping for breath.
“I’ll show you, baby. I just need to get you home first.” With that, he buckles his seat belt and pulls out of the parking garage. His hand finds mine, our fingers tangled, and resting between us for the entire drive.
When he pulls into the garage, the silence continues as he climbs out of the car. I don’t wait for him to open my door, opting to meet him at the front door. With his hand on the small of my back, he guides me into the house.
We don’t stop until we reach his bedroom, our bedroom. The sound of the door closing behind us is loud. Then again, my nerves are on edge. I want this. I want him, but I still have those insecurities that I don’t know what I’m doing, that I won’t be good enough, and everything we have will end. Poof. Just like that.
“Stop thinking, baby,” his husky voice greets me. He steps up behind me, aligning his front to my back. “It’s just me, just us. You tell me if I make you uncomfortable, and I’ll stop. It’s as simple as that.”
“I won’t want you to stop. I want you,” I tell him, my voice breathy and filled with need. I turn in his arms so that we’re face-to-face.
“I’ll go slow. You tell me if it’s too much. There is nothing you could ask of me that would make me not want to be with you. Tell me you understand that, Layla.”
I nod, unable to speak from the lump of emotions forming in my throat.
This. Is. Happening.
Finally.
“I need your words, Layla.”
“I understand.”
“You’re my heart, Layla Massey. I’m so in love with you. I can’t see past how you make my heart race.”
“D-Did you say you love me?”
“Caught that, did ya?” He gives me a boyish grin. He slides a hand behind my neck and bends his knees so that we’re eye to eye. “I love you. Piece by piece, you’ve stolen my heart, and I gotta tell ya, baby. I don’t want it back. It’s yours. I’m yours. Forever.” Then he kisses me. Not just any kiss. No, this kiss is slow and deep as if he needs to prove to me with his lips molded to mine that the words he speaks are true.
My body trembles as I let this all sink in.
Owen Riggins loves me.
That’s when it hits me that I didn’t say it back. “Owen,” I say, pulling away. His lips trail down my neck.
“Less talking. More kissing,” he says, nipping at my ear.
“Owen,” I try again. He continues to run his lips over every part of my exposed skin, and I can’t think with his lips on me. “Stop, just for a minute.” Just like that he’s gone. His body is no longer aligned with mine, and his lips are no longer caressing my skin. “Hey.” Reaching up, I place my palm against his cheek as I move my body in close to his. I miss his warmth. “I liked what you were doing, but I needed your attention. Your full attention.”
He nods, blowing out a breath. “You have it.”
“You sure?” I ask, my voice playful.
“You’ve always had it, Layla.” His hands slide around my waist, pulling me even closer, and I didn’t think that was possible. “Now, talk. I’m listening. It’s not my fault your sweet skin distracted me.”
I roll my eyes, making him laugh. “You sure? You’re listening? This is important.”
“I’m all ears, Lay. What’s going on?” He sobers, and I know I’ve got him.
“Owen Riggins.” I stand on my tiptoes, bringing my mouth a breath away from his. “I love you.”
He sucks air into his lungs and fuses his lips to mine. This time I won’t be stopping him.
Chapter 17
Owen
Words are powerful. Hers bring me to my knees. I will never forget this moment. Never. Hearing her tell me that she loves me is like a jolt of electricity running through my veins. I can’t kiss her long enough, can’t get her close enough. This woman in my arms is my entire world.
Her hands make their way to my dress pants. I have to force myself to pull my lips from hers and take a step back. Her chest is heaving, and her eyes are glassy from need—all for me. “Strip, Layla,” I say. My voice is deep and barely controlled. I need her naked, and as much as I’d love to take my time with her, the need inside me burns too hot. I know I need to be gentle, but time is not on our side. Not this time. I need to feel her heat wrapped around me.