Pretenders (Firsts and Forever 3)

“And that just proves you don’t know a damn thing, Jack,” I snapped. “You don’t know Wes anymore, and you sure as hell don’t know me, so forming opinions about our relationship is bullshit. We don’t owe you anything, but if you want proof we’re a couple then choke on this, you colossal asshole.”

I pulled Wes closer and kissed him, and it was like a dam breaking. Everything I’d been holding back for the last few days spilled out—all the longing, the desire, the raw emotion. My heart raced as I clutched him to me.

He returned the kiss with just as much passion and intensity, grabbing me in an embrace as I wrapped my arms and legs around him. It felt so good, so right, as if we were finally back where we belonged.

I couldn’t get enough of him, and he clearly felt the same way about me. He pushed up the hem of my shirt and slid his hands over my skin as my lips parted. Then his tongue slipped into my mouth, tasting me, claiming me, and I moaned softly as I ran my fingers into his hair.

He filled my senses—the sweet taste of his lips, the warmth of his body, the intoxicating scent of the expensive cologne he always wore, layered over his own, natural scent, which was clean and comforting and wonderfully familiar. All I could think was more, more, more, and I grabbed at him and tried to pull him as close as he could possibly get.

This went on for several minutes. My cock was throbbing and both of us were rattled when we finally broke the kiss. Jack had left at some point. Neither of us cared.

I rested my forehead against his and wrapped my arms around his shoulders as I whispered, “What happened, Wes? Why’d you pull back like that on Thursday and Friday, after three incredible days together?”

“When I went to the club on Wednesday night and saw you getting hit on by all those men, I was more jealous than I’ve ever been in my life,” he admitted. “I wanted to pull them off of you and tell them you’re mine. But you’re not, so that was totally irrational. It made me realize I needed to take a step back and get a grip.”

“Actually, I’ve been yours since our first date,” I said, and he leaned back to meet my gaze as his eyes widened in surprise. “This isn’t just about sex to me, and it sure as hell isn’t a business arrangement, Wes. It’s never been that, and I’m planning to give you your money back as soon as we get home. I never should have accepted it in the first place, not when I have feelings for you.”

“I thought I’d totally blown it when I withdrew from you, especially after you ignored me last night at the hotel.”

“I know I was pretty out of it yesterday, but when did I ignore you?”

He surprised me by saying, “I went to your room last night because I wanted to talk to you. It took me three tries before I gathered the courage to knock on your door. When you didn’t answer, I took that to mean I’d ruined any chance I’d ever had with you.”

“I’d wondered what you were doing.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was out on the beach, and I could see you in your room. I hope that doesn’t sound creepy. I didn’t go out there with the intention of spying on you, but your light was on and your curtains were open, so you were pretty hard to miss. Anyway, I saw you leave and come back, but I had no clue you’d gone and knocked on my door. If I’d been in my room, I not only would have let you in, I would have thrown myself at you.”

He grinned at me and said, “Good to know.”

“So, can we officially say we’re dating now?”

“Definitely.”

I grinned and told him, “I’m going to drive you crazy.”

“Bring it on.”

Everything fell into place in that moment, so easily that I realized it had been nothing but a tiny bump in the road—making the proverbial mountain out of a mole hill. Wes had tried to do what he thought was the right thing by taking a step back, and I’d gotten upset about it, instead of talking it out. I had a lot to learn when it came to relationships, but I wouldn’t make that mistake again.

He kissed my forehead, then went back to preparing the omelets, which turned out to be delicious. After we ate, we returned to the courtyard. Millie was still asleep in the blanket fort, so Wes and I curled up together in the hammock.

After a while, he said, in a hushed tone, “I don’t want you to give back the money.”