“Yes.”
He wiped the wetness from her cheeks. “Then you need to trust in that. And trust in me. I will not let things escalate. I will not tolerate anything that hurts you.”
Her smile was small but unmistakable. “That’s the part I have no doubts about.”
Fuck, still, months later, words like that hit him right in the feels. How he’d gotten the unconditional love and trust of this amazing woman still baffled him, but he didn’t take it for granted. Not once.
“And you’re right.” She blew out a breath. “I need to chill and trust in the effort they’ve put into themselves.”
“That’s my girl. And if nothing else goes right tomorrow, at least we’ll get to hear the story of how Ronnie gets her ass handed to her by a cocky chef.” He winked.
That had Hannah laughing out loud, but then her face grew serious. “Thank you. You always know just how to make things right again.” She stroked a finger across his lips. “You know I love you, right?”
After kissing her fingertip, he nodded. “Baby, that’s the part I have no doubts about,” he said with a smile, giving her back her words.
She huffed a small laugh. “Smartass. You’re lucky you’re hot.”
Laughing, he rolled his hips, grinding his cock against her wet sex. “I’m lucky you think I’m hot.”
Hannah moaned. “Can we be done talking now? I’m ready to have my world rocked.”
“Just one more thing.” He let his weight settle on top of her and spoke with his lips brushing hers. “I love you.”
“Love you,” she said as she kissed him.
They took their time loving on each other. With Kayla asleep and nothing to do until morning, they had the whole night for nothing but each other. Kisses, touches, licks, sucks. They did it all until sweat glistened, muscles shook, and throats cried out.
And when he finally surged into her, sometime in the night, he kept her as close as possible. Chests molded together; their hearts beat as one. Their breath mingled, and sighs were swallowed by panting mouths.
They came together, clinging tight and sharing the pleasure.
As they’d share the rest of their lives.
Maybe one day get married.
Give Kayla a few siblings.
His life was unrecognizable from last year.
And all because of a girl named Mary Anne.
She gave him Hannah and Kayla.
She’d given him everything.
Hours later, in the dead of night, he lay awake next to Hannah, enjoying the feel of her as he reviewed the success of the day. She shifted in her sleep, nuzzling deeper into his embrace. As he kissed the top of her head, he closed his eyes.
For so long, he’d been terrified of this very thing.
But now he understood how wrong he’d been.
Because life with Hannah was more perfect than he could have imagined.