Right now, I don't want to rush. I want to enjoy every damn minute I have with this woman. She's changed my life for the better, and as long as she wants me, I'm hers. I've never felt this way about anyone before.
She digs her heels into my ass, encouraging me to go harder.
“Yes yes yes," she says, pulling me down to continue kissing her. Tatum moans are like music to my ears, and I only wish she knew how much she means to me. After today, and knowing that it could've ended in tragedy, I know I can't wait to tell her.
"Harder," she groans, and I give her exactly what she wants. Her soft pants and warm breath against my skin drive me crazy. I kiss her again and again until both our lips are swollen.
“I’m so close,” Tatum mumbles, her hair splashed across the pillow. “Come with me.”
“Wait for me, baby,” I say, feeling the build in the pit of my stomach.
Her back arches as I slam into her, and as soon as she begins riding out her release, I lose myself inside of her. The emotions stream through me, and I kiss Tatum until we're both gasping for air. I pet her damp hair and look into her eyes.
"I love you, Tatum," I say confidently, hoping she knows how much I mean it. "You don't have to say it back, but after what happened, I knew I couldn't go another day without telling you how much you mean to me."
“Easton, I love you too. I’ve known it for so long and was scared to open my heart to someone again, but I can’t deny it. I love you so much.”
We're smiling and kissing, and I've never quite felt happiness like this. It's everything. After we clean up, Tatum snuggles in my arms, and I hold her while staring up at the ceiling. I think the smile on my face might be permanent.
“There’s something I wanted to ask you,” I nervously say.
"Hmm," she responds, and I can tell she is falling asleep.
“Will you move in with me?”
Tatum turns her body so she can look into my eyes. “Really?”
"Yes, I can't imagine not holding you every night or waking up next to you. I'm addicted to this, Tatum. How could I sleep at night knowing the woman of my dreams is across the hall when she should be with me? I could have them remodel the entire upstairs area into one big condo so we'll have a bigger joint space. Then we can run the shop together too, as equal partners."
“Are you sure about all that?” She searches my face. “That’s a huge commitment, Easton. You’ve spent your time and money on that shop. You’ve put everything into it.”
"And I want to share that with you, my love. I've been thinking about this, and I've never been more sure about anything in my life. I know you’re the woman for me, Tatum. But I also don’t want you to feel pressured or rushed to do anything. Moving in together would be a first big step, a leap that I’m willing to take, but only if you want it. If you don’t, I won’t be ups—”
Tatum presses her lips against mine to stop me from rambling. “Yes,” she says, beaming. “Yes, Easton. I’d love that so much. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.”
I pull her into my arms and kiss her softly, almost like we're in a dream I don't want to wake from. "You're so damn beautiful," I tell her as she straddles me.
"And I'm yours," Tatum says, sliding onto my cock. She rocks her hips, this time taking complete control.
We make love again until our bodies can't take anymore, then fall asleep tangled together. I'm in love with an intelligent, thoughtful woman, who's given her heart to me when she hardly had any to offer, and it feels so good to tell her as much.
Chapter Twenty
TATUM
TWO MONTHS LATER
I roll over and see the sun splashing across the hardwood floor of our condo. It’s been two months since Justin attacked us, and ever since, Easton and I have been inseparable.
We did have to go to court to testify about how we'd been stalked. Thankfully, Bear had enough evidence to make the case clear cut. It was ruled as self-defense because of the unlawful aggression Justin portrayed, plus the fact he had kidnapped me at gunpoint after a warrant was set for his arrest. To say I was relieved when it was all put to rest is an understatement.
Easton's arm snakes around me, and he pulls me into his morning wood. I rub my ass against him and let out a hum.
"I will never get tired of having your warm body next to me like this," he says into my ear, his chin hair tickling my neck. Moments later, Easton's alarm on his phone goes off, and he rolls over to stop it.