Inking Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 4)

Our movements slowed down, but our kiss did not fade. The overwhelming pleasure still flooded both of us, as we clutched each other, half delirious with the rush of realizing what we had.

Grant rolled us so that we were on our sides, with my head snuggled into the crook of his shoulder. His arms wrapped around me, rocking me gently.

CHAPTER NINE

* Grant *

As much as sex with Leah was the most incredible thing in the universe, listening to her breathing slow down and smooth out afterward was fast becoming one of my new favorite sounds. The amount of love I had for this girl was nearly shocking.

“I still can’t believe you went to all that trouble to come to my silly work party,” she said softly.

I sat up and pulled her into my lap, turning her face close to mine. “Baby, how many boyfriends have you had?”

“Just one.” Then she gave me the sweetest little smile. “Well, I guess, two now.”

I kissed her forehead. “I’m the last boyfriend you’re ever going to have, Leah. But the other guy didn’t treat you very well, did he? You’re a princess, sweetheart.”

She shook her head. “I felt like I was just... A thing that he felt he was supposed to have. Like a big-screen TV and a nice car.”

“Jesus,” I growled, holding her against me. “Baby, you’re a treasure. You’re amazing. And you’re mine now. My girl, forever. I’m going to make sure you know how special you are every single day.” I pulled back to stare into those big eyes. “Even when we’re both super busy now and then, and running in different directions for a few days, you’re going to at least get a call from me so you hear how much I love you.”

Her hands cupped my face, looking at me very seriously before placing her lips on mine for just a moment. “I love you, Grant.”

Holding her against me, just breathing together, I felt absolutely complete. I’d accomplished so many of my life goals already. A great business, a first home, planning for the next one. And now a wonderful woman who made me feel energized. Inspired. Grounded.

Then I looked around the room in the dim light, at the cracked ceiling, and the window that didn’t look like it locked completely.

“Can I be really honest with you, Leah?”

She grinned. “I know you’re always going to be honest with me.”

“Well, yeah. Of course. But no offense, you should be somewhere nicer than this apartment.”

She hung her head, but I placed a finger under her chin. “No, baby, don’t be embarrassed. You did your best, and I think that’s amazing. But this building is pretty run down, and there’s no security here. I don’t like that you’re on the second floor – it’s too easy for some creep to jump up onto your balcony. I don’t like that you’re living alone. What if you came to live in my tiny condo, and between the two of us, we could get a house in less than two years?”

She froze.

“I know that’s a big step, baby. Just something to think about. Okay?”

Leah nodded. “I really appreciate how you seem to understand I need a little time to process things.”

I could almost feel her thinking hard, and nuzzled her throat, not wanting to interrupt her with a kiss.

“I hope you realize,” she said softly, “I don’t need time to know about us. I know that we’re permanent. That part is locked down. I’ll just need some time for outside things like moving, and expenses, and big life changes.”

Gripping her hand, I grinned. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. We’ll figure it all out.”

She nodded, then kissed me gently.

I could sense that she was tired after a busy night, and as she curled into my shoulder, I stroked her hair, glancing out the window. The curtains were open just a few inches, and I saw a huge, beautiful full moon surrounded by wisps of little silver clouds.

“Baby, do you have slippers?”

She opened her eyes, blinked, and looked at me strangely. “Why?”

“I want to do something completely insane.”

I could almost see the gears spinning in her mind for a moment, then she shrugged. “Okay.”