Miller's Time (Southern Charmers 2)

“You are amazing.”

“I did what anyone would have done for the people they love. I wish you could have seen the serenity on her face when she slid into my car. It was,” I search for the right word, “inspiring.”

He grips my jaw, making me face him. His gorgeous blue eyes pierce deep, the heat and affection bleeding into me. My hands go to his chest, clutching his shirt to remain standing.

“I swore to myself the next time we had this conversation it would be different. I wouldn’t be fucking you against your fireplace, and we sure as hell wouldn’t be standing in an empty room in a hospital amid chaos, but it is what it is, and life happens.”

I brace with the severity of his tone and intensity in his posture. “Sweetie?”

“I love you. I love you so fucking much it’s an addiction. What you did this afternoon aside, I think I’ve loved you since you slid your sexy ass in a barstool next to mine.”

His words wash over me, and I’m helpless to the tears that spill down my cheeks. “Miller, I love you, too.”

He closes his eyes, laying his forehead to mine and exhaling sharply. “Say it again.”

“I love you. I love this. I’m scared out of my mind right now for many reasons, but the instant you wrapped your arms around me in that room a few minutes ago, I was in my safe place. You do that for me. You give me that security and protection.”

His hand moves from my jaw to my back, and his arms wrap back around me. Now that the damn has broken I can’t stop talking.

“It’s not only that, it’s the way you take care of me, the way you push me, the way you take care of those you love. It’s everything. And I knew the day you drove me to your house to politely hand me my ass for being a know-it-all haughty bitch that I loved you. It petrified me. It still does.”

“Shut it, Ashlyn,”

I press my lips together, my gut churning at his silence. “Maybe I shouldn’t have…”

His eyes snap open, and the coiling stops, my stomach pitching into freefall at the hunger blazing back at me.

“Been waiting weeks to hear those words from your lips, and I’m pissed as hell we’re in a place I can’t show you how much they mean to me. I’m trying to beat back the brutal instinct to throw you on that hospital bed and bury myself inside you.”

“Of course, I love you.”

“Wish it wasn’t crisis mode when you told me this.”

“I told you that night at my house!” I insist.

“No, you didn’t. You told me with your body, but not with the words. I would have remembered.”

“It’s the same thing!”

“Stop being defensive, Princess, and say it again.” He tilts my face and runs his lips along mine.

I fold with an emotional adrenaline high. “I love you, Miller Kendrick. You’re domineering, arrogant, bossy, and yet I am madly in love with every bit.”

He smiles against my mouth. “Knew you’d grow into it.”

“I’ll add cocky to the list.”

“As soon as we’re out of here, I’ll show you cocky.”

I stretch up on my toes, circle my arms around his neck, and brush my lips across his. “Considering this room is our only chance at privacy, maybe we should take advantage.”

A husky growl rumbles in his throat right before he crushes his mouth to mine, his tongue sweeping around as he kisses me possessively. I melt into him, giving him full access and control, memorizing this moment that I know has changed my life. He doesn’t slow, going deeper, his lips moving urgently as if he’s trying to consume me. His hands slide down, cupping my ass and rolling his hips to mine. I purr down his throat, hitch a leg around his hip, and thrust forward. Electricity sizzles, desire builds, and I intentionally rub myself against his thickness.

“Fuck.” He tears his mouth away, dropping his face to my neck. “So fucking hot, grinding against me, my dick begging for your pussy, and I’m in a goddamn maternity room.”

His words sink in, and I can’t stop the giggle that bubbles up and escapes. Soon I’m in a fit, shaking against him. “You realize the irony of this, right?”

“You vibrating against my cock with each tremor of your body? You think this is funny?” he replies gruffly against my skin.

“No, the fact that sex generally leads to the maternity ward.”

His arms clutch so tight, the air leaves my lungs. He raises his face and I fight for breath for a different reason.

“Say the word. The instant you tell me you’re ready and give me the green light, it’ll be my life’s mission to be standing right here, by your side, while our families wait.”

“Miller,” his name is barely audible over the pounding of my heart, “are you saying? You want to try for a baby? You want us to—?” I stumble over the possibility.