“I won’t. I’ll see you soon.” I know if I don’t get off the phone, I’ll say those words right now, and I want to be face-to-face when I do.
“Fuck yes, you will.” We hang up, my head drops back. All of my worked-up emotions were for nothing. The best thing I’ve ever done is let Chance in, and it’s where he’ll always stay. From here on out, I won’t let my crazy mind wander, not now and not ever.
Thirteen
Chance
The moment Fox caught me at his house, a look of worry on his face, I knew something was wrong. That’s why when he told me Peyton was trying to get ahold of me, I shoved my tool belt off, left Paul to deal with putting things away, went right to the phone store to replace it, and called Peyton. Fox was already on his phone finding me a ticket out of South Carolina. He knew there was no way I could stay and deal with the inspector.
Fox heard through Peyton’s laughter on the phone. That brother of mine may say he’ll never settle down, but I think once his shop and house are finished, someone will pop up when he least expects it.
That’s why I’m here, standing at the door to our master bedroom, a deep soul-consuming burn eating at my heart while I watch the love of my life sleep. The quilt is rucked down to her feet, the sheets twisted around her naked body, as if she couldn’t find a peaceful sleep. And even though it’s been months and I’ve shown her every step of the way that I’m here and not leaving her ever again, the pain I’ve caused in the wake of my stubbornness is why she looks sleep deprived and was on the verge of tears when I finally called her back.
I’d love nothing more than to climb into bed with her at this very moment, but being dirty from work, plus the plane ride full of recirculated air, I’m sure I smell pretty damn ripe. I’m quiet as a mouse, stripping out of my clothes in the bathroom and stepping in the shower that isn’t even heated up yet.
My head is dipped under the water pouring from the shower head when two arms circle my stomach. Peyton places a kiss on the center of my back. “Why are you out of bed, baby?” I turn around, wanting to see her for myself instead of just feeling Peyton.
“I heard the water kick on. It’s not like I was in a deep sleep. Are you okay?” she asks me. Her breasts are pressed up against my chest. Blue eyes like the ocean, deep and dark, look up at me.
“I’m okay, but I should be asking you that. Today wasn’t a good day, huh?” My hands find her hair, gathering it in my hand, my head already dipping to taste her lips.
“No, seems like we both had a rough day.” Peyton’s head tips down. I saw the tears swimming in her eyes. This is unlike her. My woman doesn’t hang her head in embarrassment, and I know this isn’t shame.
“Yeah, we did.” I use her hair to tip her head back. “But today is just a day. Tomorrow is a new day. I promise you this, you won’t ever go to bed worrying about the two of us ever again. I love you, Peyton, more than words can describe, more than I could ever show you. It’s you and me against the world.” With that, my lips meet hers, not allowing Peyton to say a word. This is me telling and showing her that there will be a time when she’ll know with every piece of her being that we’re in it forever.
“That’s not fair, you know,” Peyton says as we pull apart.
“Why’s that?” I respond, my grin widening into a smile.
“I didn’t even get to tell you how I felt about you.” She stomps her foot, causing me to laugh.
“The floor is yours, baby.” I lift her up by the back of her thighs, her back meeting the tile shower. My woman, she’ll never admit it, but Peyton loves to be carried, snuggled, and don’t even get me started on all the sex we’ve had in a shower.
“How do you expect me to tell you how I feel when your cock is ready and I’m willing?” She lowers her hips, settling down on the head of my cock.
“You either get it out now or you wait until later, baby.” I thrust my hips up, and she sinks down on my length.
“Fuck, this isn’t fair, Chance,” she moans out.
“It’s been too long since I’ve been inside you. Are you going to tell me you love me, baby?” My lips are on hers, sucking on them, nipping at them, needing her more than I ever thought possible.