Home to You

I watch as he swallows hard. “What is your dream, Have?”

“You. You and Chloe. I know she’s not mine and that she has a mom, but that little girl, just like her daddy, has wound her tiny hands around my heart, and the thought of leaving either of you tears me up inside. I won’t do it again, Bash I won’t give up those I love for a dream that doesn’t make me happy. I wasn’t happy in New York.”

“Are you happy now?” I can hear the caution in his voice, almost as if he’s afraid of the answer.

I nod. “Yes. I never thought teaching dance would be fulfilling, but to see the faces of my students when they nail a lift or a turn, it’s good for my soul. It’s more than that. It’s good for me. For the first time in years, I’m living, really living. I can have steak and pizza and whatever else I want without the fear that I’m going to be ridiculed for gaining an ounce. Professional dance is cutthroat, and honestly, I just don’t want to do it anymore. It’s too much stress, I have no life, and I’d have to leave you, have to leave home again, and that’s something I’m not willing to compromise on. You did taste that steak tonight, right?” I ask to lighten the mood a little.

He smiles and nods. “So, you’re staying for your students?”

“And other things. I’m actually buying the studio. Mrs. Simone has decided it’s time to retire. She called and asked if I was interested in buying her out, and I said yes.”

“What?” He moves to the edge of his seat. “When did this happen?”

“A few days ago. It all happened pretty quickly, and I wanted to surprise you.”

“Haven.” He reaches his hand out for mine, and I take it, letting him pull me close to him. “Tell me I’m not imagining this. Tell me what this means,” he says, placing a kiss on the back of my hand.

“I’m staying, Sebastian. Here in Hope. I’m not going back to New York. I don’t know what that means for us, but I’m not leaving. I’m here, and if you want me, I’m yours.” The words are barely out of my mouth before he’s slamming his lips to mine.

“I want you. All of you. We didn’t get our chance then, but now… now it’s our time, Haven.” The words are barely out before he’s kissing me again, harder this time than before. His hands roam over my body, and I move in closer. I can never seem to be close enough to him. His lips trail down my neck, distracting me. That’s why I’m squealing when he lifts me into his arms and carries me down the hall to his room.

“I want to take my time with you, but I can’t. Not right now. I was convinced you were leaving me, that you were going back to New York, and now you’re telling me that you’re here for good. That you’re never leaving me again, and I need you, Haven. I need to feel your warmth wrapped around me.”

“I’m yours.” My hand rests against his cheek. “I’m home, Sebastian.”

“Thank fuck.” He sets me on the bed and takes a step back. “I need you naked. Now.” I watch with rapt attention as his hands grip the hem of his shirt, and he pulls it over his head, tossing it on the floor behind him. “Haven.” My name is a growl from deep in his throat.

“Sebastian,” I taunt him.

Hand on the back of his head, he blows out a breath. “Baby, you just told me you were home, that you were mine, and I’m barely holding on here. I need you out of those clothes.”

“Oh, these?” I sit up and pull my shirt over my head.

“Yes.” He swallows hard.

Reaching behind my back, I unclasp my bra and let the straps slide over my shoulders before tossing it on the bed. “And these?” I ask, popping the button on my jeans and working the zipper. Lying back on the bed, I lift my hips and shimmy out of my jeans. They get stuck at my ankles, and Sebastian takes pity on me, grabbing them and pulling them off.

“Now who’s wearing too many clothes?” I ask him.

Seconds. That’s all it takes is a handful of seconds before his jeans and boxer briefs are lying on the floor. I give him my full attention as he grips his hard length and strokes himself. I lick my lips in anticipation, and another growl comes from him. “Haven.” The heat in his eyes sends a rush through me.

Placing my index finger under the waistband of my panties, I tug and stop. “I guess I’m going to need some help.” I’m lying. We both know that I’m capable, but the fire that burns in his eyes, I crave it like nothing ever before.