Sean: A Stepbrother Romance (Coded for Love 3)

“No. I realized a couple of weeks later.” Her head dipped, her eyelids lowering.

“I wish I could turn back the clock.”

She smiled, but didn’t meet his gaze. “That would be ideal.”

“Will you let me make it up to you both?”

Finally her eyelids lifted. Humor danced in her eyes. “It could take. Ooh, years.”

“The rest of my life?”

“At the very least.”

Chapter Twenty

“I never want this to end,” Rowan whispered.

Just being in his arms sent her into raptures. Being held and loved. He’d undone her heart and soul that evening, leaving her stripped bare, emotionally raw and vulnerable, and yet it didn’t frighten her anymore. It felt right.

“Neither do I.” Sean pulled her closer still.

She lay in the crook of his arm, his body alongside hers. He kept touching her, stroking her, as if he were afraid to look away. The feeling was mutual.

Physical need rose between them constantly as they talked and held one another. They simmered on, both knowing it would happen, savoring it. Rowan wanted it to last and last, but they were into the early hours and he had a big day ahead.

“You should try to get some sleep.” It was the last thing she wanted to say.

“I don’t want to sleep. I need this time with you.” In the dimly lit bedroom she could make out the concerned look he wore. “I want to be inside you before tonight is out, but there’s something else I want from you first.” The look in his eyes was deadly serious, holding attention.

The ensuing silence hung heavy in the atmosphere between them, the tension ratcheting. “What?”

“I need to know you trust me, now and forever.”

“I do, and I’m sorry it’s taken me so long.”

“Don’t be sorry. You have good reason.” He was silent a moment, then carried on. “Whatever happens tomorrow, I want you to know I love you and Pixie. I want to come back and make a life with you both. If something happens…”

Her chest tightened. “Like what?”

He shook his head. “Say you understand what I’m saying. Please. I’m not good at this Rowan, obviously.” He was begging her with his eyes.

Her stomach knotted. “Will you tell me what you’re doing tomorrow?”

“It’s better you don’t know anything.”

“Is it going to be dangerous?”

“Stop pushing.”

“I just want to know how much I should be worrying.”

“Leave the worrying to me.”

“Are you sure I can’t help with anything?”

“You can help by staying here, safe, so I know where to find you after it’s all done.”

She stroked her hand over his head. “I trust you to come back to me. I’ll be waiting for you.”