Heartthrob (The Bennett Brothers 3)

I semi-growl, lifting her and carrying her to the bathroom and hoping my willpower will hold out

“Remind me to bring you to the beach more often. You’re a lot more mellow.” I lift her hand to my mouth and kiss her knuckles as we walk along the shoreline.

“I love it out here. It’s one of my favorite places to be.”

“How come you never told me about the condo?”

“It never came up. You know my parents have a few investment properties, but this one is special. I was going to live here after college, but it didn’t work out.

“Why not?”

“The location is inconvenient to the hospital, and it’s farther from Bizzy. Coming back to Miami after four years away was going to be odd. The few friends I kept in touch with from high school had all moved on. I wanted the comfort of being close to Biz.”

“A lot has changed. What about now?”

“What about it?”

“Would you like to live in a place like this?”

“A condo on the beach? Who wouldn’t? Maybe not here, but somewhere closer to work would be nice. Unfortunately, my budget doesn’t allow for ocean-front living.”

An ache hits me in the chest. Another reminder of all the time we spent together and didn’t really talk. “Fortunately for you, I can afford it.”

She stops walking, turning into me. “Yes, you can, but you have a great place. It’s modern, masculine, and perfectly fits you.”

I choose my words carefully, remembering the last time I attempted this. “But it doesn’t perfectly fit us. I’m thinking about something that will fit us.”

She sucks in a breath, understanding washing over her. “Mathis—”

“Don’t.” I place a finger to her lips. “I’ve been complacent about our living situation because I was an idiot. We’re done with separate places. I love you and want us living together. And, before you start thinking whatever fucked up thoughts I allowed in your head, let me tell you why. This wasn’t a quick decision. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but life got in the way and the subject kept getting buried under bullshit. I’m not looking for convenience; I’m looking for us to start our lives together. My condo is bigger and would allow for us to have guest rooms, but if you’re not comfortable, we’ll look for a place at the beach. In the meantime, you’re moving in with me and making my place your own.”

“That sounds awfully like a decision, not a question.”

“I’ve discovered I’m not very good at subtle questions.”

“Just an FYI, the other night would have gone a lot different if you’d told me all this.”

I close in, sliding my hand to her neck and running my thumb along her pulse point. Her heart rate quickens against my touch. “I wish I could take it back, but that night woke me up. Now, I’m here with you, talking about things that should have been discussed all along. Hurting you will always haunt me.”

She inhales sharply, her expression filling with guilt. “I’m sorry I ran away from you.”

“I’m not, it gave me the swift kick in the ass that was a long time coming. I understand what Shaw was saying about taking the slow boat now.”

She smiles, her eyes lighting up, and she leans up to run her mouth across mine. “Shaw’s a smart man.”

“Usually, I’m referred to as the smart one.”

“Aww, is your ego bruised?” she teases.

I yank our arms where she falls into my chest, yelping loudly. “God, I love you.”

“Stop, you have to stop!” She shakes her head rapidly. “No more ooey, gooey, mushy, gushy talk. It’s not our style. I swore we’d never turn into those saps your brothers are.”

Over the years, she has openly chastised Shaw and Nick for their public devotion. Most of the time, I was right there with her, but now, I can understand where they are coming from. I have no plans to quit but try to appease her anyway. “I’ll try to rein it in.”

Her hands slide up my chest and shoulders, clasping around my neck. My own hand is forced to do the same, and for the hundredth time, I inwardly curse my commitment to these fucking handcuffs. I expected her to pitch a fit this morning when I switched to the new black leather ones, but she rolled her eyes and didn’t fight me. She tips up on her toes and places her lips to mine. “We had some pretty major events happen these last two days. I wish you’d take me upstairs and show me how much you love me.” Her voice is low and rough, dripping with promise, and my cock stirs.

“Hmmm, sounds tempting.”