Love You Always

I catch the door right before it closes. I hang back, watching as she takes the stairs up one floor. I follow her up, watching as she slips her key into a lock and pushes the door open into her place. I move, grabbing the door before it can close. She screams but our eyes lock as she tries to turn to close her door fully, causing her to stop. Her bright green eyes go wide once she comprehends who I am.

“Ethan.” She whispers my name. I don’t wait to be invited in. I push open the door, letting myself in. I shut it, clicking the lock behind me.

“What are you doing?” She takes a step back, making room for me. She looks as beautiful as the first time I laid eyes on her. She’s not wearing a sexy dress that shows off those legs of hers but I don’t give a shit. I’m grateful that she’s covered up because I know exactly what’s under those black pants. I’d kissed every inch of her long legs and every part of her that I could get my mouth on before we passed out. I welcome the day that I get to do that again.

“You stole my driver's license.” And part of my heart and soul. I don’t say those words out loud because I don’t want to scare her. Not yet, anyway. You should never show your hand too early. As far as I know, she’s mine.

I really don’t know a lot about her. Sure, Kurt is going to tell me a shit ton when he gets me my report but it will all be surface shit. I want to get to know everything I can about her but I want those bits of information to come from her. For her to open up to me and want to share her world with me.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She tilts her chin up in defiance. I don’t try and stop the smile from forming on my face, even though I’m still pissed that she gave me the slip. I am riding the high of finding her again and enjoying that little touch of rebellion she has in her—one that I know I can get to melt away with my hands and mouth once I get them on her again.

“That so?” I take a step toward her. This time she doesn't take a step back. The shock of seeing me is wearing off. She puts her hands on her hips. The hoodie she’s wearing is entirely too big for her and is completely black. “Then why were you roaming around outside of my building?”

“I love long roams around buildings. I know most people love long walks on the beach but I’m a city girl.” She shrugs. I have no idea how she keeps herself from laughing at her ridiculous explanation but it's obvious that my girl has a good poker face. I make a mental note of this little discovery because I'm sure I’ll need it later.

“You love slipping from hotel rooms, too?” That one gets a reaction out of her. She drops her chin, biting her lip.

“About that—”

“Tell me you're not married.” It’s what I need to know more than anything. I need those words more than I need my next breath. I don’t see a ring on her finger, which is a good sign.

“You took my virginity! How could I be married?” She glares at me. I like it better than the guilty look that I saw in her eyes about slipping from our hotel room that night. Again, as pissed as I still am about that shit, I don’t like seeing her beautiful green eyes look sad. I’d take angry glares from them but sadness is not an option.

“Could have gotten married after,” I offer. I was the first to own her body. Didn't mean I was the only one. It’s been months. I wouldn’t blame some bastard for trying to get her. God knows I’ve been trying to get my hands back on her.

“No, I’ve been busy.” Again, she keeps her face stoic and gives me one of those dismissive shrugs. My girl has all kinds of walls that need to be broken down. Thank God I’m not afraid of hard work. I plan on breaking them down one by one for as long as it takes to get to her heart.

All of this gives me some insight into who she is. I’m starting to think that she thought we would only be a one-night thing. She didn’t plan on having to worry about all of those walls, but here I am back in her life and now she has to deal with them.

“I’m glad I don’t have to murder anyone.”

Her head jerks up. I can tell another one of her smart-mouthed comments are coming but I can’t stop myself. I grab her, pulling her into me. She doesn't fight me as I wrap my arms around her, dropping my mouth down onto hers. My girl might be all legs but I still have a good five inches on her.