It Started With a Kiss (Insta-Spark)

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

I paused and glanced away.

“What?”

“Karen . . . what she said—about you being in love . . .”

His face changed expression, his gaze becoming tender and filled with emotion. “I wondered if you noticed that.”

I could only nod, not sure how to ask the question.

“I am in love.”

“With me?”

“Yes, of course with you.” He cradled my face, his thumbs running small circles on my skin. “I didn’t mean for you to find out in a parking lot with my ex-girlfriend in the mix. I wanted to tell you in a romantic setting.”

I shook my head, wrapping my hand around his wrist. “I don’t need romance, Daniel. I only need you. Because I feel the same way.”

“Say it, Avery. I want your words.”

“I love you, Daniel Spencer.”

“I love you, Avery Connor.” He covered my mouth with his, kissing me hard, the passion simmering right on the surface of his caress.

“Even though I’m a terrible driver? And I was so jealous watching her touch you, I wanted to rip her hand off?”

“I love you more for both of those. It gives me something to do for you—drive you places so you’re comfortable, and as for the jealousy part, I feel the exact same way concerning you.”

I gazed at him, a feeling of belonging washing through me. He loved me. This wonderful, incredible man loved me. I had never been loved by anyone, and I knew being loved by Daniel Spencer was going to be life-changing. He made me feel differently about the world, and myself. With him, I felt right. Accepted. Adored. It was a powerful emotion.

“I need three, Avery.”

I smiled, knowing the three he needed were about him. Us.

“I love how it feels when you say my name.”

“Sprite,” he breathed out.

“I love how you treat me—as though I matter more than anything or anyone.”

“You do.”

“I love how it feels when you’re inside me, when we’re connected in every possible way.”

With a hooded gaze, he lowered his mouth to my ear. “I fucked you against this truck this morning. Right now, I feel like fucking you in it, just so you remember you’re mine. How would you feel about that?” His lips trailed down my neck, grazing across my cheek, teasing the edge of my mouth.

“It’s a parking lot,” I squeaked out.

“The windows are tinted. My place is too far away right now.”

“My apartment is ten minutes away.”

He pulled back with a nod and traced his finger over my lips. “Only you, Avery. I’ve only ever felt all of these emotions, these reactions with you. You bring out something in me I don’t understand. I didn’t like the idea of Buck, or anyone else for that matter, touching you.”

“I didn’t like the way she was touching you, either.”