Miller's Time (Southern Charmers 2)

“She wasn’t running away,” Cole tattles.

“Of course I wasn’t running away. It was a quest for a little time alone.”

“Yeah, right,” Cole mumbles, dislodging my arm and tipping his chin before leaving.

“Freak out over?” Miller brushes his lips over my knuckles.

“It wasn’t a freak out. It was a few minutes of reflection. There’s a vast difference.”

“I want to dance with my fiancée.” Miller leads us to the middle of the set-up dance floor, wraps his arms around my waist, and presses me close. “Did I tell you how gorgeous you look tonight?” His mouth grazes along my ear.

“You may have mentioned it.”

“Did I also mention I fucking love your shoe collection?”

I smile against his cheek, remembering the way his eyes smoldered when he saw the rhinestone stilettos with the dress. “Wait until you see what I have packed for our honeymoon.”

He moans, his chest rumbling against mine. “I’d planned on a naked honeymoon, but go ahead and pack the shoes.”

I angle my face to his, ready to comment, but the smart remark dies on my lips. He’s gazing down at me with a look I’ve seen many times over the months. Most times, I’d be lost in my head and feel a warm sensation rushing through my system. He’d be close, staring at me as he is now.

Possession, love, adoration… mostly happiness.

The same sensation prickles, and I forget about the dozens of people around us. Memories of that first night replay through my mind. I stretch up the few inches, placing my lips on his. “A few minutes ago, I wasn’t lying. It wasn’t a freak out. I was watching my future play out. Blending our families, joining our lives. It was me taking it all in with gratitude and awe.”

His eyes crystalize, glittering as he runs the tip of his tongue across our lips. The faint hint of whiskey teases me. My heart swells and nerves go into overdrive.

From the beginning, Miller has never shied away from expressing his feelings and intentions. At this moment, he needs to understand how much it means to me.

“First you stole my breath, then you stole my heart. Thank you for falling for Lily and not giving up all the times I pushed you away. I am madly, over-the-top, crazy in love with you.”

He tenses for a millisecond before he hefts me off the ground, spinning us in a circle until I’m clinging to him and dizzy. Loud cheers erupt around us, but his gaze holds me hostage. He stops twirling, brushing his lips along mine in too short of a kiss.

“My turn to talk,” he says in a silky smooth tone. “You wanted something a while ago that I didn’t give you.”

I rack my brain, but nothing comes to mind. “What’s that? You’ve given me everything.”

“I’ve neglected one thing.” He arches his neck, giving me full view of his face, and a lump lodges in my throat.

This is it. I know what’s coming.

“It was you who did the stealing. Breezed into that bar and seized my attention. I never stood a chance. Knew it then as much as I know it now that you are the woman made for me. So, here’s your question. Ashlyn Faith Rhodes, will you marry me?”

I swallow hard, willing the tears away, but it’s worthless. A few slide out of the corners of eyes as I shake my head, laughter bubbling up from my chest. “Now!?! You want to ask me that now?”

“You wanted a story for our children.”

“I should say no out of principle.”

“You could do that, but you won’t.”

He’s right. I chew on my bottom lip, pretending to think about it until he loses patience and jostles me. “Ashlyn—”

“Yes,” comes out raspy. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

His mouth curls into a blinding smile right before he crashes his lips to mine.

•—•—•—•—•

“Miller!” His name is a strangled whisper as I try to squirm away.

His forearms trap my thighs deeper into the mattress, spreading me wider. He licks and sucks greedily, increasing his speed with every stroke. Scorching sensations of pleasure blaze through my body when he slides his tongue deeper then brings it to flick over my clit, repeating over and over until I’m gasping. “Please, please, plea…” My begging dies when his fingertips graze along my slick center and massage lightly.

It’s been less than five minutes, and the familiar tingling builds back at the base of my spine. Involuntarily, my hips buck, chasing the pleasure. He groans his approval, continuing the tortuous assault until I’m shamelessly grinding into his face.

I release the sheets, dragging my fingers to fist in his hair. He swirls his tongue inside me, the soft bristles of his beard scraping deliciously against the sensitive flesh. Small black dots pop into my vision until I squeeze my eyes shut, moaning unashamedly.

My arms and legs tremble, my body twists, and toes curl as he continues to devour me. The orgasm rips through me with such force I crunch up, holding on to his head between my legs.