I nod, my voice a rough whisper, “I know ... Me, too.”
We rise from the couch, our hands clasped tightly, as if letting go is not an option.
Every step we take is a silent affirmation of the path we’re choosing to walk together—one that means taking things a step further.
As we reach the bedroom door, we pause, our breaths mingling in the charged air between us. There’s a magnetic pull—a silent conversation in our shared glances—each one filled with a promise of venturing into uncharted territory.
Carlie’s eyes, bright with a mix of desire and something deeper, lock onto mine. She takes a small, almost hesitant step forward, closing the distance between us.
Her voice is barely above a whisper, yet it resonates with a clarity that reaches deep into my core. “Adam, are you sure?”
For a moment, the world around us ceases to exist, and all that matters is the choice that lies ahead of us.
I look into her eyes, seeing the reflection of my own emotions mirrored back at me and without a doubt I know this is the right move.
With a nod, I answer, not just with words but with the conviction in my gaze. “If you’re ready—if you want me as much as I want you—then there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
A slow, beautiful smile graces her lips and she pulls me into the bedroom.
CHAPTER26
Carlie
The moment the bedroom door clicks shut, any worries and concerns from the outside world vanish, leaving only Adam and me in our own secluded universe.
His eyes are so full of emotion and unspoken promises as they lock onto mine, and it sends my heart racing into oblivion. Any thoughts I may have had before this moment flee and all I can think about is how much I want to feel his skin on mine—his mouth on me.
Adam gently cups my face, the tenderness in his touch sending shivers down my spine as the anticipation of this moment takes my breath away. My hands fist the fabric of his shirt and I pull him closer, needing to feel his body against mine.
He obliges, stepping forward until our lips meet in a kiss that’s deep and urgent—releasing a torrent of all the feelings we’ve kept at bay until this moment.
Honestly, his lips are a revelation—each kiss a story being written in a language only we understand. I’m lost in the sensation, the warmth of his body. But as Adam’s hands start to explore, reaching for the hem of my shirt, a flicker of panic sparks in me.
The tattoo.
I need to know if he has the tattoo before I reveal too much of myself.
If he sees my birthmark, there’s a good chance he’ll be able to connect the dots, too, and I don’t know if either one of us is ready for that.
“Adam,” I breathe out between kisses, my mind racing. “Let’s make this more interesting.” I step back, my fingers trailing down his chest, but I hope my voice doesn’t betray the chaos of my thoughts. “Keep your eyes closed.”
He raises an eyebrow, a curious smile playing on his lips. “Is this a trust exercise? Because you can trust me. I hope you know that.”
“Of course,” I say, my voice a blend of nerves and mischief. I need to keep him off balance, just for a little longer. “I’m just a little self-conscious.”
Not entirely untrue.
He’s a freaking god with that body of his and there’s definitely a part of me that cringes internally about my own. I swallow down that apprehension, trusting that we wouldn’t be here in this moment if any of that mattered to him.
“You don’t have anything to be self-conscious about, Carlie. You’re gorgeous,” he whispers, brushing his knuckles across my cheeks.
My chest heaves with my breaths and desire floods every cell of my being.
“Then, for me?” I ask, biting my lower lip.
His eyes dart to my mouth, following the movement. After a beat, he swallows hard and nods. “Okay.”
His eyes close, and his features soften into a blind trust that makes my heart both swell and ache.