“I’m so close…so close…” I shook my head, tugging at my arms. His mouth sank to mine, tongue plunging as our bodies moved. Slow. Sensual. I needed fast and furious. I needed the release that made my vision blur.
“I think the word you’re looking for is please.”
The level of need inside me had never been this enormous. Never been so large it was its own entity, ready to tear through my body.
“Please. Please, Beckett. Please.”
He let go of my hands, his pace picked up, and a determined glint shone in his eyes. My nails embedded themselves into his shoulders. He chanted words of encouragement as he took me higher and higher and higher. The pleasure dangled just there, just beyond the next thrust. I needed more. More of his weight, more of the pressure. Just more. I didn’t know what it was until he nipped at my earlobe, his breath coasting over me as he whispered, “I love you.”
And that was all it took. I was gone. Flying. Soaring. Thundering over the edge in a way that had me sobbing out an inarticulate sound that was half his name and half a returned statement of love. Shuddering and shivering with a satisfaction that turned my world upside down for several long heartbeats.
I was still shaking, still sailing, as his pace turned frantic, as Beckett finally let go of the control he’d been using and slammed into me. And finally, it was my turn to chant words of encouragement and whisperI love yousthat had him bursting over the top and shouting my name as if it was a vow and a pledge and supplication all tied together.
It took several more long moments for the slow rocking of our bodies to finally stop.
For my vision to clear and the room to come back into focus.
For my smile to meet his. And again, I found love and adoration and awe waiting for me.
Found the home that had always been nearby but had finally, truly become mine.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Beckett
OUT GO THE LIGHTS
Performed by Lonestar
TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO
HIM: The reception was nice, and Fallon seems happy. I’m glad.
HER: I can hear the doubt in your voice all the way here.
HIM: Where is here?
HER: I’m in a hotel room at the ranch.
HIM: Feel like hanging out? Or do you have company? Did one of Parker’s teammates actually close the deal they were attempting to bring home all night?
HER: Ha. You’re funny. No. I’m alone.
HIM: You shouldn’t be.
HER: According to you, I always choose the wrong guy, so I’ve decided to abstain until I find the right one.
HIM: And none of the SEALs were it?
HER: SEALs have a reputation for one-night stands. I’m ready for a guy who knows I’m worth keeping.
HIM: You’re worth far more than just keeping, Maise. You’re worth complete worship. Any guy lucky enough to catch you better be ready to bring down the moon and stars and serve them to you on a silver platter.
PRESENT DAY
I wasn’t sure I had apulse anymore. For a brief moment, I was annoyed I hadn’t been able to drag it out longer. That I hadn’t taken her up and over the edge of release at least one more time before I’d let go. But the moment Maisey had erupted, the moment she’d gone limp, giving me not only her body but her mind and her soul, I’d lost any semblance of control that had remained. I’d been spellbound by the gift that was her.
How had I been so stupid as to have denied us this for so long?