Avery’s hand flies up to stop me. “I don’t need a play by play. God, what’s wrong with you?”
Christ. “I’m sorry, you’re right. I just…I’m so sorry. If I could take that night back, I would. And I wanted to tell you. That night in Denver in the hotel, I wanted to tell you, but you were dealing with enough…”
She blinks up at me. “Is this why we haven’t…?”
“Gone farther physically?”
She nods.
“Yeah. I wanted to make sure everything was out in the open with us first.”
“I see.” She tucks her legs underneath her.
I want to reach for her hand. So bad. But I remain kneeling beside the bed. “Tell me what you’re thinking. Please.”
Her green gaze is piercing and cuts into my very soul. “You’re right. Finding out stuff from someone else sucks.”
I nod. And each time it’s been Stacia, which I know is particularly annoying considering she’s my ex. “I’m sorry you had to hear it from her. Everything in the future comes straight from us. No more secrets.”
She shakes her head. “You said that last time, even while you knew you should’ve told me this. How can I trust you?”
“Because. I love you, baby. You’re mine, and I’m done playing games. I’m done hurting you. I’ll give you anything and everything. I’ll keep you safe and take care of your every need.”
“Crap.” A lopsided grin graces her mouth, curving it up on one side. “Jase…” her voice has a pleading quality to it. Whatever she wants, she can have.
“What, baby? I love you.” I take her hands and bring them to my mouth, kissing the back of each one, then her wrists and palms. “It’s the God’s honest truth.”
Her smile goes wider. “I do like hearing that, but maybe if you could tell me a little more…”
“Like that I love the way you taste? The way your hair smells, and how sweet you are. I love how you burst into laughter at random times. I love how I make you blush, that my mom loves you, that you’re smart and hardworking, genuine, and so loving…” Her cheeks glow with each compliment, and I pepper kisses along her wrists and fingertips.
Her smile is full and inviting at this point. I remove the pillow from her lap and join her on the bed, so I can pull her into my arms. I’ve known for a while, but I haven’t told her. I’m not sure why, but it’s clear from her teary-eyed look that she feels the same way, even if she doesn’t say it back right now. I hold her against me, hugging her tight and loving the way her body feels against mine. Protectiveness swirls inside me and I vow not to hurt this girl again.
A knock on the door interrupts us and a second later, Madison peeks her head inside. “Is it safe to come in?”
She has Noah in tow, and they don’t wait for an answer. Avery and I separate as Madison flings her purse onto her bed and Noah flops down onto the futon. “I knew you guys would make up.”
I lean into Avery, breathing in her scent and whisper, “Sleepover at my place?”
She pulls back just slightly to meet my eyes and nods.
Thank you, God.
Chapter 31
Jase
Madison gives us a ride back to my place, and the reduced number of cars outside tells me the party has died down a bit. Once inside, I guide Avery straight for the staircase, not wanting anyone or anything to get in our way this time. I see from the corner of my eye that Stacia is still here, and her smug grin falls when she sees my grip on Avery’s hand. Too bad. She’s going to have to get over it, because Avery’s not going anywhere. I need this girl in my life. We’ve made plans for our families to meet this winter, to be together during spring break, and I hope every weekend in between too. If her past isn’t going to stop us, my ex-girlfriend certainly isn’t going to, either.
Avery’s hand tightens around mine and she dutifully follows me. I know she isn’t going to let Stacia interfere again. I’m proud of my girl.
I pause at the stairs, realizing maybe it’s rude to drag her directly to my bedroom. It is Saturday night, and there is a party going on. Maybe she wants to hang out for a bit. “Do you want a drink or anything?”
She looks at me like I’ve just asked her if she likes murdering puppies. “Get your hot ass up those stairs and quit stalling.”
Whoa. That was f**king hot. “Yes ma’am.” She doesn’t have to tell me twice. If she’s even half as ready for this as me, she’s probably ready to combust. I know I am.
Once we’re inside my room, she’s instantly in my arms, pressing her body to mine and kissing me. I kick the door shut behind us. I need to calm myself so this isn’t over before it starts. I don’t want to embarrass myself. And I need to remember this is her first time.
Moving Avery to my bed, I give her shoulders a playful shove, and she falls back on the mattress, giggling. Unable to stay away, I quickly join her. “You’re gorgeous when you laugh like that.”
Her face gets serious and I’m about to ask her what’s wrong, but her fingers fumble at the button on my jeans and I’ve suddenly forgotten how to talk.
Avery
I want to do this. I need to do this, but I’m hit with a wave of nerves as I tug Jase’s black boxer briefs down on his hips. He lifts slightly off the bed to help me. His thick erection bobs free, greeting me, and I suddenly tense. I haven’t really seen it in the light like this before. It’s bigger than I was expecting. Wrapping my hand around him, Jase sucks in a breath and reclines against the bed. His flesh is hard and warm, and I can’t resist stroking my hand from the base to the tip, squeezing lightly. Jase groans softly, his eyes locked on mine. I climb off the bed, and situate myself on my knees in front of him. Might as well get the full experience. But before I can touch him again, he grasps my shoulders with both hands.