Pleasure swims through me, and my heart feels whole again. “I’m here.”

“I thought I lost you,” she whispers.

“I’m back.” I tug the blanket higher over her shoulders and press a kiss to her forehead. “Can I take you home?”

“Please.”

We head inside to join Hale and Brielle in the kitchen. I hold her hand the entire time, a distinct sign of ownership, and Hale reacts accordingly, watching me closely with a scowl slashed across his face. I know I’ll have to prove myself to him, and I intend to. However long it takes.

“I’m going to take Macey home.” My voice is firm.

Macey hugs Brielle, and then tells her brother good-bye. Hale shoots me evil glares the entire time.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea, sis?” he asks.

“Stop it, Cameron. I’ve forgiven Reece. You need to too.”

Hearing her say she’s forgiven me is like a shot of adrenaline. “I’m going to do things right this time,” I say, looking him square in the eye. I have no idea what that means or what comes next, but I know I can’t continue living as the man I was.

“Don’t fuck it up,” he says sternly, tugging Brielle tightly to his side.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I give Macey’s hand a squeeze and we head toward the door. It feels like I’m walking toward my future, and the significance of this moment isn’t lost on me.

After I help her inside my car and crank up the heater, we sit there quietly for a moment, as if we’re unwilling to break the silence just yet. I have zero expectations of anything happening between us tonight since I’m pretty certain I have to rebuild her trust in me. I’m not sure what that might involve, but I’m thinking proper dates, roses for no reason, handwritten notes telling her all the things I love about her. And time. Time to prove that I’m here for the long haul, and I won’t leave or send her away again.

I put the car into gear, then realize I’m unsure how to get to her apartment. “What’s your address?”

She turns to look at me, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I thought we’d go to your place.”

“You want to go to Crave?”

She shrugs. “I think we’ve waited long enough, don’t you?”

Hearing those words spill from her mouth ignites something inside me. They encapsulate everything I’ve felt. Placing my hand on the back of her neck, I guide her mouth to mine, and when our lips touch and she releases a small sigh, I almost lose all control. There is so much emotion behind that one little sound. Relief. Desire. Need.

My tongue quests for hers, licking and sucking in a sensual way. Macey moans against me and leans closer. I lift her over the console and place her in my lap, needing her closer still. The heat of her sweet cunt is pressing into my jeans and my cock jumps up, seeking entrance to the forbidden spot I’ve never allowed myself to go with her. She grinds against me, just as desperate to fuck as I am. My teeth graze her bottom lip as I lift my hips to press against her, stimulating her through her clothes.

“Reece, I want you,” she breathes against my mouth.

“You better be sure, Pancake, because once I start, I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop.”

“I’ve never been more sure about anything.”

I want to yell, pump my fist in the air, and jump for joy. Instead I stomp down on the accelerator and get us the hell out of here.

Chapter Fourteen

Macey

 

When we finally reach Crave, I’ve never been more impatient to be alone with someone in my entire life. Reece’s palm rests against my lower back as he guides me through the club, sending all kinds of territorial signals within me. I love it. His dominant nature only makes him that much more desirable. And knowing he’s taking me to his bedroom, instead of his playroom? I’m surprised my panties haven’t melted right off my body.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stop for a drink?” Reece leans down and whispers near my ear, sending tingles shooting down my spine.

“Stop stalling, Jackson,” I tease, and continue straight toward the elevator. I hear him chuckle under his breath as he gives chase.

I press the button for the elevator and wait impatiently. Finally the door opens, and Reece waits for me to step inside before joining me. As the doors slide closed, he stalks closer, pinning me to the wall with his hips.

Holy hell, that’s one big erection.

“I should fuck you right here.” He presses the hard bulge against my belly.

“I would have zero objections to that.” I feel desired and sexy when I’m near him.

His hands skim down my sides and grasp my hips firmly. “No. I need you in my bed. I need to take my time and do this right.”

Chills rake down my body. Knowing he doesn’t bring women to his bedroom, that he doesn’t allow himself the intimacy of it, makes this even more special.

Finally, we enter his apartment and I follow Reece inside. He doesn’t turn on any lights, leaving the dim glow of moonlight and the city street lamps from outside to create ambient lighting.

He pauses in the foyer, and I’m at a loss for what to do. I thought he’d lead me into his bedroom, rip my clothes from my body, and fuck me senseless, but instead he’s looking at me with complete love and adoration in his eyes. I’m beginning to realize this is much more than just sex with my old flame. This is my future, my heart, my soul, my everything. If he’s just going to walk away after, leave me alone again, I won’t be able to handle it.

He stalks closer, pinning me with his gaze. “Come here, beautiful. You’re mine tonight.”

Tonight. That’s what I’m afraid of. He doesn’t have the best track record of sticking around.

“I need a minute,” I blurt, then break away and head for the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I consider calling Brielle to ask her what I should do, but I realize I left my purse in the front entryway, my cell phone inside it.

Frustrated, I pace in the small bathroom—two steps one way, then two back. The scent of his aftershave hangs in the air, deep notes of sandalwood and crisp spruce that only make me ache for him more. Shit.

Reece’s footsteps approach from down the hall. Three gentle taps on the door startle me.

“Macey? Are you okay?”

He must think I’m nuts. I clench my hands tightly at my side, angry at myself for being such a coward. “No. Yes. I mean, I think so.”

“Are you sick?” His voice rises with concern.

“No.”

“Changed your mind?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.” I place one trembling hand over my mouth, trying to sort out the mess of feelings inside me.

A deep sigh sounds from the other side of the door. “You owe it to me to at least come out here and tell me what the hell’s going on.”

I take a deep breath, trying to work up the courage to face him. When I unlock the door, I’m standing face-to-face with Reece. His expression is angry, and I’m guessing we’re about to get into a heated debate. My stomach twists into a painful knot. I knew his kind words, his sweet kisses had all been too good to be true. He was only in this for the sex, and now that I’ve changed my mind, he’s done. He doesn’t do relationships, so what did I expect?

“I know what this is. I know what you’re doing,” he says, his voice tense.

“Then please fucking explain it to me. I want you. I want this. I’m just . . .”

“I know.” He takes my hand and guides me into his bedroom, which smells even more like him. It’s intoxicating, and makes my head spin.

We sit down on the bed. He says nothing for a moment, just continues holding my hands, his thumb softly caressing the back of my fingers as he looks at me with sympathy that I don’t understand.

“Will you please tell me what’s going on?” I beg.

“It’s called the fight-or-flight response. It’s human nature. When faced with a new concept, a dangerous animal, or a potentially life-changing situation, it’s a natural response to want to duck for cover. To protect yourself at all costs. You lost your parents at a young age, then we were separated for many years, and most recently your ex-douche cheated on you.”