Page 60 of Savage Peril

Chapter 19

Despite the late night, Gunner woke up invigorated. His heart swelled with emotion as he looked over to see Lori sleeping peacefully. Her long hair was adorably messy, and her skin had a glow. It was a pleasure to see her nestled beside him.

After the sexual intimacy, Gunner had held Lori close, relishing the moment. Yet his craving for her hadn’t subsided. Passionate lovemaking had merely whetted his appetite.

The next time Gunner had taken it slow, savoring each tender moment. He had made her wait, and it had been all the better.

One evening with Lori had changed Gunner’s life. He watched her sleeping next to him and wanted to see her there every morning. He had been kidding himself that he could leave once she was safe. The joy she brought to his life was immense.

There wouldn’t be another woman for Gunner. He hadn’t been good at relationships, but he would change. Whatever it took, he would be the man for Lori. He would fight to be what she needed, and he would make her happy.

Lori stirred under the covers then opened her eyes. Her slow, lazy smile was like the sunshine. When she scooted closer, Gunner leaned over and kissed her. The sweet touch of her lips aroused him, so he pulled back the sheet to trace his fingertips over her soft skin.

Ravenous for her, Gunner turned her onto her belly and straddled her. Starting with her neck, he showered her with kisses. He worked his way down, across her shoulders, her back, her waist. Then he rubbed his hand over her curvy ass.

With a low moan, Lori writhed against the bed. Gunner needed no more encouragement. He slid his arm under her belly and lifted. His cock was hard and aching, so he dipped the head inside her, further aroused to find that she was wet for him.

Deliciously slowly, Gunner stroked into her. Lori’s breathing sped up, and she arched her back to give him better access. “I want you, honey,” he whispered in her ear as she tightened around his throbbing erection. Lori pushed back as he shoved into her, and their slow rhythm gained speed.

Lori was hot and wet, and Gunner didn’t have much stamina. When she cried out his name and clenched tight, he released with an intense orgasm. They came together, breathing hard, then Lori turned over and opened her arms.

Gunner lifted her from the bed to hold her on his lap. “You are amazing.”

Lori looked into his eyes. “I have no words for what you are.”

When they got out of bed, Gunner showed Lori a closet in another bedroom that was full of women’s clothing. He left her to find garments that fit and shower alone to allow her to recuperate from a long night.

Gunner showered in the master bath. While the hot water pounded on his shoulders, he thought of nothing but Lori. He was losing his edge; during the night, the threat that loomed over them hadn’t crossed his mind.

Danger could wait. Gunner still had precious hours with Lori, and he was going to make the most of it. When he’d dried off and found clean clothes, he went to the kitchen to make coffee. He was on his second cup by the time Lori emerged.

She wore jeans and a tight top like a model on the cover of a fashion magazine. “Why is it that you look good in everything you wear…or wearing nothing at all?”

“You really know how to flatter a girl.” She kissed him then reached for a mug to get coffee. “I hope you made this strong.”

“Don’t know any other way to make it.”

The simple things like getting up in the morning and having coffee held new allure for Gunner. What had been routine before was now an occasion. He wondered if it was like that for every man who was in love. He hadn’t thought of it before, but he had no doubt that he was hopelessly in love with Lori.

“I’ll make waffles,” Gunner said.

“Mmm, yes, please.” Lori took a sip of coffee. “Need help?”

“I prefer to pamper you this morning, so just stay put.”

Gunner managed to find the mix and a couple of bottles of syrup. The machine cooked thick waffles the way he liked them. He plopped a slice of butter on each waffle then served a plate to Lori. She drowned it in strawberry syrup before carving a huge bite.

It didn’t take long to devour the hot meal. Gunner had a fierce appetite from the energetic lovemaking, so he ate three waffles with plenty of butter and a drizzle of syrup. Cleaning the kitchen could wait. He took Lori’s hand and went outside.

It was a beautiful morning for a walk in the gardens. The property had paths leading through the trees and manicured shrubs. He held Lori’s hand and breathed the fresh air. It was a lovely setting, and Gunner couldn’t think of a better time to share his feelings.

Beneath an arbor, surrounded by lush greenery, Gunner kissed Lori. Then he touched her cheek and said, “I love you.”

Lori’s eyes filled with emotion.

“I think I loved you from the first moment we met,” Gunner said. “You are special, and I want you to know what’s in my heart.”

Lori wiped a tear from her cheek. “I’m deeply touched. And…I love you too.”

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