Page 44 of My Greatest Joy

I feel it again and know in my fantasies, I’d let him slide his hand underneath my panties and discover how wet he makes me. Another whimper of a moan escapes me as I ache to feel the real thing.

Just as I’m about to widen my thighs and do the job myself, I feel his mouth press against my ear. “You moaning out my name in my bed is testing my willpower, Fallon. I have a lot of respect when it comes to boundaries, but you’re making me hard as fuck right now.”

My breathing grows erratic at the realization that his handistightly gripping my hip.

“What are you doing?” I whisper, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

His facial hair scratches along my jaw and neck, his lips marking my skin along the way. “I came to wake you for dinner, but after hearing your sexy little whimpers, all I can think about is devouring you instead.”

My chest rises and falls, and there’s no denying we’re both worked up. His erection pushes into my lower back, and I fight the urge to turn and grasp it in my palm.

“What were you dreaming about?” he asks when I stay silent. “Or rather, who?”

“I wasn’t dreaming,” I admit.

“So you were fantasizing. About me?”

My heart explodes with each rushing beat it takes. “Maybe.”

“I can help with that if you want,” he murmurs as his hand slides under my shirt. My breath hitches as the pads of his fingers rub circles along my bare skin.

My lips part as a moan slips through. “But now I’m more awake and aware of what’s going on.”

His hand freezes as it travels toward my breasts, and I almost beg him for more.

“I want to respect your boundaries, Fallon,” he says, inching away and pulling me to my back so I’m forced to look at him. “But there’s some undeniable chemistry between us. If it’s not one-sided, then we owe it to ourselves to explore it further.”

“I know,” I whisper. “I just…” I can’t find the right words to explain my conflicting thoughts.

Levi, being the perfect gentleman, gives me a sweet smile. “It’s okay. You need food and way more rest. Wake up a bit, then meet me downstairs.”

He stands, adjusting himself, and I fall back in bed, elated but also mortified. I don’t know what he heard or saw.

Once I compose myself, I make my way downstairs.

When I enter the kitchen, the hearty tomato aroma floats through the air, making my mouth water. Levi’s standing at the stove, making our plates. “What would you like to drink?”

“What are you having?” I ask.

He smirks over his shoulder. “Hard cider. Wanna try some? It’s from Bennett’s orchard and will help you stay warm.”

“Yeah, that sounds good,” I say, happy to have some alcohol to loosen me up.

“Wow, you did a good job,” I say as he sets my food in front of me.

“Don’t thank me yet. Taste it first and let me know what you think.”

I stare at his tight ass as he digs in the fridge for our drinks. Once he straightens, I snap my gaze to his.

“Thanks,” I offer when he hands me a can.

I pop it open, take a sip, and am surprised by how sweet it is.

“I like it. Now for the real test.”

I twirl the zucchini in my fork, then stab a couple of tomatoes.

“Here goes nothing,” I tease, hoping to clear the tension in the air. I know a man like Levi isn’t used to women hesitating, and I feel guilty for denying us both what we want, but I was half asleep and not thinking clearly.

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