Page 14 of Say It's Forever

“I hadn’t meant to say that.” My cheeks are heated, and I'm sure he can see it on my fair skin. “It’s nice to be able to speak freely.” Garrett’s chest flexes, and I know he’s mad about what I said. He's not angry with me, but rather with the life I've led. I have never had a man get mad on my behalf or want to defend me.

“I enjoy listening to you.”

“Even when it makes you mad?”

“I’m never mad at you,” he quickly says.

“I know. You’re a big sweetheart.” His brows lift in surprise as though no one has ever called him that before. “What? You’re not?” I find that hard to believe. He’s been nothing but that way toward me.

“Not everyone would say that. Most think I’m a dick.”

“Ah.” I lick my lips. I can do this. “Dick?” I laugh. “As in…” My eyes drop to his, and there is no missing it.

“Dick can mean asshole. Jerk-off. Same shit.”

“Right,” I mutter.

"I'm sorry, but you're touching me, and you're in my bed only wearing my shirt." Garrett adjusts his cock, and I realize I was staring right at it.

“Oh, God. I’m sorry.” I again go to jerk my hand back from his chest, but Garrett is quicker. He flattens my hand against it.

“Like you touching me too. Nothing to be shy about, Snow. You can touch and look at any part of me you want.” I’m not sure how to respond to that, but I love that he is telling me I can do anything I want.

“Why do people think you’re a dick?” I don’t think it’s my question that makes him smirk, but me saying the worddick.

“I live out here because I enjoy being alone. I’m not too friendly when I go to town, and people bother me.” I would never have guessed this about him in a million years. Not with the way he is with me. I mean he barely even knows me, and he welcomed me to stay in his home and offered to risk his life to help me save my sister.

“But you want me to stay.”

“You’re different.” I’m hoping that’s a good thing. Before, when I lived at the compound, I would have said it was a negative thing because of how people looked at me when we went into town.

“How?” I find myself asking while scooting closer to him. Garrett can move quickly, I’ve noticed, but when he reaches for me, he’s slow in his movements, making it clear what his intent is so I could stop him if I wanted. I don’t.

Garret effortlessly lifts me by the hips, pulling me into his lap so I’m straddling him. He leans up against the headboard. I place my hands on his shoulders.

“You don’t feel it?” he asks before shaking his head. “I don’t know. I may sound fucking crazy, but there's something special about you. I like having you close. I enjoy your voice and your gentle touches.”

“You don’t like that from other people?” Irrational jealousy suddenly fills me at the thought of anyone else having this with him. Garrett is right. I do feel whatever this is because I have never felt that toward another person. Joseph had another wife, and I was happy about it. I hate the thought of Garrett having a wife.

“No.” Garrett runs his hands up and down my bare thighs. His rough hands feel nice against my skin. “When I was on active duty, I would get jammed in places with people. There was always someone on top of you. When I got out, I built this place. I only go to town a couple times a month. I primarily go for supplies and to visit my twin brother.”

“You guys are twins?!”

“Yeah, he’s the charming one.”

“I think you’re pretty dang charming.”

“Don’t be getting any ideas. You’re mine, and I don’t share.”

“Men don’t share.” I roll my eyes.

“You share, babe?” I glance down at his question. “They do it where you are from.”

“Not from there anymore,” I snip, surprising myself. I even glare at Garrett, making him chuckle. “What’s so funny?”

“Done told you that I only like you touching me. You think I’m going to let someone else?”

“Maybe not today, but–”

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