Page 53 of Open Arms

“Not yet,” she whispered, her breath hot against my cock. “I want you inside me first.”

Her lips were swollen, and her cheeks flushed a pretty pink hue. She looked up at me through her eyelashes, and I had to close my eyes to stop me from coming all over her pretty face.

In one smooth motion I lifted her up, relishing her squeal of surprise. Her legs wrapped around my waist instinctively as I pushed her against the wall, sliding inside her with one hard thrust.

She called out my name and it was Heaven to my ears.

“I love the way you feel inside me.”

I kissed and nipped her neck as I began to pump into her. “Yeah? You like the way this cock feels?”

Her moans and sighs spurred me on and I quickened my pace, pounding her into the wall now.

“Oh, God, Mason,” Chloe gasped, her nails digging into my back as I drove relentlessly into her. She enveloped me, and the heat between us threatened to combust the room around us. “Oh God . . .”

“That’s it, baby,” I grunted, my own control hanging by a rapidly fraying thread. “Your cunt is so damn tight, so wet for me. Come for me, Chloe.”

Her response was lost in a strangled moan as she clenched around me, her orgasm barreling over her in hot, shuddering waves. It was all the encouragement I needed. With a finaldeep thrust, I found my own release, spilling my release deep within her.

We remained entwined for a moment longer, panting and breathless, our hearts hammering in time. I kissed her lips, then her nose, then her forehead, before moving us away from the wall and pulling out of her with a groan. She slid down my legs, but held onto me for balance.

I guided us to the bed and pulled her down with me, wrapping my arms around her as she nuzzled close.

“Chlo,” I managed, barely able to form thoughts, let alone words. Our gazes locked, blue on gray, and something unspoken passed between us—something fierce and tender and terrifyingly real.

“Wow,” she murmured, her voice a feather on my skin. Her fingers traced idle patterns over my chest, each touch sending aftershocks down my spine.

“Chlo, that was . . .” Words failed me. How could I describe something that had shaken me to the core, that had redefined what it meant to connect with another soul?

“Shh,” she hushed, her lips curving into a tired but contented smile. “No need for words, Mase.”

Her head found its place on my shoulder, fitting as naturally as if it were crafted just for this moment. The air in the cottage was heavy with the scent of us, an intoxicating reminder of the passion shared. My fingers combed through her blonde hair, pushing it back to reveal that scar—her silent badge of survival and strength.

“Come stay with me tonight?” I asked, a hint of vulnerability lacing my tone. We both knew as much as I’d love to drift off here with her, I couldn’t leave Abby alone in the big house.

“I’d love to,” she answered, her hand coming to rest over my heart, as if she could feel the rapid pace it still kept at her touch.

“Good.” I exhaled, feeling muscles I didn’t even know were tense start to relax. For a guy who spent his days being sure-footed, Chloe Beecham had an uncanny ability to sweep me off them completely.

“Promise me something, Mase,” she whispered, lifting her gaze to meet mine, those blue eyes capturing me whole.

“Anything,” I replied without hesitation.

“Promise we’ll figure this out, whatever this is . . .” She trailed off, but I understood.

“I promise, Chlo.” And I meant it. I’d already figured it out. I was in love with Chloe and I wanted her forever. There was no turning back now, not when every fiber of my being screamed that she was worth every bit of the mess we might have to wade through.

“Good,” she echoed my earlier sentiment, and the corners of her mouth lifted in a sleepy grin. “Because I’m not sure I can let you go now.”

Laughter bubbled up from within me—a deep, genuine chuckle. “Baby, I wouldn’t let you, even if you tried.”

The room settled around us, the silence no longer heavy but comforting, like a well-worn blanket. Outside, the night continued on, oblivious to the shift that had occurred within these four walls. But for Chloe and me, everything had changed, and somehow, despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, that felt exactly right.

22

Chloe

My phone alarm rang out,waking me from my peaceful sleep. I blinked against the soft morning glow filling Mason’s room, and a slow smile spread across my face as memories from last night trickled into my consciousness. Warmth seeped into my skin from where his arm had been draped over me, though now he lay with his back to me, deep breaths telling me he was still lost to the world.

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