Page 46 of If You Loved Me

So close. I was so damn close to spilling everything right then. But instead, I said, “I think everyone is just looking for some warmth from the cold outside.”

“Your baking does have a way of warming one’s soul.”

I beamed at him and I decided that I would tell him whatwas going on with my mom and Jones. But not today. Not right now when he was being so sweet. I didn’t want to ruin it.

“I think that’s probably the best compliment anyone has ever given me.”

His fingers threaded through my hair as he wrapped the back of my head with his palm. He tilted his head an inch closer to me, eyes flicking toward my lips for a brief moment. “I’m glad I was the one to give it to you then.”

His lips were soft and bold as he pressed them against mine. Kissing Ranger was like coming home after a long day of work. It was the only place I wanted to be. Comforting and safe. Yet, the spark he ignited in me was wild and unruly. As he deepened the kiss I opened up for him, relishing the feel of his tongue moving smoothly over mine. I was on fire for this man. Burning so bright I thought I might combust.

There was no comparison in how he made me feel. Not to Jones or any other man I’d come to know.

Ranger made me want to live life without abandon. I wanted to be wild with him. To not give a fuck what other people thought of me. He had a way of tapping into that side of me that had the guts to walk away from a fortune and life of privilege so that I could chase after what felt right in my heart.

When he broke the kiss, I whimpered from the loss of contact. “Please, don’t stop,” I pouted.

His laugh was like falling into a velvet blanket. Rich and warm. “Trust me. The last thing I want to do is stop kissing you.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear before histhumb trailed the side of my neck until his hand came to rest on my shoulder and collarbone. I wondered what it might feel like to have his large palm move a few inches to the left, cusping the edge of my throat.

Watching porn while I put my vibrators to work over the years had given me a wealth of fantastical ideas. Many of which I wanted to put to good use once I finally broke the threshold of my virginity.

“When can I see you again?” he asked, breaking through my debaucherous thoughts.

I breathed in, trying to think of my schedule for the next few weekends. “I’m not sure if you’d feel comfortable hanging out with my friends just yet. Especially since you tried to run away from me when I asked you out on a date.”

His nostrils flared as his eyes rolled into the back of his head. I decided I liked teasing him. The thought of getting under this man’s skin was a major turn-on.

“Are you ever going to let me forget it?”

My nose crinkled as I shook my head. “Mmm. No,” I laughed.

“I guess that’s fair.”

I played with the edge of his open flannel as I said, “But if you are okay with it, we’re going apple picking atHarry’s Orchardfor my birthday next weekend. I’d love to have you join us.”

Something like hesitancy flashed in his eyes and I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, but I found myself suddenly nervous that maybe I was expecting too much too soon.

“It’s totally okay if you don’t want?—”

“No,” he said, firmly. “I’d be honored to share your birthday with you. Just text me the day and time and I’ll be there.”

“Okay.” I grinned.

“I hope you have a good rest of your day, beautiful and I’ll be seeing you soon.” His thumb gently rubbed against my cheek as he brought my forehead to his lips and kissed it. I breathed in the scent of leather before he stepped away and left me standing by myself in my kitchen.

It wasn’t two minutes later and Stephanie came back in through the door with a large bouquet of red roses and baby’s breath cradled in her right arm.

“Did Ranger bring those too?” I asked, confused.

Stephanie bit her bottom lip like she was trying to fight back a smile. “Um, no. These are from a guy named Jones Campbell. I told him you were overwhelmed in the kitchen because I thought it might be bad for him to walk in on you and Ranger. Do you want to tell me what’s going on here, cousin?”

I pinched the bridge of my nose as I exhaled loudly.Shit.

“Nope. Not today,” was all I could manage to get out.

“Okay.” She laid the flowers on the island and walked back towards the door. “If you ever need to talk about it, I’m here for you.”

I let my hand drop from my face and looked at her. “Thank you.”

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