Page 69 of Reclaimed Roots

She stepped towards me. Her coconut and vanilla scent permeated the air between us. I longed to touch her, to pull her close and never let go.

"Jasper." She paused, biting her lower lip. "I don't want you to leave Sable Point. You love it there. It's your home."

I cupped her face in my hands. Her skin was soft, warm beneath my palms. "You're my home, Nat. You always have been."

She leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed. When she opened them again, the tears finally spilled over.

This time, I didn't hesitate. I closed the final inches between us and captured her mouth with mine. The kiss was hungry and frantic. Natalie's hands fisted in my shirt, pulling me closer as she parted her lips, inviting me deeper.

I lost myself in the taste of her, her soft whimpers as I explored her mouth. My hands roamed her body, and she arched into me, pressing the length of her body against mine. I groaned at the contact.

"Jasper," she whispered against my lips. I pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. "I love you. So so much."

I'd dreamed of hearing those words again for so long, but the reality was sweeter than any fantasy.

"I love you too, Nat. God, I never stopped."

I pressed my lips to hers, pouring every ounce of longingand love into the kiss. She moaned into my mouth, her fingers tangling in my hair. The sound ignited something primal in me, an animalistic urge I couldn't control.

My muscles tensed as I lifted her easily, her slight weight nothing compared to the heavy crates I hauled at the orchard. I carried her to the bed I'd spotted in the corner of her tiny studio apartment. The feel of her body against mine, warm and soft, set my heart pounding.

I couldn't get enough of her.

I laid her on the bed, drinking in the sight of her. Her eyes were dark with desire, and I felt a rush of pride knowing I was the cause.

Our kisses grew more heated, hands exploring with desperate need. I trailed my lips down her neck, savoring the taste of her skin. She arched beneath me, a soft mewl escaping her lips.

"Jasper, please."

I looked up, meeting her eyes. "What do you need, baby? Tell me."

Her cheeks flushed, but her gaze didn't waver. "I need you. All of you."

A growl rumbled in my chest. I captured her lips again, my hands working to remove her clothes. Each inch of skin revealed was a gift, and I worshipped it with lips and tongue.

Soon, we were both naked, skin sliding against skin. The feel of her beneath me, warm and soft and perfect, nearly undid me. I paused, resting my forehead against hers.

"You sure?" I asked, needing to hear it one more time. "We don't have to?—"

Natalie cupped my face and gazed steadily into my eyes. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

That was all the confirmation I needed.

As I positioned myself at her entrance, a wave of emotion engulfed me. This wasn't just sex. It was a homecoming, a reunion of two souls that had been apart for far too long. I pushed inside her slowly, savoring every inch, every sensation.

It was overwhelming. She gasped and her nails bit into my back. The exquisite sting of pain drove my arousal to new heights. My groan was almost a purr as I buried my face in her neck.

Fuck. How did I live for seven years without this?

"God, Jasper," she moaned. "You feel so good."

Her words spurred me on. I picked up the pace, driving into her with more force. The headboard banged a steady beat against the wall.

Natalie's cries grew louder, and her body tightened around me. My balls contracted as I barreled towards my own impending release.

But I wanted this to last. In a truly monumental feat of restraint, I gritted my teeth and pulled out of her.

She whined in protest, but it was cut short when I flipped her to her hands and knees. I glided a hand down her spine and palmed the taut globes of her ass. My other hand soon got in on the fun, kneading, caressing, spreading her wide for me.

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