Page 51 of Tempt Me

“Yes.”

He rises back to his knees. “And I belong to you.” He runs his hand over the tattoo. “I got this the day after your graduation party, and I realized you were the only girl I’d ever love. And I couldn’t have you.”

My heart lurches into my throat as I shove off the mattress. “You have me. You always did.” My bottom lip trembles. “I love you, Dominic.”

“That’s the greatest gift you could ever give me. I love you, too.” He shakes his head. “More than you’ll ever know.”

“How did I never see it?” I trace my fingertips over the design.

“I made sure I was always shirts when we played football.” He lays his hand over mine. With each beat of his heart, it becomes real. Dominic Wood is in love with me.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Dominic

I’m on edge by the time we get to my brother’s football game. Yes, I’ve won Bella over, and I couldn’t be happier about that. But that doesn’t mean I’m excited to flaunt our newfound relationship in front of her brothers or her parents. I was granted a reprieve when we came out of my room, as everyone had already left for the field.

Xavier’s pickup included, and without his much-needed pullover sweatshirt or his ride to the game. Clearly, I need to thank him for pushing us together.

I shut off the engine and drum my fingertips on the steering wheel. The spot I used to drop off Levi has been filled by a Jeep, and we’ve been relegated to a spot half a field away from where my group stands near the home team’s endzone, and concession stands.

“If you don’t want to be seen with me, I understand.” Bella wipes her palms on the knees of the jeans she changed into before we left for the game.

“Don’t.” I turn to face her while clasping her hand in mine. “That’s not it.” I clear my throat and give her a halfhearted smile. “Okay, that’s it. Sam and Ben aren’t going to be happy. They’ve made it clear over the years that you were off limits.”

“Jerks.” Her eyes flash with anger. “If they would’ve minded their own businesses, we would’ve gotten together sooner.” Her eyes narrow into slits. “Right?”

“Yes.” I squeeze her fingers and lift them to my lips, kissing the back of her hand and erasing some of the hostility from her features. “I would’ve still worried that I wasn’t good enough for you, but I wouldn’t be anticipating a kick in the balls. And then getting kicked out of the house.”

“They aren’t going to do anything to you.” She straightens her shoulders and leans back into her seat. “I’ll see to it.” I chuckle, which earns me another glare. “I’m serious, Dom. They won’t say a word. If they do, I’ll–”

“You’ll what?” I arch my eyebrows. I love her feisty personality, and knowing it’s to stand up for me makes me feel on top of the world.

“Don’t underestimate me.”

“Oh, babe, I won’t. I promise you that.” I wink as I place my hand on the back of her neck and pull her closer. “Have I told you that you’re beautiful when you’re protecting me?”

“No.” Her eyes dance as she scoots closer and laces her arms around my neck.

“Well, let me remedy that.” I kiss her lips, sucking down her goodness and letting it seep through my pores. When I pull back, her face is flushed, and her eyelids are heavy. “Darlin’, you’re gorgeous.”

She sighs and scrapes her nails down my neck, making every inch of my skin tingle. “Is it too soon to take you back home and ravish you again?”

“No.” She inches closer towards me until she’s halfway across the center console.

Bang. Bang. Bang. The window rattles as the cab of my pickup shudders under the attack of Sam.

Bella settles back onto her seat. “Well, I guess the cat is out of the bag.”

“Yes.” I kiss her lips quickly and grab the door handle. Her eyes widen as she freezes, causing my heart to skip a beat. “What?”

“Umm…. I don’t know how to tell you this. I was so busy enjoying you. And everything.” Her face is beet red as she bites her bottom lip.

“What is it?”

“Mom and Dad heard us last night.”

Oh, fuck. I groan under my breath. This is worse than I thought.

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