Page 44 of Sweetly Yours

“But... how can—” I start, shaking my head as my voice falters.

He reaches for me, his hand cradling my cheek. His dark eyes are steady, filled with something so raw and real it makes my chest ache.

“I know,” he says softly, his voice warm and sure. “I’ve known since I walked into your bakery that first day. Since I saw how sweet and genuine you are. You’re a dream come true, Willow. And I’m done looking for anyone else.”

The lump in my throat grows as I blink back tears. “Brock...”

“I love you, Willow,” he says again, his voice firm but full of emotion.

The words settle over me like a blanket, filling the empty spaces I didn’t even know were there. My heart feels like it’sbursting, and the only thing I can think to do is lean in closer, closing the small distance between us.

“I love you too,” I whisper, my voice trembling with the weight of everything I’m feeling.

His eyes soften, and before I can say anything else, his lips are on mine.

The kiss is slow at first, his hand cupping my face as his thumb brushes against my cheek. But then it deepens, and I can feel the fire behind it—the passion, the protectiveness, the love.

I melt into him, my arms wrapping around his neck as he pulls me closer. His other hand slides to my waist, anchoring me to him as if he’s afraid I’ll slip away.

When we finally pull back, our foreheads rest against each other, and I can feel his breath against my lips.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough.

I smile, my fingers brushing through his hair. “I think I do,” I whisper.

He laughs softly, pressing a quick kiss to my lips before pulling me into his arms. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as the weight of the last few days starts to lift.

His lips find mine again, and this time, it’s different—deeper, more intense. The weight of everything we’ve been through, the emotions we’ve held back, all of it pours into the kiss.

His hands slide to my waist, firm and steady, pulling me closer until there’s no space between us. My fingers thread through his hair, tugging gently, and the low, guttural sound he makes sends a shiver down my spine.

I know him now. Every inch of him. I know the way his hands feel against my skin, the way his lips move against mine, the way his body fits perfectly with mine. But tonight, it feels new.

When he breaks the kiss, his forehead rests against mine, his dark eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart race. “Willow,” he whispers, my name a prayer on his lips.

I nod, unable to speak as his fingers skim the hem of my shirt. Without hesitation, I lift my arms, letting him pull it over my head. His eyes drop, roaming over me like he’s committing every inch of me to memory all over again.

“You’re breathtaking,” he murmurs, his voice thick.

I can feel the heat rushing to my cheeks, but there’s no room for shyness, not when he’s looking at me like that—with awe, desire, and something deeper I can’t even name.

“Come here,” I whisper, reaching for him.

He leans back just long enough to tug his shirt over his head, tossing it aside before his lips crash against mine again. His hands are on me, sliding over my bare skin, tracing the curves of my waist, my hips.

I gasp against his mouth as he pulls me onto his lap, his hands firm against my thighs. The contact sends sparks shooting through me, and I grab his face, holding him steady as I kiss him deeply, pouring everything I feel into it.

“Willow,” he whispers again, his voice rough, and the way he says my name makes my chest ache.

“I’m here,” I murmur, my lips brushing against his.

His hands slide to my back, unclasping my bra with practiced ease, and I let it fall away. He pulls back slightly, his eyes meeting mine as his hands skim over my sides, his touch reverent and sure.

The eye contact is almost too much—it feels raw, intimate, like he’s seeing every part of me.

“You’re incredible,” he says softly, his voice cracking with emotion. “Do you know that?”

I shake my head, tears threatening to spill over, but he kisses me before I can say anything, his lips soft but urgent.

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