Page 15 of My Secret Valentine

“So,” Maddie says through a mouthful of pancake, “does this mean Lainey can come to Sunday dinner now? Because Grandma asked me yesterday what kind of pie you like best.”

Steve laughs, really laughs, the sound filling the kitchen with warmth. “Yes. If she wants to.”

“I want to.” I squeeze his hand. “No more hiding. No more pretending this isn't exactly where I want to be.”

“No more hiding,” he agrees, lifting our joined hands to kiss my knuckles, right there in front of Maddie, right there in the middle of our syrup-covered breakfast.

The moment is perfect, bright with promise and maple syrup and love.

“Does this mean Lainey's going to move into your room, Daddy? Because Jenny says that's what happens when grown-ups love each other.”

CHAPTER TEN

Lainey

Steve closes the door behind me, the soft click of the latch sending a shiver down my spine. He steps closer, his hand gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. His touch is electric, sparking a warmth that spreads through me like wildfire. "You're shaking," he whispers, his voice a low rumble that I feel more than hear.

"I'm just... a little nervous," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. His fingers trace the line of my jaw, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. His eyes are dark, intense, but there's a softness there too, a tenderness that makes my heart flutter.

"Me too," he admits, a small smile playing on his lips. "But we don't have to rush this. We have all night, all the time in the world."

His words are a caress, soothing my nerves. I reach up, my fingers brushing through his hair, pulling him closer. Our lips meet in a soft, slow kiss. It's a kiss that says we have time, that we can explore each other, learn each other. His lips are warm,firm, and he tastes like mint and something sweet, a taste that is uniquely Steve.

The kiss deepens, his tongue tracing the seam of my lips. I open up to him, my hands gripping his hair as his tongue explores my mouth. It's a dance, a give and take that sends heat coursing through me. He pulls away, his breath ragged, his forehead resting against mine.

"You taste incredible," he murmurs, his thumb brushing my swollen lips. I can feel his heart pounding in his chest, echoing my own.

He takes my hand, leading me further into the room. I take in the heavy, dark furniture, the plush rug under my feet, the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains in silhouette. But it's the little things that make this room his—the guitar propped up in the corner, the well-worn books on the nightstand, the photos of Maddie on his dresser. It's an oasis, a sanctuary that he's inviting me into.

We stop at the foot of the bed. He turns to me, his hands cupping my face. "You are so beautiful, Lainey," he says, his voice filled with awe. His fingers trace the line of my cheekbones, down to my lips, my chin, my neck. His touch leaves a trail of fire, my skin tingling in its wake. “I can’t believe we found each other.”

He leans in, his lips finding the sensitive spot behind my ear. I gasp as his teeth graze the skin, his tongue soothing the sting. His hands slide down to the small of my back, pressing me against him. I can feel his hardness, his desire for me, and it sends a jolt of heat straight to my core.

Our bodies sway together, caught in a rhythm as old as time. His hands roam my body, learning my curves, my lines. He cupsmy breasts, his thumbs brushing against my nipples through the fabric of my dress. They harden under his touch, aching for more. As if reading my mind, he reaches for the zipper at the back of my dress, slowly pulling it down. The cool air hits my skin, a sharp contrast to the warmth of his hands.

The dress falls to the floor in a whisper. I step out of it, standing before him in nothing but my lace bra and panties. I feel vulnerable, exposed, but the way he looks at me—with hunger, with desire, with love—chases away any doubt. I reach for his shirt, my fingers trembling as I unbutton it. He helps me, shrugging out of it.

I take a moment to appreciate the man in front of me. His broad shoulders, his muscled chest, the light dusting of hair that trails down to his pants. I reach for his belt, my fingers fumbling with the buckle. He covers my hands with his, helping me, guiding me. His pants and boxer briefs fall to the floor, leaving him naked, bare to only me.

He reaches for me again, his hands sliding up my sides to unhook my bra. It falls away, leaving my breasts free. He cups them, his thumbs circling my nipples, drawing out a gasp from deep within me. His mouth follows, his lips and tongue lavishing attention on one taut peak while his fingers tease the other.

I throw my head back, a moan escaping my lips. His mouth moves lower, tracing a path of fire down my stomach. He hooks his fingers into the waistband of my panties, slowly sliding them down. I step out of them, kicking them aside. His hands grip my hips, steadying me as he kneels before me.

The first touch of his tongue is like lightning. I gasp, my hands grasping his shoulders for support. He looks up at me, his eyes dark with desire, with need. He parts me with his fingers, histongue delving deeper, exploring, tasting. My hips move of their own accord, grinding against his mouth. The sensation builds, a tightening in my core, a heat that threatens to consume me.

"Steve," I gasp, my voice a plea. He looks up at me, his lips glistening with my desire. He stands, his body pressing against mine. I can feel his hardness, his need for me. I reach for him, my hand wrapping around his length. He groans, his hips thrusting into my touch.

He guides me to the bed, his body covering mine. He settles between my legs, his hardness pressing against my entrance. He pauses, his eyes searching mine. "Are you sure, Lainey?" he asks, his voice ragged with desire.

"Oh, yes," I whisper, my hands gripping his hips, pulling him closer. "I want you, Steve. I love you."

He enters me slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. I feel myself stretch around him, accommodating him. It's a sensation like no other, a feeling of completeness, of rightness. He starts to move, his hips thrusting slowly, carefully. I meet his thrusts, our bodies moving in sync.

Our breaths mingle, our moans filling the room. The sensation builds again, that tightening in my core, that heat that threatens to consume me. But this time, it's more. It's everything. It's him. It's us.

His thrusts grow faster, harder. Our bodies are slick with sweat, our hearts pounding in unison. I cling to him, my nails digging into his back. He reaches between us, his fingers finding that sensitive nub. He rubs, his touch sending me spiraling.

The world explodes. I shatter, my body convulsing around him. He groans, his body tensing as he finds his own release. We cling to each other, our bodies shaking, our hearts pounding.

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