Page 36 of Cupid's Beau

“We have time.” His mouth and hands are all over me.

The doorbell rings.

Jack drops his forehead to my shoulder with a groan. I laugh again, pushing him back gently. “Food first.”

“Deal.” But he steals another kiss before going to answer the door, throwing over his shoulder. “Do not move.”

I watch him walk away, all muscle and grace, and think about how surreal this feels - being here, being us, this happy.

We eat Thai food straight from the containers, cross-legged on his obscenely comfortable couch. The city glitters through the windows, but I’m more captivated by this version of Jack Ellis - guard completely down, laughing at my attempts to steal his pad thai.

“So,” he says, catching my wandering chopsticks with his. “When are you moving in?”

I nearly choke on my curry. “What?”

“Move in with me.” He sets his food down, eyes intense, a small smile playing on his lips. All messy hair, stubbled jaw and strong chest on full display. “I know it’s fast, but we’ve spent the last three days waking up next to each other, and the thought of not having that…” He runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t want to waste any more time, love.”

“Jack…”

He takes my food, sets it aside. “I sleep better with you in my arms.”

“That’s because you steal all the blankets and use me for warmth.”

“Exactly.” His smile is soft. He pushes a curl behind my ear. “So?”

I pretend to think about it. “Does this mean I get unlimited access to your clothes?”

Jack shakes his head, watching me with so much warmth my heart hurts.

“Yes.” I finally reply, looking at him through my lashes. About to burst with happiness. “But I have conditions.”

“Name them.” He pulls me into his lap, and I try not to get distracted by how good he feels. All big, warm, strong. His amazing scent enveloping me.

I start counting on my fingers. “One: I get closet space. Lots of it.”

“Done.” His hands slip under the shirt again, face burying in the crook of my neck. “Next?”

“Two: You have to actually stock the kitchen.”

“There’s a delivery service when I’m in town.”

“Three…” I lose my train of thought as his tongue traces my skin. “Jack,” I let out a bit breathlessly. “Stop, I’m negotiating.”

“I’m listening.” But his mouth doesn’t leave my skin. Hot, wet, open-mouthed kisses, the nip of his teeth, the press of his long, hard cock against my ass…

But I push through, because what I really want to say is serious and important. SO I frame his face between my hands, bringing our eyes level. “No more running, Jack. I mean it. When things get hard we face them together.”

His gaze is dead serious. “I’m done running, sweetheart. I’m exactly where I belong.”

“Good.” I trace his jaw with my finger. His tender words turn into a groan when I shift in his lap. “We really should finish the apartment tour first,” I tease, but make no move to leave his lap.

Jack’s hands tighten on my hips as I deliberately shift again. His blue eyes turn stormy, dangerous. I run my fingers through his hair, enjoying how his eyes darken. Then his mouth is on mine, hot and demanding.

We don’t make it to the bedroom this time.

* * *

Wrapped in a throw blanket on the couch, watching city lights dance across Jack’s face, I can’t help smiling.

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