Page 154 of Delicate Storm

“Whether you hurt him or not, you’re still my hero.”

The smallest of smiles pulls at Easton’s lips. “You don’t need a hero. I can’t imagine you ever have.”

“Don’t be so sure. We all have our moments. Plus, heroes are sexy.” I waggle my eyebrows and laugh.

“Okay, fine. I’ll be your hero.” He chuckles and the sound arouses me, especially when he adds, “What would you like me to do?”

“Kiss the girl,” I blurt without giving it much thought. “I want you to kiss me again exactly like you did inside. Show me howmuch you want me. Let me feel the tension you felt back there when you were trying to protect me.”

Easton’s brows lift and he stares at me in challenge, waiting for me to back down. But I don’t. I want to share every emotion with him. The good, the bad, the tense. I want it all.

“Show m—”

He slams his lips to mine, stealing my breath along with my words, and a soft mewl escapes me. His kisses a path down my neck, driving me wild as his hands roam.

“God, I want you so badly,” he rasps against my skin, the vibrations making me shiver as I moan once more.

“Me too. Let’s go home.”

“What if I can’t wait?” He pulls back to stare at me, his bright blue eyes darkening. “What if I need you now?”

“Not here,” I rush out, my voice breathy as his hand makes its way under my dress. My breath hitches in anticipation, but while we’re hidden in our current position, that doesn’t mean someone isn’t going to leave the venue soon and walk right past us.

I try to find my voice, but I’m enjoying his touch too much to pull away. His warm palm wraps around my thigh before his hand glides up my leg, moving toward my center. I hold my breath and my legs clench, waiting for his reaction, and when he finds my panties, he pauses.

“Fuck, Paige. You wore these for me, didn’t you?”

“I did,” I admit, biting my lip as he brushes a finger across my heat, setting my body on fire. “I did it for you.”

“Christ.” His fingers wrap around my hair and he pulls my head back, the intensity of his gaze making me shiver as he stares down at me. “Get in the back seat and lie down. You deserve a reward.”

“Oh God.” Arousal pools at my center, and despite my earlier reservations, the second he steps back, I do as he asked, openingthe back door and crawling inside, slowly, my ass wriggling in the air.

“Actually, no. Stay like that.” I freeze before glancing over my shoulder, catching the intensity in his gaze. “I’m going to slide underneath you and you’re going to ride my face while you suck my cock. Right here in the parking lot. While your guests are inside. And that asshole is wondering why the fuck he ever let you go.”

I’m still panting when we pull into our building parking garage, and I can’t wipe the smile off my face. I’m learning new things about Easton every day and God, is he full of surprises. I love his gruff exterior, the man he presents to the world. But then he hits me with this protective alpha vibe along with his sweet tender moments, and I am head over heels for this man.

He’s everything I didn’t think I wanted, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have found him. “I think I’m past the falling stage, I think I’m in love with you.” I pause with my confession out in the air and wait for the anxious buzzing in my chest, only it doesn’t come, making me more determined to tell him how I feel. “Actually, no. I am one hundred percent in love with you.”

Easton laughs as he comes to a stop and puts the truck in park, spinning in his seat to face me. “What did you say to me once? Don’t make any life-changing decisions while emotions are high. It’s been a big night and—”

“No.” I reach out and grab his hand. “That’s not it at all. You’re an amazing man. There are so many layers to you that I’m not even sure anyone has ever seen them, but I want to. I want to seethem all, experience them all. I want all of you. If you’ll give it to me.”

“Paige, you already have all of me. You’ve had it for longer than I realized. And you’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted to give it to.”

My breath hitches as he reaches out and brushes his thumb across my lips before dropping his hand to cup my neck. “This is fucking terrifying,” he whispers, his eyes on my mouth as though it’s too big to say into my eyes. “But it’s more real than anything I’ve ever felt. IknowI’m in love with you. Without a doubt.”

He leans forward and kisses me softly, his lips gently caressing mine, while my heart pounds so hard I’m almost certain he can hear it. This feeling of love is something I’ve never experienced before. It’s a feeling I never even knew I was chasing. But now that I’ve felt it, I’ll never settle for anything less. Because this euphoria is everything and more.

Easton’s phone buzzes and he groans against my lips before pulling away. “Sorry, it could be Keeley.”

He checks the screen and scoffs. “It’s not. It’s Luke telling the group that he can’t sleep. He’s too revved up for our away game on Monday.” Easton rolls his eyes, but I don’t miss the slight lift of his lips as though he wants to smile but thinks better of it. Like he doesn’t deserve too much happiness.

“Now, where were we?” he asks, leaning in to kiss me again until I raise my hand to stop him.

“We were going inside. You go and relieve Keeley. I need to change the panties you destroyed.”

Easton chuckles again before his expression turns serious. “Pack a bag; you’re staying at my place.”

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