Page 86 of Uniquely in Love

“I thought…” I blinked, the emotion overwhelming me. What did I think? That without me in his life, as a professional hockey player, he’d have his pick of any girl he wanted?Yes.That was what I’d thought. That he’d have puck bunnies warming his bed. That he would be sleeping with any girl he wanted.

It had driven me crazy for the last few years, and I didn’t want to think that way anymore.

But here he was, telling me he hadn’t. That he’d never wanted anyone else. That he’d always wanted me.

“I haven’t either,” I said, voice low. A sacred promise, somehow. It felt likemore.

Owen rested his forehead against mine. “I need to feel you,” he murmured. “Need to know you’re mine. At least for now. For however long I have you.” I knew what he was asking—and I wanted it more than anything. We’d only gotten to do this twice, but the first time barely counted. After all, it had been years, and I wasn’t the same girl now that I’d been back then, terrified of ruining his entire life by being a clingy girlfriend.

I nodded. “I’m on birth control. And I’m okay with it, if you are.” Going bare. Feeling him inside of me, claiming in a way no one else had.

There had never been another man. It had always been him. My first and only.

“I’m all clear. I get physicals with the team every year,” he said, holding himself still.

“Yes,”I agreed. Because I’d give him anything he wanted if he asked for it. “Make me yours, Owen. Only yours.”

“Mine,” he agreed, cupping my face in his hands.

He kissed me tenderly before positioning himself in between my thighs and notching his tip at my entrance.

Those brown eyes I’d known my whole life looked up at me, like he was making sure I was okay.

I nodded. “Let me feel you inside me, Owen. Give it to me.”

Owen pushed in slowly, giving me time to adjust to his size. He’d always been big, and no amount of time could change that.

This time, I was going to savor it. Because I knew, down to the depths of my soul, that this wasn’t a one-time thing for us. It never would be. Not after this. Not after baring our souls to each other.

I wanted this too badly to hold back anymore.

TWENTY-SEVEN

Owen

NOW

Iwasn’t lying when I’d told her how much I liked her here. In my apartment, in my bed. In my arms.

Waking up with Ellie nestled into me, scooting back until her ass pressed into my morning wood, wasn’t something I’d ever thought would happen for us. Not after everything. But I couldn’t complain when this was how it had ended up.

Make me yours, Owen. Only yours.

She was slowly slipping back into my heart, and that terrified me. Because I knew how easy it had been for her to leave before.

Damn, it would be easier if the chemistry between us wasn’t so strong. If I didn’t want to spend every day just like this. Buried inside of her. Seeing my number tattooed on her. Nothing would compare. I knew that now.

Thrusting inside of her, I savored the feel of her wrapped around me. Of being bare, nestled in her warmth.

“Ellie.” I kissed her neck as I slid to the hilt, her gasp filling the room. “Fuuuck, I missed you.” I closed my eyes, trying to savor the feeling. She felt so good. So perfect. So mine.

How could I ever let her go?I couldn’t.I’d been lying to myself all these years. It was why I’d stayed away.

But she was here now. She’d moved here forme.I knew she had. What I couldn’t figure out waswhy.

“Owen,” she groaned, wiggling her hips beneath me. “I need you to move.”

“I know, baby.” I interlaced our fingers, resting my forehead against hers. “I know.” Pressing my lips against hers, I stroked my tongue into her mouth before pulling back, thrusting inside her with earnest.

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