Page 12 of Words We Didn't Say

I lifted a shoulder. Same old, same old. Emails. Phone calls. Constant fires to put out—with none of the fluffy kittens stuck in trees or grizzled firefighters rescuing them to make the stories even remotely interesting.

Eden’s eyes caught mine in the mirror. She frowned. “That good, huh?”

“Work’s work. Mac and I settled a big contract that’s been hanging around for a while. How was your day?”

“Amazing!”

Her excited chatter bounced off the white tiles, but her stories about clients and colours wove into worries I thought I’d left at the office.

Did I remember to reply to the email from the developer?

“—and then you won’tbelievewhat Yvette said—”

When’s the settlement for Pitt Street? Monday? Shit. I need to check if Mac talked to the bank.

“—and Andie totally lost her shit!”

Eden twittered a laugh that I matched with a shaky smile. Guilt made it hard to swallow the lump in my throat. It wasn’t the first time I’d missed listening to her stories.

I stepped closer, pulling Eden’s back against my front, looping my arms around her waist, and letting my chin nuzzle into her hair. Her gaze locked on mine in the mirror. Her tube of cream dropped to the vanity. Long, slender fingers curled over mine, and she bit her lip as she slid my hand down, down…

I brushed my lips on the shell of her ear. “You want me to make you feel good?”

As her head bobbed up and down, my hand was already wandering past the elastic waistband of her knickers. Shewhimpered when I ghosted a touch along the warm, delicious skin of her pussy, gently spreading her open, searching for the delicate wet patch to slick my fingers.

“Denny Dee.” I groaned into the hollow of her neck. “What got you feeling like this?”

“Us.” Her eyes shut tight. “Our first time.” She rocked her hips against my hand, deepening the pressure of my fingers swirling over her clit, just the way she liked it. “You kept me waiting so long.”

I had. “I needed to be sure.” Eden would’ve broken my heart if I hadn’t. Discarded me. I knew she would’ve. I teased her with a slow and steady rhythm as I pressed languid kisses up her neck. “I don’t fuck just anyone. I’m selective.”

“You”—her pretty pink tongue darted over her bottom lip—“chose me?”

I hummed a yes in her ear.

She whimpered. A red flush crept higher up her neck, and her hips rocked faster and faster against my hand. She was racing for her prize.

“That’s it,” I whispered. “Almost there. Show me I made the right choice.”

Her throaty sigh shot straight to my cock, but there was no relief for me except to let out a groan. This was about her. But what was it about this game she liked so much? Why did she get so turned on pretending she didn’t hold all the cards? She could’ve chosen any man she wanted. I’d only shifted the odds because I wasn’t the type of guy who enjoyed being used for one night.

“Z-Zach.” Her dark eyes fluttered open and locked with mine in the mirror.

Say the words.

Her hand squeezed mine, and breathless gasps escaped her lips in time with the fingers I swirled over her smooth, wetskin. My pulse pounded. I pressed myself even closer into her spine, tugged her hair, and exposed her neck, grazing my teeth, enjoying her sweet taste on my tongue, reminding her who was making her feel so good.

Eden was perfect. Not just like this. Everywhere. Always.

I’d wanted to confess how I felt about her since the day she’d moved in. Fascinated, I’d stared at her toothbrush stuck in the cup beside mine. I’d wanted to say it then…and so many times since.

I love you.

“I’m going to take such good care of you,” I whispered instead.

More of her favourite words, and enough to tip her over the edge with a filthy string of curses whispered so prettily.

I love you so much.

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