Page 266 of Champagne Nights

“That’s why we use a nightlight or leave the hall light on,” he signed. “That’s your reality, Ellie, and I know that.”

“I know you do, and I’m grateful for that. It took me a long time to accept who I had become as a deaf person, and if you were to ask me if I wished I could fully hear again, the answer would be no. Because I know who I am. When I found out about Kirsten, my first thought was you were bored with her and just playing around, and that’s why you didn’t tell me. I figured you had no plans on sticking around, and you’d eventually leave when you got bored with me.”

“How could you think that after everything we’ve done and have been through together?”

“Because I was hurt that I didn’t hear it from you, out of your mouth. And I wasn’t going to allow myself to be hurt again. I was protecting myself as I’ve always done since I lost my hearing. Then you kidnapped me, and once I stepped out of my anger box and stopped feeling sorry for myself, I could see things a lot clearer. I could see you clearer. Life is hard sometimes, and walking away is the best way to cope.”

He held out his hand and turned his palm up, signaling for me to place my hand in his.

“You don’t have to. It’s okay,” he signed with his other hand.

Giving him a small smile, I placed my hand in his and he gave it a gentle squeeze.

“I’m sorry, Ellie.”

“I know you are.”

“You are a beautiful woman, both inside and out. I will never lie or hurt you again. I need you to believe in me.”

“I do.” I smiled.

I let go of his hand and picked up my wine glass. He listened carefully to every word I said, and his eyes never left mine. I hadn’t planned to spill my soul to him, but it all came naturally. When we dated, we knew each other, but we didn’t. He didn’t talk about his parents, and I didn’t talk about my struggles. I told him a few things here and there, but nothing like I told him tonight. In fact, I’d never told anyone. I didn’t expect to be at peace with him so quickly, and all I really wanted to do was make him suffer for hurting me. But he wouldn’t be the only one suffering. He deserved a second chance. He’d earned it, and I knew there would be no turning back from my inescapable feelings for him.

“I think I’m going to go for a swim in that lovely pool. You can join me if you’d like.”

“I’d love to. Let’s go change into our bathing suits,” he signed.

I stood up and slipped the straps to my dress off my shoulders, letting the dress fall to the ground.

“I don’t think swimsuits are needed.” I gave him a wink as I stepped into the pool.

Chapter Thirty-One

Henry

I sat there and watched as her naked body walked down the steps and into the pool. Instantly, my cock grew at the speed of light. Was she suggesting—she had to be, or else she wouldn’t have done it?

“Are you coming in, or will you just sit there and watch me?” The corners of her mouth curved up into a sinfully sexy smile.

Jumping up from the lounge chair, I quickly stripped out of my clothes and swam over to her in the middle of the pool. I placed my hands on her hips as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

“Are you sure about this?” I asked.

“Would I be naked in this pool if I wasn’t? You’ve been a perfect gentleman since I got here, and now it’s time for you to be a bad boy.” She bit down on her bottom lip.

A growl rumbled within my chest as our lips met with force, and my hand traveled to her breast. I’d been waiting for this moment for what seemed like an eternity, and now I’d be able to feel her again. Her hand stroked my cock under the water,making it harder than it already was. The throbbing sensation was killing me as she wrapped her legs around my waist.

“I’m not sure how this is going to work.” She laughed.

“Maybe we can have a little fun first and then continue somewhere else,” I spoke as she read my lips.

“Good idea.” Our lips met for a passionate kiss.

Once we’d had enough and were eager to get on with it, I took her out of the pool and set her down. Reaching around the back of the lounge chair, I lowered it until it was lying flat. She surprised me when she pushed me back onto the chair and straddled me, lowering herself onto my hard cock. We both let out gasps of pleasure as my hands firmly gripped her breasts. She rode me with a rolling and steady movement while her hands stayed firmly on my chest. Bringing my fingers up to her lips, she took them in her mouth and seductively sucked them, causing my cock to spasm with delight. Pulling my fingers from her, I slid them around her hardened peaks before they reached her clit and softly caressed it. Both our moans heightened as she moved back and forth. She picked up the pace and let out a gratifying sound as she was about to come. Gripping her hips, I held them down as I exploded inside her, making sure she got every drop I had in me. Leaning over, her lips met mine for a passionate kiss before she climbed off.

I took the towel that was lying there and wrapped her up in it. Grabbing one for me, I secured it around my waist, sat down, and brought her on my lap, where I held her tight. Neither one of us said a word. We just sat there and enjoyed each other's comfort.

She lifted her head from my chest and looked at me.

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