Page 65 of The One for Forever

“I can handle that.” He surprises me by lying down on the couch and patting the space beside him on the wide sectional cushion. “Snuggle up.”

I lie next to him, and Rex covers us with a throw blanket. His chest makes a great pillow. If a little on the firm side.

My mind drifts away from thoughts of work to our surfing date earlier.

I’ve rarely spent time alone with Rex until recently. I’ve had a crush on the man for a decade, yet I only knew parts of him. Now, I’m getting the opportunity to know Rex as a complete person. Not just a father and a hero, but a man. Someone with insecurities and dreams and raw desires.

We enjoyed hanging out the night of the gala. But my time with Rex in this house has proven what great chemistry we have together. Not just romantically but as friends.

And the sexual chemistry? Off the freaking charts.

I’ve always admired Rex’s upstanding, heroic qualities. It’s hard not to. He’s so honorable. The kind of man who stands up for justice, which matters to me. But when it comes to sex, I had no clue he could be so down and dirty.

And I love it.

Rex seems to enjoy ordering me around, and I’ve got to admit, I’m into it too. I might prefer taking command in my real life, especially in my job. But in bed? Rex’s dominance takes over, and my submissive side comes to the forefront. We’re perfectly matched. At least, I think we are. The hot-as-fire things we did together on this couch, just a few hours ago, suggest that’s true.

I’m excited to put my theory to the test later in the bedroom. I want a lot more than trading orgasms. I’m ready for him towreckme.

I squirm against him just thinking about it.

But just as wonderful are moments like this. When there’s a sense of calm between us, and Rex is affectionate and protective. Can it always be like this? I don’t know. Reality will inevitably intrude, dragging us back to our regular lives. The Printz trial will end, and Rex will have his own work and responsibilities aside from guarding me.

I just hope that we can find this same connection when we’re back in West Oaks. Because I can’t imagine feeling this way with any other man.

Maybe he’s already wrecked me, I realize. After having just a taste of Rex, I know for sure I’ll never want anyone else.

“Wake up, gorgeous.”Kisses land on my forehead and cheek. “Time to get up.”

I stretch and yawn, not yet opening my eyes. “This is a great way to wake up, you know. Whoever invents the kissing alarm clock will make a fortune.”

He chuckles and then pokes my side.

I yelp. “Hey!” My eyes pop open. “What happened to the gentle kissing?”

“Wasn’t working. You told me not to let you sleep too long. I have plans for you.” He’s sitting on the couch. He must’ve sneaked away at some point during my nap. He’s added a T-shirt instead of just rocking those sexy gray sweats.

“Why did you put a shirt on?”

“I was doing prep work in the kitchen. Some people consider chest hair in their food to be unappetizing.”

I snort. “I’ve never been that picky,” I joke.

He pinches my chin playfully. “Yet another new thing I’m learning about you. Gotta say, I’m concerned.”

I jump up and pounce on him, straddling his lap. “You’re into me. Admit it. You like my weirdness.” He gives me a deep, sexy kiss, lots of tongue. I probably don’t taste great after my nap, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

“I do like it,” he murmurs. “I like every moment with you.”

After a few more kisses, Rex makes us get up and go to the kitchen. So bossy, this one.

He’s got a bunch of bowls already set out, some with chopped vegetables and other ingredients. “We’re making a stir fry. I called in an order for supplies, and one of my guys dropped it off while you were asleep.”

“Yum. But do I have to put on more clothes for this?” I point at the T-shirt with cut-off sides I’m still wearing. It’s not actually covering that much of me.

“Definitely not.” He winks. “You’re the dessert.”

“And your lines are terrible. But I like it.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “’Cause I’m into you, too.”

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