Page 19 of Through the Fire

I nodded. “You have to prioritize making time for yourself.”

He lifted his head to look at me. “Well, it’s a good thing I have the expert of relaxation at the tip of my fingers.”

I giggled, but my breath came out in spurts when his hand went to my thigh. He absentmindedly began to massage my leg. His calloused hands from years of fighting fires lit a trail along my skin in every place he touched. His touch was gentle and deliberate as if he were savoring the moment.

“I am not an expert,” I whispered above the drumming of my heart.

His eyes landed on my lips then slowly lifted back to my eyes. I squirmed a little in my seat because Shyheim was too damn handsome for his own good.

“You could’ve fooled me. I think you could teach me a thing or two.”

I smirked. “Oh yeah? Like what?”

The tension between us thickened as the weight of what could be snuffed out all the air in the room. The longer he looked at me, the deeper I was sucked into his vortex. His fingers traced lightly along my thigh.

“Like how you get your skin so fucking soft.”

I smiled. “Well, that’s easy. It’s obviously because of my products.”

“You got anything to help a stiff neck?”

I shook my head. “No, but I think I could help with that.”

I motioned for him to turn his back to me. I placed my hands on his neck and began to massage gently.

He released a moan of satisfaction. “See? I knew you had some hidden talents.”

I laughed but chose not to respond. Instead, I focused on helping alleviate the tension from his muscles. Once I was finished with his neck, I migrated down to his shoulders.

“I love the way I feel when I’m around you. There’s no chaos, only peace. I’ve never really had that before. I’m used to bitches cursing me out and trying to put their hands on me.”

“Oh, wow. I would never. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with that.”

“It’s not your fault I’ve been attached to bottom feeders. It’s all I was exposed to until you came along.”

I blinked in shock at his confession. His vulnerability ripped me apart. I opened my mouth to reply, but all I could hear was my thumping heart.

“I know you’ve been through a lot, and the last thing I want to do is pressure you into anything, but please know when it comes to you, I want more.” He turned, taking my hands in his. “I can’t even have a good day unless I check on you and make sure you’re good. That’s a big deal for me. You don’t have to respond right now. I just wanted you to know where I stand.”

My mouth suddenly became dry because the look in his eyes said he was sincere.

“I’m scared,” I admitted softly.

He nodded. “I know. I am too, though. I’ve been hurt. I have insecurities and doubts, but the thought of having you at my side makes it all disappear ’cause what’s better than you, Izzy?”

I smiled sadly and dropped my head. “Why do you always know what to say?”

“I don’t. I just follow my heart, and it keeps leading me back to you.”

I placed a hand on his cheek. I became lost in his eyes and the strength it took for him to be vulnerable with me about his feelings.

“You are like sunshine,” I confessed, playing with his soft curly hair. “I’ve tried to resist letting you in because I thought I was protecting myself, but it’s only made me feel more isolated and alone. I don’t want to lose you, though.”

He shook his head. “You won’t. I’ll be here unless you don’t want me to be.”

He leaned until his lips were on mine. I deflated, becoming a victim of his affection. I knew right then I couldn’t fight it anymore. I kicked my leg over his hips then straddled his lap.

Heat bubbled through my center when he gripped my waist. His hands traveled to my ass cheeks that he began to massage. I moaned when his lips landed on my neck. He kissed up the curve so softly I almost thought I was imagining it. I wasn’t though because every time he kissed me, I felt him grow a little firmer beneath me. My heart raced with good anxiety.

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