Page 66 of Make You Mine

About to go over the peak, I opened my eyes. I had to see her. I needed to watch her as I fell apart.

I flipped her onto her back and rocked desperately into her tight heat. Once, twice, before falling over the edge. I gave her my weight for a second, then rolled to my side, gathering her in my arms.

“I’ve never felt like this in my life,” I whispered into her hair.

“Me either.” She snuggled close, resting her head on my chest. “Stay. Please.”

“Yes.” I would stay tonight. I would stay forever if she wanted me to.

“You make me feel hopeful again, Ren.”

My arms convulsed around her. “Same. For the first time in years, Piper.”

We lay there in silence, listening to each other's breath, feeling the warmth of our bodies as we held each other. I kissed her hair gently, breathing in her scent, and she sighed contentedly. “I’m glad you’re here with me,” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the quiet room.

“There's nowhere else I'd rather be,” I replied softly, my heart swelling with the truth of my words. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

“’Night, Ren.”

I woke to her sprawled across my chest. I liked her cats, but I much preferred this. Her hair was soft as I brushed it aside to kiss her forehead.

She was peaceful in sleep, her features softened, beautiful and serene. I traced the outline of her jaw, and she sighed softly, leaning into my touch, even in her sleep. She was meant to be with me; there was no doubt in my mind.

“I want this every morning,” I whispered, my voice barely audible, not wanting to disturb her. “You and me, just like this.”

I tightened my arm around her, feeling her body's gentle rise and fall against my side. At that moment, I knew I’d never give up on her or what we could have together.

We were better together, and I was determined to keep it that way. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at me with a sleepy, contented smile that made my heart skip a beat.

“Youarehere,” she whispered, breathy and soft. “For a minute, I thought it was a dream.”

“Maybe it was,” I whispered. “It felt like one.”

She nestled closer, wrapping me up in her arms and legs. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, sweetheart,” I replied, my voice husky with sleep.

She closed her eyes again and inhaled a soft breath. “Ren,” she murmured. “I feel like I’ve waited years for a moment like this.”

The emotion inside me was so pure and intense that I felt like my heart might burst. “So have I,” I replied, moving to cup her face as I leaned in to capture her lips in a good morning kiss.

Her eyes darted to the clock on her bedside table. “I know you have to go to work soon, so we don’t have time for breakfast. But can I make you dinner tonight?”

“You mean, no more evening porch swing make-out sessions?” I teased gently. “I get to come inside?”

Her hands met my side in a playful shove. “Yeah, something like that.”

I buried my face in the soft skin where her shoulder met her neck. “I can’t wait. Can I bring anything?”

“No, I have it covered.”

“I’ll probably bring you flowers anyway. Sometimes I’m not good at doing what I’m told.”

“Thank god for that.” She leaned back, giving me a radiant smile that I felt deep in my bones. “I’m really glad you’re here, Ren. Last night felt like a dream, but waking up like this feels even better.”

I kissed her softly on the lips, savoring the warmth of her breath and the softness of her skin.

“I’m not going anywhere, Piper. I’ll be here tonight, and every night you want me to be.”

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