Page 68 of Make You Mine

I responded, tilting my head slightly, and the kiss deepened, our tongues moving against each other. His hand cupped the back of my head, fingers weaving through my damp hair, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. With each moment, the kiss grew more passionate, more insistent. His other hand slid around my waist, pulling me closer, and I melted into his embrace as my towel fell to the floor and his hands moved down to my ass.

“You need to get dressed, baby,” he groaned into my mouth before breaking the kiss.

“Huh?” Dazed, I studied his face.

“Something Sweet,” he said with a grin. “Grand opening.”

“Crap! Okay.” I snapped to attention, standing straight. “Yes. I need to get ready. No more procrastinating. I won’t take long.”

“Take as long as you like,” he murmured. “Today is your day. If you need me to push you to help you be on time, tell me and I will. If you want to be late or blow the whole thing off, that’s okay too. I’m here only for you.”

I nodded, appreciating his unwavering support more than I could express. “Thank you, Ren. I don’t think I could do this without you.”

I quickly dressed, choosing a simple yet elegant little black dress. As I applied my makeup, Ren sat on the edge of the bed, watching me with a thoughtful expression. The room was filled with a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the occasional rustle of Nimbus and Smog as they settled back into their favorite spots.

Once I was ready, I turned to face Ren. “How do I look?”

“Beautiful. You always do.” His smile was warm and genuine, making my heart flutter.

“Except I need you to zip me up.” I turned, giving him my back.

His fingers traced up my spine, leaving a trail of shivers in their wake. He lingered at the straps over my shoulders, then leaned down to kiss my neck. “I don’t know if I want to zip you up or slide this pretty dress down and kiss you all over.”

“God, Ren. How about you unzip me later tonight?”

“You got yourself a deal, sweetheart.” He zipped me up, then spun me around with his hands on my shoulders.

I took a deep breath, feeling more prepared to face the day with him by my side. “Okay, let’s do this.”

He offered his arm, which I took gratefully.

We walked down the hallway, the faint sound of our footsteps blending with the soft purr of the cats. As we reached the front door, Ren paused and looked at me, his eyes searching mine. “I’m here for you, no matter what. I don’t give a shit about anyone else or how they feel. Only you.”

“I know,” I replied, squeezing his hand. “That’s the only thing making me feel okay about going.”

“Good girl. You got this. And I got you.”

“Let’s drive, please? I want to have a car handy in case I need to make a dramatic exit.”

Ren chuckled softly. “Drama queen. Let’s get you in the car and on the road,” he said, his voice a soothing balm to my anxious heart.

The drive was serene, the hum of the engine blending with the rhythm of my thoughts. Ren's hand rested reassuringly on my thigh, a silent reminder of his unwavering presence. As we drove through the familiar streets, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread creeping in.

“You’re still worried, aren’t you?”

“I don’t like confrontations, and the last time I was alone with Dana, I let her have it, which is why I don’t have Cody right now. I ruined everything. I can’t afford to rock the boat more than I’ve already done. I could lose him.”

“You won’t lose him. I won’t let that happen.”

“I’ve been trying so hard not to think about him and let Jake handle it, but it’s all coming up for me today and I?—”

“Do you want me to listen or distract you?”

“Oh god, distract me, please. I can’t keep thinking this way.”

“Spread your legs.”

“What?” I breathed as I did what he said.

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