Page 61 of Love Story

The words were quiet, but they were enough to fill my heart with happiness and make me want to kiss his smile.

Ben released a shaky breath, his head against my shoulder as I held him.The cold faded into the background, replaced by his warmth in my arms.Whatever was waiting for him in Boston could wait a little longer.For now, he was here, and that was all that mattered.

And maybe if we both want forever, he’ll stay, and we can have a life here.

AFTER DINNER, WEreturned to my cabin and curled up on the sofa, the fire crackling in the hearth.Ben held me close, his arm draped over my shoulders, and I rested my head against his chest.His heartbeat was steady beneath my ear, a soothing rhythm melting away my tension.

“You okay?”he asked, his voice a quiet rumble.

“Yeah,” I murmured, tilting my head to look at him.“Better than okay.”

“I like you here,” I murmured.

“I like being here,” Ben said.

He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling in that way that always made my chest feel tight.Then he dipped his head and kissed me, soft and unhurried, as if we had all the time in the world.His lips were warm, and he tasted of the wine we’d shared with dinner.I melted into him, letting the kiss deepen, his fingers brushing the nape of my neck.

By the time we moved apart, my breath was coming in short gasps, and Ben’s eyes were darker, filled with something that made my stomach flip.

“I should go,” he murmured.

“Stay the night again?”

He stared at me for the longest time and tugged me to my feet.“Take me to bed.”

We climbed into bed, and as I draped an arm over him, I felt the tension ease from his body like a sigh.The world outside didn’t matter, and for tonight, this was everything.Just us.The way he nestled against me, his head resting on my chest, felt natural, as though he belonged there.

His fingers traced lazy patterns on my skin, sending shivers through me despite his warmth.I nuzzled closer, breathing in his familiar scent.Our lips met in a slow, deep kiss that made my toes curl.

We took our time undressing each other, savoring every touch and caress, and we moved unhurriedly, eyes locked, breaths mingling.The pleasure built gradually, like a slow-burning fire.I cradled his face in my hands as we rocked, memorizing every detail—the flecks of gold in his eyes, the curve of his lips, the way his brow furrowed in concentration.I gasped as waves of bliss washed over me, and he followed soon after with a stifled groan.

Afterward, we lay tangled together, his body half-draped over mine as we caught our breath.I ran my hand through his hair, relishing the silky texture against my palm.

We didn’t speak, didn’t need to.The quiet intimacy of the moment said everything.I felt the steady thump of his heartbeat against my chest, slowing to match my own.His thumb brushed my cheekbone in a feather-light caress.

As the afterglow faded, a pleasant lethargy settled over us.I nuzzled into the crook of his neck, breathing in the musky scent of his skin.He cradled me closer, strong arms enveloping me in a bubble of warmth and safety.

“This is perfect,” he murmured, his voice heavy with contentment.

I hummed in agreement, letting my fingers comb through his hair.“It is.”

He drifted off like that, stayed close, his warmth soaking into me as if he could melt the lingering chill in my soul.

The room settled into a comfortable silence that didn’t need filling.His breathing slowed, matching the rhythm of mine, and I could feel him growing drowsy, his body sinking into mine with every passing moment.I didn’t want to move, and I didn’t want this to end.

“Ben?”I whispered, keeping my voice low in the darkness.

He made a small sound, a sleepy hum barely reaching my ears.“Hmm?”

“I’m happy you’re here.”

“Me too.”

“Pancakes for breakfast?”I asked.

“Bacon and maple syrup?”

“Of course.”I kissed his forehead, his hair silky beneath my lips, and whispered, “Goodnight, Ben.”

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