Page 140 of Puck Me Secretly

Something had cracked open in me and it felt like a million butterflies were pouring out of my chest.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he breathed, watching me.

“Please join me,” I begged, not sure what I meant.

He buried his face in my neck and I held onto him while he moved. He gathered me into his arms, and each thrust felt like commitment. Each time he drove up into me, it felt like he was becoming a part of me.

I clung to him, wishing I could fuse myself to him. Not his body, but the essence of what made Max.

When he came, he came with a carnal groan against my neck and as his big body thrust up into mine, I held onto him, overwhelmed by the intensity of it all.

“Rory,” he lifted his head and looked into my eyes, while he remained buried inside me.

“I know,” I breathed.

CHAPTER 49

I snuggledmy back harder against Max’s chest, loving the way his heat and strength enveloped me.

“Remember when we were in North Dakota?”

“I’ll never forget.”

“I asked why you worked so hard on the plane to calm me down and make my last few moments good even when you didn’t believe we’d live.”

“I remember.”

“Do you remember what your answer was?”

“Tell me.”

“You told me it was for atonement. Do you remember that?”

“Yup.”

“What did you mean?”

He took his time answering. “I guess I’m looking for redemption.”

I twisted in his arms, so my face was inches from his. “For what?”

He held my gaze but didn’t answer.

I placed the palm of my hand flat on his cheek. “Tell me.”

“For being born? For ruining my mom’s life? For not giving up hockey for her? Forbeing selfish?”

“Max.” I sounded anguished. “You’re not responsible.”

He dropped his gaze, avoiding my eyes. “I’m starving. Want to order dinner?”

I lay there, feeling helpless, as he rolled over and got out of bed. Did he know? Did he understand that what happened to his mom wasn’t his fault? So much emotion rolled through me, I thought my chest would burst. It took all my effort not to blurt out the words,I love you.

I sat up.I loved Max. My heart pounded in my chest. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. Max and I had only started to date. Love wasn’t supposed to happen this fast. But I loved him with my entire heart and I knew I would do anything for this man. Did he want the same thing? Or would my heart get crushed in this situation?

“Are you okay?”

I raised my eyes to Max, who watched me as he pulled on his pants. “What?”

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