Page 24 of Honey for the Bear

“I’m not going anywhere,” he says softly.

“Good,” I whisper, a small smile tugging at my lips.“Because neither am I.”

And for the first time, I believe him.

Chapter 12

Cameron

Hannahfitsperfectlyinmy arms, like she was made to be here.

We’re on her porch swing, the night wrapping around us like a blanket.The stars are bright above the trees, and her head rests on my chest, her hair soft against my skin.The faint hum of bees lingers in the distance, mixing with the cool breeze that carries the scent of wildflowers and honey.

This is what peace feels like.Her warmth pressed against me, her soft breaths steady and calm.

I thread my fingers through hers, holding her hand tightly as if letting go could shatter this fragile moment.It’s impossible to believe that just a few days ago, I thought I’d lost her for good.That I thought my secrets, my bear, would be too much for her to handle.

But she’s here.And by some miracle, she wants me.

I press a kiss to the top of her head, letting my lips linger there.“You feel like home.You know that?”I murmur.

She tilts her face up to look at me, her lips curving into a soft smile.“Good,” she says, her voice a quiet hum against my chest.“Because you’re not getting rid of me now.”

Her words send a warmth through me, a steady thrum in my chest that spreads through every inch of me.I pull her closer, my hand sliding along her back until she’s practically in my lap.

“Never,” I promise, my voice low and firm.

The swing creaks softly beneath us as she shifts, turning so she’s straddling my lap.Her hands rest on my chest, her fingers splayed over the fabric of my shirt, and I feel the heat of her touch seeping into my skin.

Her eyes are bright in the moonlight, her expression open and full of something that steals the breath from my lungs.

“I love you, Cameron,” she says.The words are so simple, so sure, they hit me like a punch to the gut.

I rest my forehead against hers, closing my eyes as I breathe her in.“I love you, too,” I whisper.“More than I’ve ever thought it was possible to love someone.”

Her smile softens, and she leans in, her lips brushing mine.The kiss starts slow, almost hesitant, but it doesn’t stay that way for long.

My hands grip her waist, pulling her flush against me as the kiss deepens.Her fingers slide up to tangle in my hair, and I groan against her mouth, the sound low and desperate.She tastes sweet, like honey and something uniquely her, and I can’t get enough of her.

It’s not just the kiss.It’s everything.The way she fits against me, the way her warmth seeps into my skin, the way her breath hitches when my hands slide under the soft hem of her sweater to find the bare skin of her back.

“Cameron,” she whispers against my lips, her voice breathless and full of need.

My name on her lips is fire.It burns through me, igniting something wild and untamed in my chest.I pull back just enough to look at her, my hands tightening on her hips.

“Do you have any idea what you do to me?”I ask, my voice rough.

She laughs softly, her fingers brushing along my jaw.“I think I have some idea.”

Her teasing only makes me want her more.I capture her mouth again, this time with more urgency, more heat.She melts into me, her body pressed as close as it can get, and I feel her heartbeat pounding in time with mine.

I carry Hannah up the stairs, her laughter echoing in the quiet house, a melody that stirs something primal within me.Her legs are wrapped tightly around my waist, her arms clinging to my neck, and I feel the heat of her body seeping through our clothes.The strength in my arms, the way I can lift her effortlessly, it’s a reminder of the power I hold.But her trust in me truly makes me feel invincible.

We reach her bedroom, the door creaking softly as I push it open with my foot.The dim light from the bedside lamp casts a warm glow over the room, highlighting the curves of her body and the soft smile playing on her lips.I set her down gently on the bed, but my hands linger on her waist, unwilling to break contact.

“Hannah,” I murmur, my voice rough with need.“You’re everything to me.”

She looks up at me, her eyes full of desire and something deeper, something that makes my heart race.“Show me,” she whispers, her voice a soft plea that sends a jolt of heat straight to my core.

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