Page 193 of Wild Card

“I love it, and the neighborhood is amazing.”

“Glad to hear because I don’t want to do this shit forever.”

“What shit?”

“My time in the service, I lived in different places around the world before coming to Nashville. Nothing wrong with the deal we got to live in the Whitmans’ place, but it was never permanent. You’re not ready, but eventually, Princess, I want permanent.”

At the word, her eyes go wide.

Tears puddle and fall down her cheeks. “You didn’t even want to tell me you applied for a new job.”

“For months, I’ve been watching and listening, cataloging your wishes. It took the architect a few extra days to get those specs over. I waited to tell you about SWAT until everything was in place and you knew the whole picture.”

“It’s spontaneous, impulsive, and slightly irresponsible to ask your girlfriend of a few months to build a home with you.”

“You’ve been mine since that first kiss. I don’t fucking want to waste time on the bullshit when I know where we’re headed.”

The tears come in streams now, her lips quivering. “I want to give you permanent.”

“Then tell me what you think. We waiting to do this shit, or are we moving forward?”

The papers fall as she launches herself around me. Her lips seal over mine, the taste of salty tears and sweet lip balm filling my mouth.

I squeeze her ass, hoisting her higher and sweeping my tongue before twirling it with hers. She gives over control, slanting her head and giving me deeper access.

My body strings tight, wanting more but knowing I can’t throw her down and fuck her in a field at twilight.

“Fuck, babe, is that yes?” I tear away, feeling her heart race against my chest.

“Yes,” she whispers breathlessly.

I grin against her lips and she pulls back, her gaze raking over me. “You’re gloating.”

“Fuck yeah, I am.”

“Arrogance isn’t becoming.”

“Truth isn’t arrogance. Knew you wouldn’t make this easy.”

“Yet, you got your way.”

“I was willing to compromise.”

“You played me.”

“Not a chance. I laid out my cards, hoping you’d make the right choice.”

She throws her head back laughing loudly. I take advantage of her position, running my tongue along the column of her neck.

“Those plans are preliminary. We can change anything or scratch and start over.”

She shakes her head, bringing her hands to frame my face. “I want to go there now, walk the lot.”

“It’ll be dark in about ten minutes.”

She glances across the field at the setting sun and chews her bottom lip.

Shit, I know that disappointment.

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