Page 16 of Conveniently Theirs

“He’s the one who recognized my feelings for you. He made me see you and the possibilities.”

Processing my words, she searches my face. Please let her see the truth of my love. Refusing to fidget under her scrutiny, I straighten my spine.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Fear.”

“Of what?”

“Rejection.”

“Josh, I’ll never reject you. How could I? I’ve been in love with you since forever, too. God, I’vewanted to tell you for so long but I was—shit, just like you I’m afraid of rejection.”

My laugh is tinged with bitterness. “How did we both end up so confused and afraid of our feelings?”

“We both thought you were gay.” Her smile fades. “Does all this have anything to do with our fake marriage? Is it part of your plan?”

“No. Uncle Harold’s new will was a complete surprise. Just so you know… Devin has been pushing me to tell you for a few years.”

“I don’t understand. Why would Devin do that?”

“Love. He’s seen my confusion. Helped me through the depths of my mixed up emotions. Encouraged or silently supported me, whatever I needed.”

“So what do we do now?”

I send a silent prayer I’m really seeing hope and desire in her eyes. “I love you madly, Kendall. I desire you. Need you. I want to make love with you.”

She takes my hand. “I have a secret too… besides how long I’ve been in love with you, too.”

My heart pounds. Clueless, I wait for her to continue.

“All those guys I’ve gone out with?”

I deny the rise of jealousy with a nod.

“I was looking for someone like you, only someone who wanted me. Who could want me. Because we were stupid and kept our love secret from each other. I never found that guy. Never came close. I never met anyone I wanted to be intimate with. If you really want me, you’ll be my first.”

First? Dear god. “You’re a virgin?”

Her cheeks flame a deep red. “Technically, yes. But…” She grins and her nervous chuckle brings my smile. “If you’re looking for virgin blood or anything like that, the sheet observers will be disappointed. I may not have had a man, but I do love toys.”

Her smile turns sweetly seductive. I stand and pull her to her feet. “Wanna consummate, darlin’?”

“Oh yes. Please. I am so done with waiting.”

In her room I partially close the drapes, allowing a sliver of muted light into the room. Then I turn her so her back is to me and draw down her dress’s long zipper. I kiss each inch of exposed skin, making myself go slow. I will make this so good for her. For both of us. “So sweet,” I whisper against her neck as the silky fabric pools around her feet.

“Yes, Josh.” She turns and unbuttons my shirt, using the same distracting kisses down my chest and abs. Then she steps back and reaches tounfasten her bra. While she slips out of her skimpy panties, I shove down my slacks and briefs.

We face each other naked for the first time.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, Keni.”

Her gaze lingers on the rising presence of my dick. “You are, too, Josh. So… can I touch you?”

“God, yes, darlin’. Lay down with me and you can touch all you want. As long as I’m permitted to do the same.” I toss back the duvet and prop my shoulders on a pile of pillows. “Come here, Keni.”

She joins me on the bed and kisses me. The press of her lips is slow and tentative. I match the easy motions, building heat, desire, need.

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