Page 81 of Trusting Tanner
She nodded. “It’s okay. I’m on the pill,” she whispered hoarsely.
He slid his arms under her shoulders and used his hold to pull her down while he thrust up. His orgasm crashed into her with such force, she cried out, his name almost a full-blown scream. He held her to him as his body trembled and shook. His face was buried in her neck, his breath hot and ragged. She was completely enveloped in his arms, his skin hot and sweaty against hers, and for the first time since her parents left this world, she didn’t have a bone-deep feeling of utter loneliness.
She stroked the nape of his neck, and he squeezed her tighter. Sex without a condom was much more intense, and the feeling of him coming inside her… It was erotic and dangerous, but it was right, too. At least, it was for her.
“Juliana.” His voice cracked, and he adjusted to be able to see her face.
There was an odd look in his eyes, and her heart all but stopped. If he said he regretted what just happened, or if he said it shouldn’t have happened at all, she was going to die. Not of mortification, but of heartbreak. For her, it was the single best moment of her life. She’d given him all the trust she had in her, and if he didn’t realize that… She turned her head, unable to look at him when he said how stupid they’d been.
He eased out of her, and she felt the sting of tears in the back of her throat. It was bad enough she cried in front of him earlier; she wouldn’t cry now. But when he didn’t move off her, she relaxed a little. He turned her head so she faced him. And then he kissed her in a way he never had before, a way that caused all her fears and insecurities to slip away.
His arms rested on either side of her head again, his hands smoothing her hair away from her face. “I love you, Juliana.”
She thought she made a noise that sounded like a squeal, but she wasn’t sure, because her ears were ringing, her face burned hot, and her heart hammered so hard she thought she was going to bust a few ribs. Tanner loved her. No one else had ever said those words to her.
“I love you, too,” she blurted out, afraid he’d take the words back if she didn’t say something soon. She cupped his cheeks in her palms. “God, Tanner. I love you so much.”
He sighed with relief and kissed her again. Then he slowly moved off her and lay on his back. He reached for her, bringing her over so her head was on his chest. She yawned and snuggled closer to him, drawing lazy circles on his chest.
He kissed the top of her head then yawned. “Go to sleep, baby. I won’t leave you.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Tanner awoke the following morning to the feel of Juliana curled up next to him, in the same position she’d fallen asleep. The events of last night raced through his mind. The fight. Her confessions. Admitting they were in love. Their lovemaking. The lack of protection. That was something he’d never done before, with anyone. He draped his arm over his face and exhaled loudly. What the hell had he been thinking coming inside her? He hadn’t been thinking.
It was hard to regret, though, because it had been amazing, and being inside her without a condom was so fucking hot. He honestly doubted he’d ever be able to go back to using protection when he was with her. Besides, she was taking birth control, and he trusted she was responsible in that regard.
Juliana held his heart now, all of it, and he knew without a doubt she was the woman he wanted to be with. Forever.
“What’re you thinking about?” Her sleep-laden voice brought a smile to his face.
“Last night.”
“Good things I hope.” She folded her hands on his chest and rested her chin on them.
He remained silent. His opinion on last night was still divided. Physically and emotionally he wanted to have several repeat performances, but logically he knew it wasn’t the smartest thing they could’ve done.
“I want to apologize for how my brothers treated you last night.” He was still pissed about that, and his brothers were going to get an earful.
“They didn’t know, and they were just looking out for you. It’s really okay.”
“No, it’s not okay. They always do this. They push and push and push.” He shook his head and eased into a sitting position. She sat up, too, tucking the blanket around her naked body. He put his arm around her.
“Ryder used to have this girl he was getting serious with. Amy. She was constantly talking about marrying Ryder and all the things she was going to do with his money. She didn’t even bother to hide the fact that’s all she wanted. Xander and I tried to tell Ryder she was no good, but he kept insisting she was joking about the money.”
“What happened?” She draped her arm across his body and gave him a hug.
“Xander and I both took a hundred grand from our trust funds and paid her to break up with him. I was surprised it worked. I couldn’t figure out why she’d take two hundred grand when she could’ve stuck it out for millions. Ryder was pissed as hell when he found out.”
“Yeah, I bet.”
Tanner caressed her arm. “My point is, sometimes we think we know what’s best for one another when it’s really none of our damn business.”
“You may not like how they do things, but their intentions are good. You should be glad you have brothers who care so much. I have no one, and it sucks.”
“You have me. I care. A lot.” He put his hand under her chin and turned her face up to him. “Please don’t ever forget that.”
“Tell me more about your family.”
