He rests his hands on my waist and pulls me close. “I love the way the right corner of your mouth lifts higher when you smile. I love the way you blush when someone compliments you. I love how hard you laugh whenever we watchThe Big Bang Theorytogether. I love how amazing you are with the kids you teach. I love those little moaning sounds you make when you eat something that tastes really, really good.”
I gaze up at him, breathless at how easily he comes up with reasons why he loves me. It’s like he has them loaded up and ready to go. Like he’s been thinking about them forever.
“I love living with you. I love waking up next to you every morning and falling asleep with you in my arms every night. I love seeing your dozens of skin care bottles scattered all over the bathroom counter and shower.”
I smile so wide, my cheeks hurt.
“I love you, Dakota. So damn much.”
I grab his face and kiss him until a car passing by honks at us. We break apart, panting as we catch our breath.
“I love you, Sam,” I murmur.
He rests his hands on my waist and pulls me close. “You love me.” He says it like he’s mystified. Like he can’t quitebelieve it.
I bite my lip, grinning and nodding at the same time. “I love you,” I repeat. “You’re the sweetest, most thoughtful, generous, doting, and patient guy I’ve ever met. I never thought I’d ever be lucky enough to be with someone like you.” My chest aches, and my throat tightens. “I never thought I deserved to be with someone as good as you.”
Emotion flashes in his eyes as he cups my face in his hands.
“You deserve everything good in this world, Dakota. Every single thing.”
His voice shakes when he says it. It makes my chest ache even more.
He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I hate that you ever thought you deserved anything less than that.”
I close my eyes, humming at the warmth of his body, at how safe and happy I feel when I’m in his arms.
“I know better now.” I lean back and look up at him. “That’s all that matters.”
Intensity flashes in his gorgeous blue-green eyes.
“I love you, Dakota. So, so much.”
I tiptoe up and kiss him, slow and teasing. We’re both breathless and clawing at each other.
“I love you so much too,” I say against his mouth. “And I need you. Now.”
“Right now?”
“Yes. Please, Sam.”
Chapter 53
Dakota
Sam gazes down at me, his eyes fiery. He takes my hand and leads me around the block to the quiet street around the corner where his luxury SUV is parked. He unlocks it and opens the passenger door for me before hopping in the driver’s side.
The second he shuts the door, I lunge at him, kissing him hard.
He reclines his seat all the way back, then grabs my hips and lifts me on top of him. I straddle his legs, moaning at how hard he is.
He groans against my mouth, then leans back, breaking our kiss.
“You’re gonna make me come in my pants if you keep grinding on my lap.”
I smile. “Good.”
The corner of his mouth quirks up in a wicked half-smile. “Are you being naughty, beautiful?”