Page 40 of Make You Love Me
“I love how you think.”
Chapter 11
Jordan
Ican’t remember the last time I felt this incredible. Probably the last time I was with this woman. When Nora mentioned being creative, holy shit, she meant it. We’ve always kept things interesting, spontaneous, spicy, but last night fell into its own category. It felt as though we were exploring each other for the first time all over again. It was tricky with the whole arm sling and cast problem, but we pulled it off and then some.
I also told her exactly how much she means to me. Again, a little reassurance never hurts, and with our history, it’s warranted. I bared all, fearless and unconcerned about causing another retreat, and she took it with surprising grace.
Although she stayed silent, she didn’t retreat as I expected. Instead, she burrowed closer to me, love radiating from her body more than words ever could. That surrender alone tells me she feels something, if not the same as I do. That she’s leaning into her feelings and no longer pushing them away. It’s all I’ve ever asked and needed from her.
She stirs beside me, and I shift to give her space, but there isn’t much to give. Last night, we crashed on the small mattresstucked in the corner of the living room. If the neighbors had been out, they may have gotten an X-rated show.
Thinking about the memories we made and suddenly ready for more, I brush her hair off her shoulder and kiss the soft skin I adore. She groans. Not exactly the response I hoped for, but early mornings rival selfies in her book.
With a chuckle, I ask, “Do you feel as amazing as I do?”
“Mmm. Better.”
“Impossible. You haven’t had coffee yet.”
“Maybe you’re my new morning boost.”
Groggy, she rolls over and wraps a leg around me, accidentally jamming a knee into my cast. I wince on reflex, and she shoots up to an elbow, pressing a hand to my sore ribcage, fully awake with sheer terror on her face.
“Oh. I’m so sorry.”
After a long inhale, I let the burning air out slowly while the knives jamming into my muscles and bones slow their assault. “Now, I believe you feel better than me,” I tease through gritted teeth.
“Not funny,” she scoffs and continues her survey. “How are the ribs?”
“Same.”
“Is that good?”
A chuckle rumbles and escapes with an exhale. “Sore but manageable.”
“Okay. Head?”
“Thank you for worrying, but I’m fine,” I say, hoping conviction will steady the words, scratching my throat on the way out. “Didn’t you hear me say how amazing I feel?”
“Your face says otherwise. What can I do?”
“You’re doing it already.”
“What am I doing?”
I bring her hand to my lips. “Looking at me like that.”With love in your eyes.But I avoid mentioning a topic of friction between us and settle on something safe. “Like you want to jump me again.”
“I didn’t jump you…far from it.”
“But you would have if my injuries hadn’t prevented it.”
“Of course,” she says to placate me, but I know better. Shesowould have ridden me like a bull.
“Are we staying in today or hitting the road again? If I had a vote, I’d say we—” She intercepts my lips on the way to her neck with a finger. Her eyes travel down my torso to my good morning greeting.
“We definitely need to get out of here.”
