Page 95 of Make You Love Me
“Cry in my arms,” I finish before a sob burst from her throat.
Throwing open the driver’s side door, she jumps out. I watch her jog around the hood and turn toward my side, her hand clasped over her mouth. I swing open my door, and she sits onmy lap, her arms locking around my neck with her face buried in my shoulder.
“Let it out, baby. I’m here.”
Rocking her trembling body, I run a hand over her hair. As she lets the hurt melt away, I feel it seeping into my bones and becoming mine.
“You’re so strong, Nora. However you want to do this, you can let go and find happiness. And I’ll be by your side helping you search for it.”
She sniffs and sits up, her red, puffy eyes falling to mine. I brush back the hair stuck to her wet cheek and tuck it around her ear.
“I love you,” she says softly, and I forget to breathe.
She’s never said those words to me, nothing even close, and my own eyes burn from threatening tears. Before I can respond or jumpstart my heart, she presses her lips to mine. Love pours through her body and the fingers framing my face. Whatever I have to do, I’m going to give this woman the world.
“Nora,” I manage with a shredded exhale, and gently nudge her shoulders to add some space between us. I need to see her and ensure her confession is as true as it feels.
“I know what you’re thinking,” she says. “It’s not untamed emotion from being here or some other passing sensation making me say it. I’ve loved you always. I just wouldn’t let myself admit it or act on it for fear of losing you. But that’s exactly what happened, anyway. I pushed you out the door before you could do it yourself…just like my mother. And I’m sorry.”
A lone tear gathers on her lid and spills over. “I pretended not to care, so it would be easier for you to do exactly what I thought I wanted, but it shredded me.”
“That’s in the past. This is what I want.” I wave a finger between us. “Us with no walls or fears or hidden feelings holding us back.”
“I know.” She combs her fingers through my hair. “It’s what I want, too. More than anything.”
Drawing her close, I savor this moment, this woman, and our mutual love until she releases me and sits back.
“But to destroy some of those walls for good, I need to face a few things first.”
“Need an ax?” I joke to make her smile.
She obliges with a snort. “I might.”
“Come on.” My palm taps her tight, jean-clad ass to get her moving. “I bet we can find something to help you smash those walls to dust.”
“Now, that’s an idea I can get behind.” She helps me to my feet. When I’m stable, she wraps both arms around my waist, and leans against me, needing the connection. “Afterward, I thought we could check out that tree over there.” She points to one in the distance. “It looks mighty sturdy. Maybe you can show me what number six is all about.”
“Whatever you want, my love.”
“Mmm. I like the sound of that,” she says, looking up at me, her eyes soft and admiring.
“What? Giving you whatever—”
“No. I like the way you saidmy love.”
“Well, get used to it. I plan on saying it a lot.”
Chapter 25
Nora
After an impromptu smash session at my childhood home, which was surprisingly therapeutic, Jordan and I crossed number six off his list twice. If I had a bucket list, that little number wouldn’t be mid-way down the list. It would be marked at the top in permanent ink.
Holy hell. Jordan Jones could write a book on the activity. Let’s just say I’m over the moon grateful he saved crossing this one off for me.
I’m still reeling when we check in at our hotel just outside Manhattan’s core and get ready. It took more willpower than I thought I had to not take over Jordan’s sponge bath after my shower.
Instead, I opt for the responsible decision since our time is limited and get dressed. When he limps out of the bathroom, I’m standing by the window in his favorite dress. It’s too suggestive for an art show—sparkling white with spaghetti straps and a back that dips all the way to my tailbone. One thin strap crosses my back to hold it together. The front falls loosely over my breasts, exposing enough cleavage to make heads turn. But I’monly interested in one man’s attention, and he’s currently giving me all of his.
