Page 114 of I Knew You
He took two steps toward me.
“I know it’s a little weird, but I held onto the memory of you so tight. I vowed to move on so many times. I dated, I tried, but every time, I came home at night alone. I realized I could never have another woman in this house. She would be taking your place, and that would be wrong.”
He looked around the room. “I thought I might sell it after a year or two of living here. I don’t know. Maybe I would have. Maybe if I’d found out you’d moved on. But here we are now. This is your home, as much as it ever was mine.”
Our lips met again, and the spark between us ignited into an inferno. Clothes were shed, and I lost my ability to think when he had me lie down on the bed. Bram used his tongue and lips to devour every inch of my skin until I was a blazing fury. He looked up from his ministrations.
“Please, Bram,” I gasped as he kissed so close to my center. I thought I might die if he didn’t touch where I needed him to.
“Wait,” he breathed, and jumped up. My mouth was agape as I watched him pick up his work trousers from the floor, which he’d worn all night. He dug around in the pocket and pulled out my wedding band. He held it up so I could see what he had.
“I’ve had this in my pocket every day since you left,” he said.
He leaned over my body and took my hand in his. He slipped the ring back onto the proper finger, then he intertwined my hand with his own. The moment was so emotionally charged that I could feel the tears forming again in my eyes.
“Worship me,” I whispered boldly.
He grinned. “Yes, ma’am,” he replied, leaning down between my legs where he’d been.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Julianna |October 28, 2024
Ipressed send with a smile on my face.
Me: The doctor’s office called and the rescans of my back came back perfect.
Bram: Damn. Why are you always an overachiever? ;)
Me: The PA put in a good word for me…
Bram: I hate him. Give me his number.
Me: No way. I’ve got to keep a backup in case you aren’t up to the task. Someonehas to take care of me.
Bram: He can have you if he can get through me.
Shivers ran through my body.
Me: Message received, sir.
Bram: That’s my good girl.
I giggled like I was in high school at his possessive reply and looked out over the yard, watching the leaves fall from the oaks and Lakey dancing around, sniffing everything she could get her nose on.
I had my interview for the social media marketer position and was officially offered a remote work opportunity with them in December. Meanwhile, I utilized some of my skills to assist with MCA activities, including creating promotional materials for the new community center. Melanie and I were becoming fast friends. Bram and I had been learning all the little things about each other that we’d missed over the years. I even found myself closer to finishing the draft of my fantasy novel than ever before.
Most of all, I had a family again, a feeling I was afraid I’d never regain after Grams died. Whit was coming to visit during his off week from football and was due to arrive any time. My gratitude for where I was swelled into joy, and when Bram pulled up from work at four, I was a mess of tears.
“What’s all this, sweets?” he asked, pointing to my face before he folded me into his arms.
“Happy tears,” I replied with a laugh. I led him into the house and made him sit down at the kitchen table. I poured him a glass of apple juice, a favorite of his, and nudged the cookie jar toward him.
“Why are you trying to ruin my diet every day?” he asked, pulling the lid off the jar and grabbing a couple.
I opened the dishwasher and began placing the clean dishes in their designated spots. I could feel him checking me out, his gaze heated and intense on my body every time I stole a glance his way. I couldn’t be more pleased with his reaction, but I tried to hide it.
“If you stare any longer, your eyes will dry out,” I teased, turning around with plates in my hands.
