Page 97 of In Her Eyes

The hand on my waist goes to my shoulder, and he turns me halfway so he can look at me. Even in the dim light, the furrow of his brow is visible. “Do you regret this?”

“No.” My answer is immediate. No hesitation. “No, not at all.”

He pulls back a few inches. “What is it then? Something is bothering you.”

I meet his eyes, and it’s not as difficult as I thought it would be. I search for an answer. “I don’t regret being with you, and I’m a little embarrassed about how wanton I behaved.”

He smiles, and the tension leaves his face. “Nah, not wanton at all. You were perfect.”

I turn onto my back to better see him and touch his face, tracing the contours of his jaw. He turns his face into my palm, closes his eyes, and inhales. His chest expands, and he holds still. So much vulnerability at this moment. He’s finally unguarded. My heart hurts with the stabbing of a hundred needles for the pain I can sense in him now, and for the pain I’ll inflict on him when I leave. But before I go, I’ll find his sister for him. If I cannot stay and give him myself, I can at least give him closure for Emily. I’ll find her.

He kisses my palm. Tears prickle my eyes, and I close them, so he won’t see me cry. I don’t know how many of these moments we’ll have to steal away, but I vow to make each as perfect as possible.

I give myself a minute to get under control, and when I open my eyes again, he’s looking at me with hunger in his eyes. I kiss him. Slow and steady, and without the urgency we had before. This time, each touch is tender, filled with longing and love.

We’re no longer driven by lust, hunger, and passion alone.

This is desire in slow motion.

For the first time in my life, I understand the meaning of making love.

* * *

This time, it is my stomach grumbling that demands I get up. Jake is lying next to me. The only part of us touching is our fingertips, and yet the connection between us feels unbreakable. Both of us are on our backs, half covered by a sheet, tired, satiated, and happy.

Jake chuckles. “I guess that means I have to feed you.” His stomach also grumbles.

“Hmm, glad I’m not the only one needing food.” I cover a yawn with my free hand. “What time is it?”

He looks at the digital clock on the nightstand. “Five-o-five. What do you feel like?”

“Mexican food. I could go for a quesadilla or a burrito or some tacos.”

Jake sits up. “I know a good taco place. I’ll call.” He looks around for his phone, but I’m pretty sure he left it behind in the living room with half of our clothes.

“Be right back.” He gets up and gives me a fantastic view of his ass. I go up on an elbow to better appreciate it.

I’m still in the same position when he returns, phone in hand, and the shirts we left behind. Kojak is on his heels.

Jake hands me one of the shirts. “I put the wet stuff in the drier.”

“Thank you.”

Then, he gives me a menu. “They have vegetarian options, too.”

As Jake dresses, I read the menu and sneak peeks at him. It’s a shame to cover all those beautiful muscles. I set the menu aside and tell him what I want.

I get dressed while Jake calls the restaurant. He places the order, and his gaze never leaves my body. “Three beef tacos, three veggie tacos, a side of chips and guacamole, and one plain fish taco from the kid’s menu, please.”

He hangs up. “It will be here in thirty minutes.”

I have to ask. “Fish taco from the kid’s menu?”

He looks sheepish. “For Kojak. He gets mad if I leave him out.”

I laugh. That cat has Jake, this tough, strong man, wrapped around his little paw. Who would ever imagine this? The more I know this amazing man, the more of his soft side I see.

We move to the living room, and I help him set the table. Kojak watches all from his perch on a corner of the kitchen island. His tail swishes back and forth.

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