Page 125 of Over the Line

Blinking back tears, she smiled. “Thank you for saying that. Being apart has been so hard. Soon after leaving, I discovered the truth. I missed you so much because I love you, too.”

With that, her tears fell.

Right after, kisses and laughter flowed.

“Having you here makes me the happiest man in the world.”

“One more thing we agree on, because you’ve made me the happiest woman in the world.”

“Shall we celebrate our reunion? A glass of wine and dinner, followed by making love and a long soak in the bathtub.”

“Sounds wonderful.”

He narrowed his eyes. “You don’t need to leave?”

That he asked made her blink back fresh tears. “I’d like to stay. If you’ll have me.”

“Forever, if you want.”

Maybe, just maybe that would work for her.

“I need to be sure you’re not too sore to play again soon.”

The truth was, she was so greedy for him that she would endure any pain just to feed their connection.

Still, he tenderly rubbed arnica into her shoulders and on her red marks, and she appreciated his ministrations.

Then he helped her to dress.

Sydney tipped her head to the side, studying him as he pulled up his jeans. “You know you’re a seriously sexy man, Sir. That flogging was amazing. Thank you.”

“Did you learn anything from your punishment?”

That I’ll intentionally misbehave every day. “Uhm…I’m afraid that may take some time, Sir.”

“We’ve got plenty of that,” he replied, sliding his gaze purposefully over her.

Inside, he poured the wine he’d promised and offered a toast.

“To our home. To us. And to many tomorrows.”

She clinked her glass with his. “I love you, Sir.”

“And I love you, Sydney.”

“Uhm…” She slid her stemware back onto the counter. “About making love…”

In interest, he raised his eyebrows, and she arrowed her index finger down the row of buttons on his shirt, stopping when she reached his silver belt buckle.

Then she plucked his glass from his hand and placed it next to hers.

“You’re playing with fire.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Get upstairs, darlin, and be quick about it.”

With a giggle, she dashed away, only to be swept from her feet at the landing and carried the rest of the way to his bed.