Page 59 of Bad Ball Hitter
“It’s Jett.” I correct him with an eye roll while snaking my arms around his waist. “But without listing a permanent address, it could seriously harm my business plan.”
“You’re not homeless.” Emotion flicks in his eyes as he reaches up to cup my face. His gaze, piercing and intense, steals my breath. “Quit worrying. Everything will work out.”
And I somehow believe him. He has this way of making me feel protected. Wanted. Always has. It’s as if he’s erased years of heartbreak and filled the space with cardinal need. I don’t know how he does it.
“Why is it so easy to fall back in pace with you?” I ask breathlessly.
“Because we’re meant to go the distance.” His eyes drift down to my necklace, the last gift he ever gave me, as he traces a finger over the silver pendant. “My Forever Girl.”
My breath hitches as the whispered words replay in my mind. I wanted nothing more than for those words to be true. Even after he shattered my heart. I was supposed to be his forever, but he was also supposed to be mine.
“I can’t believe you still have this.” His voice cracks, gaze unfocused.
“I shouldn’t have, but I couldn’t part with it,” I admit, gliding my tongue over my lower lip. “It tethered me to a piece of you I never wanted to lose.”
He slams his eyes shut as if my admission caused him physical pain. Those deep, sorrowful eyes hold his struggles when he opens them again. I’m just unsure if their cause is from the loss of what could’ve been or from me.
“I’m so fucking sorry.”
“We can’t change the past.” I stare directly at him. “So stop living it.”
And kiss me.
His body stiffens, a crease forming between his brow as he seems to war with himself. I just don’t understand what’s concerning him.
Pressed against him, I feel how much he wants me. So, I don’t think I’m the issue. Maybe it’s timing? He had stopped the kiss earlier, stating he didn’t want anyone between us, which I understand. But like earlier, my body hums in anticipation and need. We’ve lost so much time with each other that I don’t want to waste another second.
“I don’t know what I did to get this second chance with you.”
“There’s no one between us anymore.” I voice the thought as the observation settles in the space between us.
Drake lets out a shaky breath, but his body relaxes as the tension releases. His fingers trail down my cheek and come to rest on my shoulder. “You’re still brave and strong, as I remember, but you’re also vulnerable right now.” His fingertips sweep small circles across my skin as if he can’t help but touch me. “And as much as I want to be buried cock deep inside you with your sexy-ass legs wrapped around me, I don’t want to take advantage of you either.”
Ah, so it’s his honor holding us back.
A wicked grin spreads across my lips. This man, this wild child, has always been my hero. I run my fingertips along the smooth line of his hips, tracing the sturdy fabric of his jeans and then to the front, where I cup the familiar bulge. My thighs clench again from the feel of it throbbing and warm. “What if I want you to?”
“Lila.” My name comes out as a warning as he brings his hand on top of mine, but he doesn’t move it away.
“Drake.” His name a demand.
“We shouldn’t.”
“But we so should.” I squeeze his cock slightly, eliciting a low rumble through his chest.
His broad shoulders heaved as he breathed, and I knew the exact moment he succumbed. “Fuck. I’ve missed you.”
He lowers his head, capturing my lips. The kiss is soft and explorative, a blend of longing and regret that plays my heartstrings like a violin. His hands move to my waist, pulling me flush against him as mine claws up his back. Our bodies meld together like two pieces of a puzzle, finally finding their proper place.
I wish I had changed into something sexier than my business skirt and blouse, but there wasn’t time with Miranda kicking me out. I grabbed everything I owned and stuffed it into my suitcases—my entire life was reduced to three travel bags.
Fuck, Drake was right. There still is a third person between us.
Drake breaks away, panting heavily. His eyes search mine as if seeking some sort of confirmation.
My breath mirrors his as I push all thoughts of Miranda aside and shoot him a sly grin. “Why’d ya stop?”
“Mm, trust me. I didn’t want to. But I need to make sure you want to do this. There’s no rush.”