Page 64 of Axel
“Let me…”
“No.” Tilting her head up, he kissed her roughly on the lips. “You are too much of a distraction. I will go faster if I am alone.” Sliding out of her arms, he swung his legs off the bed and provided her with an unrestricted and very pleasant view of his backside.
“Stay naked.”
He turned to see her with her hands stacked under her chin and a dreamy expression on her exquisite face as she stared at him.
“Pervert,” he muttered. Her laughter tinkled out as he grabbed the robe and put it on. “I’ll be right back.”
Ellie waited until he had left before pulling herself against the pillows. Her expression turned sober. He had not declared his love for her even in the height of such intensity. They had both been naked and incredibly vulnerable and she wasn’t sure where she stood with him.
Her thoughts were interrupted when he came back into the room, bearing a tray. “I had to heat it up a little.” Putting the tray on the side table, he took off his robe before joining her on the bed.
“Fried chicken?”
“Hmm.” Handing her a plate, he took his and started eating. They ate in silence for a few minutes before he spoke.
“I am not very good at this.” His strong teeth crunched into a drumstick as he stared at her.
“At eating?” Her tapered brows arched as she nibbled on a fry.
“Funny.” Taking up a napkin, he patted the sides of her mouth automatically.
“I thought so.”
“You want marriage.”
“Don’t you?”
“And children.”
“Yes.”
“There is something I should tell you.” He nodded towards her plate. “Finished?”
She handed him her plate and he used the wet wipes to dry her hands, before taking away the tray and putting it on the table.
Trepidation filled her as she waited for him to continue.
“I heard from Serena, my ex, yesterday.”
Folding her hands in her lap, she stared at them and did not look at him.
“She asked to meet me.” Reaching out, he tilted her chin up, so she was forced to meet his gaze. “I said yes.”
“Okay.” She was determined to play it cool.
“I have since changed my mind.”
Her heart bumped against her ribs, but she kept her expression neutral. “Why?”
“I thought I needed closure and that was what was hindering me from going all the way with you.”
“And?” She held her breath as she stared at him.
“I have closure.” He smiled at her slightly. “Tonight, has proven that no one else matters except you. I have been trying to outrun my feelings because I convinced myself that I am not emotionally ready. But I am.” His thumb caressed her bottom lip.
“I am in love with you Ellie and I think that has been the case since the first time we made love. I want you in my life for the rest of it. I want to marry you and give you children. I want permanency with you if you’ll still have me.”