She pushes me against the opposite doorjamb, taking over and making us laugh at her unrestrained aggression. I fucking love it. She’s beautifully confident and unhindered. I expected sweet and amenable, not to be turned inside out by how unbelievably sexy this is. She moans against my lips and whispers my name like a prayer.

“Falling even faster now,” I say.

“I’ll catch you,” she promises, and I believe her. All my insecurities and fears melt away in the warmth of her arms and the strength of her promise. I have no doubts anymore.

She must think the same when she says, “Want to come in?”

I rest my forehead against hers, and I ache to say yes. “If I do, I won’t leave.”

She smirks. “I know.”

I groan, considering it. “I want you so fucking bad but… Say yes to tomorrow night and no to me right now.”

“Yes. And why?” Her brow cocks in suspicion—the same reaction she had when she learned about my unplayed piano.

“This isn’t me ignoring a beautiful opportunity, Marina. This is me savoring the hell out of it. Take me inside with you, and I won’t hold back. I will worship you until there’s nothing left.”

A breathless sigh escapes her. “Why would I say no to that?”

“Because I don’t want it to be the nightcap to my fuck-up. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You deserve more. Let me make this right,” I tell her, however much my body protests against saying it. “Or take me inside. Either way, I win. Your choice.”

She chews her bottom lip, scrutinizing me with her dreamy eyes. Slowly, she eases away from me. “Better make our date good, Tripp Grady Tripp. No freak-outs allowed.”

“Aye, Captain. How early can I pick you up?”

“For dinner?”

“For whatever I plan. How early?”

Her lips curl like she enjoys the mystery. “Um, three?”

“I’ll be here at three.”

“I’ll be ready.”

“Enjoy your dessert, Marina.”

“Already have… oh, wait, you mean the cake. Right,” she grins. “Oh, I will.”

I lean close for a quick kiss before saying, “Good night.”

“Good night, Grady.”

I ache, leaving her. I love her like this. Her flushed cheeks, swollen lips, dewy skin, and giddy smile make me desperate to make her happy. Starting with the perfect date.

35. Marnie

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Marnie

Ending our evening at the door after those knee-weakening, toe-curling kisses took nearly every drop of my fierce fortitude.

Almost as bad as waiting ALL DAY for our date!

I try distracting myself with work, errands, cats, plants, game-making, anything. But any momentary relief veers sharply into Grady territory, turning me into a lovestruck and utterly useless pile of goo lost in imagined sexcapades. Whew. It’s a wonder I didn’t retract my refusal and put his anytime for any reason promise to the test.