Because she’d exposed him the day he’d saved her life.

He took a step closer when she continued to stare at him. “You told me to find someone else that day in the hospital, but I wanted to be prepared. In case you changed your mind.” He stood between her legs, hands on the island on either side of her hips. Caging her in. He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Was I wrong?”

Slowly she shook her head. “No. You weren’t wrong.” Still gripping the bottle, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “We still need condoms.”

His lips curved in a grin that was wolfish and wicked. “I have a whole box.”

“Where?”

“Next to my bed. I was optimistic.”

She shivered hard. “Show me,” she demanded.

He stiffened in surprise, his eyes widening. “Now?”

“Yes, now. We’ve waited long enough.” She kissed him until he growled again, making her smile against his mouth. “Take me to bed, Diesel.”

Chapter Eighteen

Bridgetown, Ohio
Monday, March 18, 1:45 a.m.

Diesel took the prescription bottle from her hand and set it blindly on the counter. Take me to bed, Diesel.

This was happening. It was finally happening.

He slid his hands to her ass and lifted her from the counter, but then hesitated. “Be sure,” he whispered, letting her see all the emotions coursing through him. Hope, fear, arousal. All roiled around the one emotion he couldn’t yet say aloud.

Love. He felt it with every fiber of his being, but he was afraid to say it, afraid that she’d bolt.

“I’m sure I want this. I’m still not sure that I’m good for you, but Stone told me tonight that we can’t make those decisions for other people. You said I need to trust that you won’t leave. I say you need to trust that I’m sure.” She kissed him softly. “I’m sure that I don’t want a life without you, so I’m doing what I never do. I’m taking a leap of faith.”

Stone’s text made even more sense now. You’re welcome. Diesel was more than grateful. He’d owe his friend for life.

“Tighten your arms around my neck,” he ordered softly, closing his eyes when she obeyed. He shuddered, arousal beating back the other emotions until it was all he knew. He lifted her easily, his ego basking in her pleased sigh.

“I knew you’d be able to carry me,” she whispered into his ear, then kissed down one side of his neck and back up the other.

The caresses shot straight to his cock and it was all he could do not to break into a run. “You don’t weigh anything,” he said roughly, quickening his pace, which made her laugh softly. Expectantly.

Breathlessly.

She raked her teeth over his throat. “Hurry, Diesel.”