He wipes my face, drying my tears as he stares into my soul. “I don’t expect you to say anything tonight, because even being here next to you is huge, and I know it’s a lot for you. So please don’t feel pressured to say anything at all. I just need you to know that I’m so fucking in love with you. Being near you is giving life to the husk of a man I’ve become since leaving you. I finally feel like I’m finally able to breathe again.”

Not knowing what to say, or even if I could say anything right now, I wrap my hand around the back of his neck and bring his lips down on mine. I pour everything I can’t say into this kiss. I close my eyes as tears continue to fall and I let myself drown in Stone because nothing else feels right.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Six

Stone Philips

“I need you.” Cash is breathless as he tries unsuccessfully to shove my sweats off one handed. His gaze meets mine, and I can’t help but laugh at the way he pushes his bottom lip out into a pout. I don’t think he even realizes he’s doing it.

I quickly shove them down, along with my boxers, tossing them on the floor beside the bed. Both of us are now completely naked, and I need more than anything to feel his skin against mine. Coming here tonight, I had no clue what to expect. He could’ve refused to hear what I had to say and kicked me out, or he could’ve listened, but decided it wasn’t enough. There wasn’t a single scenario in my head that landed me here… in his bed, confessing my love to him.

I’d be lying through my teeth if I said I wasn’t nervous about him waking up tomorrow and regretting all of this, or realizing I’m not worth the trouble. Even though he said he couldn’t or wouldn’t regret anything, it’s still a fear in the back of my mind.

Glancing down at him, an overwhelming sense of love and need washes over me. Gazing into his eyes, seeing the way he looks back at me… it feeds my starving soul, and I’m drowning in all the possibilities he and I could have. The life we could share together. All the mundane things we could experience together, if only he’d give me the chance.

“Why’re you looking at me like that?” A shy, boyish smile tugs at his lips.

I decide to go with honesty. “I’m just really happy to be here with you. This wasn’t how I pictured the night going, and I didn’t come here expecting to wind up in bed, naked with you, but I’m happy you didn’t kick me out.”