She nodded, feeling giddy with excitement.

“Does this mean that you’ll let me hold you while you sleep, let me hold your hand, let me kiss you whenever I want, as long as I want and as softly and sweetly as I want?”

Julie pretended to think about it.

Coal tickled her on her ribs just under her arms. Julie burst out laughing, she squirmed and then panicked. “Oh shit! We’re high up in the freaking sky… no tickling allowed.”

“I told you that I’ll catch you. I’ll never let you fall…” Then he seemed to be thinking about something. “Well, not for very long anyway.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

He gave her a half smile. “You’re safe with me, Julie. I am so glad you’re taking a leap of faith.”

“Me too.” She sighed as Coal kissed her. Julie shoved her fears aside. She tried really hard not to listen to that little voice inside of her. She was going to try. Coal was worth it.

Chapter 16

Three days later…

“I’ll see you in half an hour.” Coal kissed her. It was short, sweet and left her wanting more.

“Why does your brother want to see you?” She hooked her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Tell him you’re busy. It wouldn’t be lying.” She touched her lips to his between sentences.

Coal groaned, she could feel him hard against her. “Your scent is killing me. One breath at a time.”

“So stay,” she whispered against his lips. “We still have half a box of condoms.”

“Don’t tempt me, sweetheart.” He ran his hands up and down her back and then cupped her ass. “I would refuse my brother but not my king and I have been summoned.”

“If he misses you so badly, invite him to dinner.”

Coal burst out laughing. “You must really love the hell out of me if you’re willing to…” he let the sentence die. They both just looked at one another.

Love. She waited for the panic to well. The horror to descend. It never did. Julie took a deep breath. “You know I would do anything for you. Invite the guy. He has a stick up his ass but I think it’s because he’s lonely.” Coal had told her that Blaze had been hurt and that he hadn’t had lady companionship in over a year. She almost felt sorry for the guy. At least it explained the stick up his ass attitude.

Coal exhaled and the tension left his body. “I’ll invite him.” He kissed her on the tip of her nose. “At my meeting with him.”

“What are you meeting with him about anyway?” She pretended to pout.