“I’m sure everyone knows our three wonderful children,” my mom says, followed by another round of applause. Emma and I stand off to the side and I’m fully prepared to make a quick escape and tug her with me if needed. “For the first time ever, they’re all in a happy and healthy relationship. I’ve been envisioning this picture for months and think it would be perfect in the house. The photographer is going to count down from three and then snap the photo, so get ready to kiss your other half!”

A murmur goes through the crowd as people stand. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?” I ask quietly and she nods, pulling her shawl tightly over her exposed shoulders. I take off my jacket and drape it around her. “Give me the honest answer, honey. Not the one you think I want to hear.”

“Yes, Henry. I’m okay with this.”

“Places, everyone! 3!” The photographer calls out.

I bend down, pulling her close, my hand splaying wide on her waist. I angle my head and she stands on her tiptoes, our lips inches apart and nearly meeting.

“2!”

“Last chance to bail, baby.”

My other hand rests on the nape of her neck, moving the rogue hairs away as my thumb presses into her skin. A sound escapes her and she puts her palm on my chest, fisting the fabric tightly. Our eyes meet. Gone is the timid unsureness. Now there’s heat. Fire. Ardor and a fervor need.

“Kiss me, Henry. Like you mean it. Fuck the rules.”

“1!”

My mouth touches hers, barely a graze, before I dive deeper, ready to drown.

THIRTY

HENRY

The second our lips meet, it’s fireworks instantly. An explosion of bright colors. A vehemence of passion. An axe of desire. A lifetime of waiting.

She tastes sweet like champagne and dangerous like the best kind of trouble.

Emma’s mouth parts, opening wider, inviting me in—begging me in—as her arms fall around my neck. Needing more, the distance too much, I bring her flush against my body with a single tug. My tongue runs across the crease of her lips, learning. Exploring every inch of her mouth. She lets out a small, breathy moan. It’s a seductive noise, my ears ringing long after I swallow it down, the aftermath ricocheting down to my dick.

I want to discover what other sounds I can get her to make. How loud can she be? How much can she let go? What does it take to get her there? Does she like dirty talk and praise, or would my touch be enough to let her finish?

I’ve never had such an immediate reaction to kissing someone before. My hands itch to touch her everywhere, caravanning across the swell of her ass, perky and firm. The golden ringlets of hair, silky and smooth. Her waist, trim and small.

Every. Goddamn. Inch. Of. Her.

This feels… right.