I stand up, taking care of the condom before getting back into the bed. Bringing her into my arms, I press her warm, sweaty body to mine before rolling back on top of her, kissing every inch. She squirms, laughing and asking me to stop tickling her.

“Stop?” Kiss. “How can I stop?” I lick a circle around her tiny belly button, waiting for her eyes to connect with mine. “Have you seen yourself?” Down her perfect body I go.

If I ever wanted to stay away from Lauren, I should have drawn the line at Vincent and Eve’s wedding. I never should have brought her into my truck. Once I got a taste, it was as though I physically and emotionally bonded with her. There are depths within Lauren I haven’t even begun to understand. But, God, I want to.

I move between her legs, spreading her wide, wanting to inhale her essence. My last rational thought before I press my mouth against her heat is, Eight days left.

She replies with a guttural moan.

I finish her off before kissing back up her glistening body. Lauren has a figure that’s straight out of my dreams. Heavy breasts. Small waist. Toned hips.

I squeeze her thighs, and she says, “You’re killing me, Slade.”

“Just the beginning, baby.” I grasp the back of her head, locking our eyes. Stay, I silently beg.

Her eyes smile, but she stays quiet, just as I have.

“So, we’re in your bed, huh?” She can’t resist the question.

I lean up on my elbow. “We are.”

In my bed, with the thin shades lowered, we spend two hours talking about everything. Joking around and moving to serious topics and then laughing again. We have another round of sex but slower and deeper. My nose, eyes, hands … all full of this woman who feels made for me.

“Do you feel my heart?” she whispers beneath the covers, lifting my heavy hand and putting it against her chest. It beats so quickly.

“No, babe. I think that’s your stomach growling up into your chest cavity,” I joke, feeling her stomach rumble.

She laughs, swatting my chest.

Her body is so hot to the touch and coated with our sweat. The steady beat of her heart against my hand has me light-headed.

“I can put some food together for you. Just gotta get out of this jail you’ve set for me.”

“Sure.” She untangles her legs from mine, and I immediately feel the loss.

I get out of bed, sliding on a pair of shorts before leaving the bedroom. Opening the fridge, I pull out some already-cooked taco meat and a packet of soft tortillas from dinner two nights ago. I toast the tortillas while I warm the beef and then put together two overstuffed tacos filled with saucy meat, shredded cabbage, and carrots. It’s nothing fancy, but I know it’s delicious. After filling a cup with ice water, I bring it all into the bedroom, expecting to see her gorgeous, naked body in my bed.