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I wanted to savor every second, feel every sensation, but it had been too long. She felt too damn good. I knew she felt the same when she quickened her pace. Unable to control myself, I brought my hands up to her hips and guided her up and down. She bucked against me, meeting every thrust with more force, more intensity. “That’s it, baby. Give me everything you’ve got.”

She took me deeper and deeper, and I could feel the pressure building as her walls constricted around me. Teetering close to the edge, I dug my fingertips into her hips and held on as her orgasm approached. “Oh, God, Cole.”

“Come for me.” Her hips rocked against mine in a feverish rhythm until she let out a tortured groan. With one last, deep thrust, Em’s body tensed, and her breath stilled as her head fell back. Her orgasm took hold, and she clamped down around me, making it impossible for me to hold back as she continued to rock against me.

I tried to fight it, but seeing her come undone made me reach my breaking point. I came deep inside her as I groaned, “Fuck.”

I held on to her hips, holding her in place as I caught my breath. Still trembling, she collapsed on top of me, her heart beating wildly next to mine; neither of us moved as the aftershocks from our pleasure rolled over us. I ran my fingers through her hair and whispered, “You’re absolutely incredible, Em.”

We were both still trying to catch our breath when she whispered, “I love you, Cole.”

“Love you, too, babe.”

“No, I’m serious.” She eased off me and nestled at my side. “I really love you. I think I have for a long time.”

“And I love you… for longer than I care to admit.”

I disposed of the condom, then pulled her over to me. The sheets were tangled around our legs, and the fan was humming overhead. Her head was resting on the uninjured side of my chest, and her long, red hair was spread across the pillow. It had become her spot, and I was ready for it to stay that way.

“Move in with me.”

Her head lifted from my shoulder as she gasped, “What?”

“You heard me.”

“It’s a little too soon for that, don’t ya think?”

“No. I wouldn’t have asked if I did.”

“It’s just been a couple of months.”

“I don’t care how long it’s been, Em.” I took her hand in mine and brought it to my lips, kissing it softly. “I want you in my bed when I go to sleep, and I want you there when I wake up. Simple as that.”

Her smile softened as she considered her response. She gave me a little shrug as she answered, “Okay, but I’m going to need to think about it.”

“Think all you want… as long as your answer is yes.”

She let out a little laugh as she lowered her head back to my chest. “You drive a hard bargain.”

“Sweetheart, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

It seemed my girl needed some convincing about moving in with me, and I had the perfect plan to help her make a decision. And for both of our sakes, I hoped she would make it fast.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of Emery’s voice coming from the living room, and while I couldn’t make out exactly what she was saying, I could tell something was wrong. I lay there for several moments, trying to listen, and her voice trembled in that way it did when she was trying to remain calm.

I eased out of bed and pulled on a pair of jeans before walking into the living room. I found her on the phone pacing back and forth in front of the couch, and she had a worried look as she said, “The poor kid. I knew something was wrong.”

Emery paused for a moment, then asked, “Does she know?”

She paused again. I couldn’t hear the answer, but whatever it was made Emery go still. Her voice remained calm as she replied, “Okay. Thank you for letting me know. I’ll try to get her to talk to me about it on Monday.”

I had no idea who she was referring to, but it was clear that Emery cared a great deal for whomever they were discussing. She ended the call and dropped her phone on the sofa. She let out a deep breath and stared out the window as she said, “The poor, sweet kid.”

“What’s going on?”

“Poppy’s father was killed a couple of weeks ago.” She turned to face me as she continued, “There was an explosion at a warehouse downtown, and he was there.”

“What?”