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  “Not at all.” He turned his gaze onto me and stared me down. “I just…I want to be a part of her life somehow. Tell me about her. What makes her laugh? What makes her smile? My request is totally innocent. You aren’t a father so I know you can’t understand…but please have some compassion.”

  I wasn’t sure what to do.

  “When that man threatened my wife, he never said he would hurt Grace. All he said was he would take something that meant everything to me. Foolishly, I assumed it was my money or my own life. I had no idea he meant Grace… Believe me, I hate myself every day.”

  “Then why did you remarry so quickly?” I said bitterly.

  He felt his glass in his hand and was quiet for a long time. “Who wants to be alone?”

  “You had your kids.”

  “They hated me, “ he said bluntly. “They blame me for their mother’s death. Every time I look at them, I’m haunted by their eyes…”

  The music in the bar was low, but it drowned out our conversation. The place was dead so we had privacy. I stared at my drink because I didn’t know what else to do.

  “I’ll pay you if that gives you more incentive.”

  I snorted. “No, thank you.”

  “Then what do you want?”

  I thought for a moment. “I want you to leave her alone. I don’t want you to call her or show up on her doorstep.”

  “Done,” he said quickly.

  “And I want you to understand that I will never try to convince Beatrice to forgive you. She has to make that decision on her own.”

  “I understand…”

  “Then we have a deal.”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. You’re a good man. I can tell.”

  “Not really,” I said honestly. “But with Beatrice, I’m the best possible version of myself.”

  He chuckled, but it was full of sadness. “I think that’s true of every man.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “What kind of music does she like?”

  I thought it was sad he had no idea. “Her favorite band is The Beatles…her music device is full of classic stuff, like Jimi Hendrix and The Doors.”

  He nodded his head and smiled. “That’s wonderful. What does she do for fun?”

  We spent the next hour discussing Beatrice. I shared her likes and dislikes. I told him about her friends and how smart and beautiful she was.

  “Do you have any pictures?” he asked.

  I pulled out my phone and handed it to him.

  When he found the picture my family took at Christmas, he sighed in sadness. He looked like he was on the verge of tears. “She looks happy…”

  “We had a good Christmas.” I cleared my throat.

  He stared at it for a long time before he reluctantly handed the phone back. “Thanks for taking care of my daughter. You must be special. She’s never been very social, even before her mother passed away.”

  “I spent a long time gaining her trust.”

  He smirked. “Patience is difficult for most of us.”

  “It’s easy when you really want something.”

  We drank our beer in silence. I finished mine then sighed. A part of me felt bad for her father, but another part of me was loyal to Beatrice. She wanted nothing to do with him and I didn’t want to get in the middle of their family feud. I wanted her to feel safe with me. Perhaps I would bring it up someday, but not anytime soon.

  ***

  When Beatrice came over, the table was set.

  “Something smells good… Was it frozen?”

  I smirked then took her jacket off. “Actually, no.”

  She eyed the chicken and potatoes on the table. “You made this?” she asked in surprise.

  “Actually, I paid Silke to do it,” I said with a laugh. “But let’s just pretend I made it.”

  “Awe, you’re sweet.” She gave me her beautiful smile.

  Like always, I felt weak. Automatically, my hands moved to her hips and I pulled her close to me. My face was pressed close to hers. She said she wanted to take thing slow, but when I was around her, I was extremely impatient. I leaned down and lightly pressed my lips against hers. Like usual, my body lit up in excitement. I kept the touch gentle and didn’t press her for more. I pulled away and stepped back.

  She had a winded look on her face, like she was just as affected as I was.

  I cleared my throat and sat down. She sat across from me.

  Heated silence ensued. We were both thinking about the kiss we just shared. It was innocent and short, but it contained so much desire that it filled the room and our thoughts.

  She picked at her food. “It’s really good. Silke knows a thing or two.”

  “Yeah…I guess she has her moments.”

  She chuckled then kept eating. “How was your day?”

  I thought about her father. “Fine. How was yours?”

  “Slow. The library was dead.”

  “It’ll be packed when finals arrive. Just wait and see.”

  “True.” She played with her food but didn’t eat much.

  I picked up on her mood. “Baby, everything alright?”

  “Yeah…” Her mouth stretched into a grin. “I…I guess I’m excited.”

  “About what?”

  “Well, I applied to NYU for law school…and I got in.”

  “You did?” I smiled, loving the fact she was achieving her dream, and she would be in the same city as me. “That’s great.”

  “Yeah.” She nodded. “I was so afraid every school would reject me.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Give yourself some credit.”

  “I hope I get into Harvard Law School…”

  “I’m sure you will.” When I thought about Cayson and Skye, I thought it was stupid they broke up because of school. They should have stayed together. I’d never met two people more perfect for one another. If Beatrice and I were faced with the same problem, I knew what I would do. If she stayed in Cambridge, so would I. A job might be hard to come by, but I could commute to Boston. Whatever the problem was, I’d work through it.

  She finished her food then left her napkin on the table. “Thanks for dinner.”

  “Thank Silke,” I said.

  “She must be making a killing cooking and cleaning for you,” she teased.

  “She does alright.”

  “It sounds like you need a housewife.”

  “I’d love one,” I blurted.

  When she turned her gaze away, I knew I made her uncomfortable.

  “I’ll do the dishes,” I said.

  “Let me help.”

  “And get into another water fight?” I asked.

  She giggled. “How about a truce?”

  I narrowed my eyes at her. “Not sure if I can trust you.”

  “If you can’t trust me, who can you trust?” she said in a mysterious voice.

  I eyed her suspiciously as I got up from the table and moved to the sink. She came with me, eyeing me just as much. When I turned on the water and rinsed the dishes, I watched her hands, making sure they were behaving themselves.

  Then she made her move. She cupped her hand and caught some water. Then she threw it at me.

  “You did not!” I splashed her back.

  “I can’t believe you trusted me. Idiot.” She pulled the hose out of the faucet and drenched me with it.

  “You…conniving…misleading…”

  She sprayed my face and drowned out my words.

  “That’s it.” I grabbed a bowl full of water and splashed it on her. “So much for chivalry.”

  We were both laughing, and completely soaked. Her shirt clung tight to her chest, and I could see her nipples through her shirt. I tried not to stare even though it took everything I had not to. Her jeans were wet and my clothes were damp.

  “Maybe we should eat out more often,” she said.

  I laughed. “You think?”

  She grabbed a towel and patted herself dry. “I need to throw these in the
dryer.”

  “Wear some of my clothes in the meantime.” I walked into the bedroom and pulled out a pair of boxers and a t-shirt. I changed in front of her, wanting to get out of my soaking clothes.

  She eyed me then turned away when I caught her. Then she walked into the bathroom and changed. When she returned, she looked like my ideal fantasy. My shirt was baggy on her, and I could see her long and smooth legs underneath. I blatantly stared at her, wishing I could stop. It was hard not to gawk at her. I’d spent almost a year trying to get her to trust me. I wished I could just be honest and not hide my intense attraction to her. I loved her appearance and form, but I loved who she was underneath too.

  She blushed then fidgeted with her hair.

  “Want to watch a movie?” I asked.

  “Sure.”

  “I have a TV in here.” It faced my bed. “It’s a lot more comfortable here than the couch.”

  She eyed it for a moment then crossed her arms over her chest. “I guess.”

  I was having a hard time reading her. “We can stay in there if you want. I just thought…we’re ready for bed already…”

  “No, it’s okay.” She sat beside me on the bed but she was still distant.

  What was she afraid of? “Okay.” I pulled off my shirt and sweatpants then got into bed with the remote in my hand. She moved between the sheets.

  “Disney movie?” I asked.

  “Frozen?”

  “I haven’t seen it.”

  “It’s supposedly the highest grossing Disney film of all time.”

  “Then let’s give it a shot.” I turned it on then cuddled with her. She lay on my chest with her arm wrapped around my waist. She rose with every breath I took. Her leg was wrapped around mine. I was so comfortable I could fall asleep.

  Halfway through the movie, she repositioned herself and her face was near mine. My hand moved through her soft strands, and I touched her the way I always wanted to. Feeling her next to me like that was always exciting. She trusted me a lot to get this close.

  I was desperate to kiss her again. It was all I wanted. I wanted to be inside her and make love to her, but more than anything, I just wanted to kiss her. Her lips were so full and soft. Her warm breaths filled my mouth and drove me forward. I worked for months to have her commitment and love. Now I wanted to reap the benefits.

  I grabbed the remote and turned off the movie even though it was in the middle of a scene.

  “What?” she asked.

  I moved until I was leaning over her. Her hair cascaded across my pillow. Even in the darkness, she looked like a vision. She was lying in my bed, and she was all mine. “I want to kiss you.”

  She stared at me, breathing hard.

  “May I?” I didn’t want any miscommunication this time.

  Beatrice stared at my lips.

  I patiently waited for her to make her decision and didn’t apply any pressure. If she were some other girl, I would just kiss her neck and touch her, forcing her to give me the answer I wanted.

  Then, she nodded.

  I moved over her then pressed my forehead to hers. My arm moved under the small of her back, getting a good grip. Then I moved one leg in between hers. My lips hovered over hers before I leaned in and pressed my mouth to hers.

  It felt as good as the last time. I wanted to devour her until there was nothing left. My kisses were purposeful and gentle, giving and taking slowly. She responded to me immediately, and soon her hands were in my hair.

  I held her close while I played out my fantasy. I wanted to make out with her like this since the moment I laid eyes on her. At the time, I wanted more. But now, this was enough to satisfy me. I never had so much pleasure from kissing. Somehow, it felt better than sex.

  Beatrice loosened up and got more into it. Her nails moved down my back and she explored my body. She felt every muscle and groove. Then she wrapped one gorgeous leg around my waist. She wanted more of me, but there was nothing left I could give.

  She was an amazing kisser. For being so shy, I wondered where she got so much experience. She knew how to touch me the way I liked. When her fingers moved into my hair, it was gentle but aggressive at the same time. When she touched my chest, a quiet moan escaped her lips. I always suspected she enjoyed my body more than she let on. I worked my ass off at the gym so I could satisfy the right girl someday. I was glad it wasn’t all for nothing.

  My hand moved up her shirt and I felt her flat stomach. I never moved higher than her ribs, keeping my hands in a respectable zone. But I loved feeling her everywhere. Her hips were wide and sexy. I loved her body. Exploring her like this made me want her even more.

  I gripped her bottoms then pulled them down slightly. I wanted to reveal more of her hips, the area that drove me crazy. I broke our heated kiss then pressed my lips to the area, feeling my mouth burn on contact. She tasted as good as I predicted. Then I moved up again and reached her stomach. I kissed her there and let my tongue explore her small belly button. I explored her further by moving up her throat. When my lips moved to her ear, I breathed hard then kissed the shell. Her hands were on my stomach, pulling me closer but keeping me away at the same time.

  “Conrad…”

  I moved my mouth to hers and kissed her again, feeling the same passion she felt. My hand fisted her hair and I deepened our kiss. My tongue found hers and they danced together. When my body was pressed against her, there was no way for me to hide my arousal. It pressed against her, hard and noticeable.

  “Conrad…stop.”

  I stopped immediately then looked at her.

  Her face was flushed with passion. But she also looked scared.

  “Baby, what is it?” I moved away from her slightly, giving her space.

  She caught her breath.

  “What?” I pressed. “Why are you so afraid of me? I know it’s hard but you can trust me. We’re nothing like your parents. I—”

  “It’s not that.”

  I stared at her face while I tried to figure it out.

  “It’s just…” She pulled her knees to her chest, cutting off from me.

  I moved beside her but kept my hands to myself. “What? You obviously enjoy it, Beatrice. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

  She sighed. “I’m just…not as experienced as you are.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything, baby. I don’t care. You’re an amazing kisser.”

  “Not like that…”

  I was clueless at this point.

  “I’m…I’m a virgin.”

  Her words reverberated in my mind and echoed long after she said them. It took me a moment to process her words. I didn’t expect her to have many partners, but I didn’t expect her not to have any. She was about to graduate college. But judging by her personality and how much work it was for me to have a relationship with her, it wasn’t that surprising. “That’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

  She wouldn’t look at me.

  Honestly, it was a turn on. Knowing I was the only guy she would let inside her was sexy as hell. Now she was my ultimate fantasy.

  “I’m not ashamed. I just…I don’t know a lot of stuff.”

  “I have no problem teaching it to you,” I blurted.

  She finally turned to me. “I just don’t want to rush into anything…”

  Now I understood. “Baby, I don’t expect anything from you. If you want to wait, I’ll wait as long as you like.”

  She turned away and looked at her knees. “I’ve already made you wait so long just to be with me. I just—”

  “You are worth the wait.” I grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Just because we’re finally together doesn’t mean we need to round the bases right off the bat. Let’s take it slow. I love kissing you. That’s more than enough for me.”

  “Are you sure?”

  I chuckled because it was so absurd. “More than sure.” I pressed my lips to her hairline. “I won’t make a move until you actually tell me you’re ready. And if you want to wait until marriage, th
at’s fine too.”

  “You would wait that long?” she asked.

  I rubbed my nose against hers. “I’d wait forever as long as I got to be with you.”

  Her body relaxed, and a smile formed on her lips.

  “Feel better now?”

  She nodded.

  “Can we get back to kissing now?”

  She chuckled. “Sure.”

  Chapter Nine

  Slade

  I caught my breath while Trinity lay beside me. My chest was covered in sweat, and I felt exhausted and satisfied. My parents were out at dinner, and Trinity and I took advantage of the opportunity to get it on.

  She sighed happily beside me.

  “Rocked your world, didn’t I?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Sure.”

  “You know I did.”

  She stared at the ceiling.

  “I always make you come.”

  “Do you want a medal or something?” she asked irritably.

  “What’s your problem?”

  “I’m tired.” She closed her eyes. “I’m always tired after sex.”

  “Did all the other guys make you come?”

  Her eyes flashed open. “Do you really want me to answer that?”

  I’d never been the jealous type. At some point in our relationship, I started to think about all the other men she’d been with. For some reason, it pissed me off. I wanted to be the only one in her life. It was the oddest sensation to feel. I’d been with more girls than I could count, so wasn’t I being hypocritical? All I knew was that I never wanted her to wish she were with someone else. I wanted to be the best she ever had—every time.

  “That’s what I thought.”

  I let the conversation drop. “Do we fight too much?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m being serious,” I snapped.

  “Yes is still my answer.”

  “Do you think it’s bad?”

  She shrugged. “That’s just how we are.”

  “My parents argue too, but it’s nothing like you and I.”

  “We’re different. So what?”

  I never wanted her to leave me. She brought me so much joy. The idea of losing her was too much to bear. Every time I thought about how Cayson and Skye might never get back together, I clung to Trinity even more. “I could stop if you want…”

  She turned toward me with confusion in her eyes. “What’s gotten into you?”