Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
He raised his hands to her face, tipping her head forward and watching as she opened her eyes, meeting his gaze and giving him a glimpse of warmth, affection, and so much passion. The connection between them was raw and real, unlike anything he’d ever experienced, and his heart thundered in his chest at the knowledge of just how much Lauren meant to him. Physical pleasure was a given between them, but he hadn’t counted on the emotional component of how this woman made him feel. More alive than he had in years.
But knowing that realization changed nothing after tonight, he focused on this moment with her and the way she moved on him a little faster as she chased her own orgasm. Her lips parted as her breathing escalated, along with the frantic way she fucked herself on his cock, and then her lashes fluttered closed as he felt the tension inside of her begin to unravel.
“Look at me, baby,” he ordered huskily, still holding her flushed face in his hands, his own body taut beneath hers and ready to follow her over the peak. “I want to feel it all, and I want to look into your eyes as you come for me.”
She opened her eyes, staring into his as the last tendrils of her release broke free. Deep and intense, the orgasm quaked through her and pulsed around his shaft, the pleasure almost unbearable as she splintered apart with a soft cry of bliss. He grunted as he thrust up into her, bringing her mouth to his. He claimed her with a deep, possessive, tongue-tangling kiss as he surrendered to his own explosive release, coming long and hard, until she’d wrung him dry and he had nothing left to give.
Especially not the kind of promises she deserved.
She collapsed against his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her and held her close, his hands stroking up and down her back while he imprinted everything about her to memory.
Because by this time tomorrow evening, she would no longer be his.
Chapter Fifteen
On the drive home the following afternoon, during a lull in the light, superficial conversation between her and Chase, Lauren turned her head and stared at the NYC skyline coming into view. As happy as she was to be home, she dreaded the moment she and Chase would part ways.
And she knew they would. She’d woken up that morning alone in bed, Chase already in the shower. Even after he walked out of the bathroom—fully dressed—he’d gone downstairs to get them coffee and a light breakfast, to “give her some privacy” to get ready herself.
After everything that had transpired between them, what the hell was up with that? A stupid question, because she knew it was Chase’s way of putting distance between them, creating a tangible and jarring shift from the man who’d made love to her the night before, and the connection they’d established over the last few days. Instead, he’d re-erected his emotional walls and it hurt to the core considering how much they’d shared over the course of the weekend.
Not just sex, which had been the best she’d ever had, but their deep, intimate discussions, and the way they’d both been vulnerable enough to open up about different parts of their past. She understood how painful his childhood had been, and how that had impacted his adult life, and she’d foolishly hoped that maybe she’d given him a reason to believe in them. That together, they had something worth fighting for.
Instead, after he’d returned with coffee, fruit, and some muffins on a tray, he stated that he’d wanted to get an early start on the drive home. He started packing up things and loading the car like he couldn’t get out of there fast enough. That’s when she knew it was over, without the need for conversation. He’d fulfilled his obligation as her weekend boyfriend, and they really were going to go their separate ways.
Her heart ached but she reminded herself that he hadn’t made her any promises. In fact, he’d been painfully upfront and clear about his inability to be anything more than a temporary diversion and affair. “…the reality is, I don’t do long term because I don’t know how. I don’t do commitments because I don’t have that ability. I can’t make you the kind of promises someone like you deserves.”
Clearly, despite everything, those words still held true, and she’d been stupid to believe she could have been the one to pry open his heart and show him everything he deserved.
She closed her eyes and breathed deep, remembering the conversation she’d had with her mother the night before at the reception. About how much her parents really liked Chase, and how they couldn’t wait for them to come and visit again.
“I just want to say, this weekend is the happiest I’ve seen you in years and it fills my heart with so much joy,” her mother had said, as she gently touched Lauren’s cheek. “I see the way Chase has watched you this entire evening, the way he looks at you like he truly adores you…”