Bully

I left a trail of soft kisses along his neck and jaw, and I heard him suck in a breath when my tongue darted out to taste his skin again. “I love you, Jared,” I murmured in his ear

“Totally. This is the start of a great friendship.” I jostled Madoc’s arm playfully.

“It could be the start of a great porno, too,” Madoc deadpanned, breaking into laughter.

“Son of a bitch! You’re going to get it tonight,” Jared threatened, and I shook my head laughing.

Taking the box from the passenger side of the truck, I spun around to see Jared frozen in his driveway, staring at me.

ornered or come up with some story. Before he turned around, I stood up from the corner and took a deep, painful breath.

“Jared.” My voice was low.

His head

Chelsea Cain’s thrillers, when I heard

“You see,” my eyes stayed on him, “when I was ten, my mom died. She had cancer, and I lost her before I really knew her. My world felt so insecure, and I was scared. You were

. But then he spoke again. “I wouldn’t care if you were alive or dead.”

All the air left my body, and I sat on the tree branch feeling completely defeated.

Everything is more beautiful in the rain. Don’t ask me why.” My shoulders shrugged. “But it’s like this whole other realm of opportunity. I used to feel like a superhero, riding my bike over the dangerously slick roads, or maybe an Olympic athlete enduring

I don’t want to take one more step in this world without you next to me

Are you mine?” I asked as I wiped my tears.

He kissed the corners of my mouth softly, and I felt heat rise up my neck. “Always have been,”