“That was amazing,” I said in his ear. “You were so incredible.”

“Thanks, baby,” he said, still breathing hard. “Thanks for being here.”

“I’ll always be here for you,” I said. “Always.”

11

Asher

My apartment was still mostly empty. I’d bought a bed, so at least I had a place to sleep. And between a box of kitchen supplies Gram had brought over and a shopping trip with Grace, I had everything I needed to be functional.

Except furniture. But aside from the bed, that was going to have to wait.

I’d saved a little money, intending to use it for the basics—a couch and a table at least. But after that first date with Grace, I’d scrapped my plans. I had something more important to buy.

I hadn’t bought it right away, although that had been a function of being busy as much as anything. I had to work, go to the gym, take my shifts at the firehouse. In between, I spent almost every spare moment with Grace.

But as soon as I’d gotten off work today, I’d done it. And now instead of a furnished apartment, I had a little box with Grace’s engagement ring.

I wasn’t sure when I was going to ask her. I didn’t want to rush her, and we’d only been dating for about a month. Which was kind of a mind fuck, because it felt like we’d always been together. Like those years of drifting apart hadn’t really happened.

Still, I didn’t want to get the timing wrong. And simply having the ring felt good. I’d taken another step toward our future. My plans were coming together.

I put the box away, tucking it up on a shelf in my bedroom closet. It would be there when we were ready.

Grace was probably home from work by now, so I left to go pick her up, locking the door behind me. Living alone was different, but I liked it. It felt good to have my own space.

I still saw my family all the time. Logan and Levi were in training to be volunteers, so they were at the firehouse a lot. Gavin seemed to find his way down there on a regular basis, hanging around like I had when I was younger. And Gram had instituted Tuesday dinners, insisting that no matter what happened in our lives, if we were within driving distance, we were expected to be there.

Grace also joined us. Every week.

It hadn’t taken long for both of our families to get used to me and Grace being together. My brothers groaned and complained when I kissed her in front of them, telling us to get a room. Gram remained completely unsurprised that we’d started dating and I was pretty sure she suspected I’d buy a ring—probably soon.

Even Naomi was happy for us. I hadn’t been sure how she’d feel about me dating her daughter. Grace wasn’t much older than Naomi had been when she’d gotten pregnant, and I didn’t want her to worry that I’d turn Grace’s life sideways. When I went over to pick up Grace for our second date, I’d told Naomi, straight up, that I loved her daughter and I wasn’t going anywhere. She’d hugged me and simply said, “I know.”

Grace came outside as soon as I pulled up in front of her house. She looked adorable in a t-shirt and cut-offs, with her hair up and her purse slung over her shoulder. I got out of my car as she bounded down the steps, and she practically jumped into my arms. I kissed her, reveling in the sweet relief of her lips.

“Hi, beautiful.”

“Hi.” Her arms tightened around my neck and I squeezed her back. “I missed you today.”

“I missed you, too.” I held her for a long moment, just enjoying the feel of her against me. “What do you want to do tonight? Are you hungry?”

She pulled away. “You know, I’m really not. I had a late lunch. But if you are…”

“Actually, I’m not either.”

“Okay.” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and something about the look in her eyes stirred a hot sense of need inside me.

So far, we’d waited. We’d made out—a lot—but we hadn’t slept together. I didn’t want to rush her when it came to that either, but fuck, I wanted her. And the way she was looking at me with undisguised desire in her eyes made me want to drag her back to my apartment like a caveman.

Come on, Asher. Be a gentleman.

“I was thinking…” She licked her lips and a hint of pink crept across her cheeks. “Maybe we could go hang out at your place tonight.”

We almost never hung out at my place. There wasn’t any furniture, and not much to do. No TV or anything. So why would she…

Oh shit, did she mean…?

“Yeah, sure, if you want. Although the only furniture I have is the bed.”

“I know.”

Before I could stop myself, a low groan rumbled in my throat, and I pulled her close. The kiss I gave her was downright obscene, considering we were standing in front of both of our families’ houses, and chances were good we had an audience. But I didn’t care. I invaded her mouth with my tongue and pressed my very solid erection against her.

“Is that what you want, beautiful?”

Her hand slid down and briefly skimmed over my cock through my pants. “Yes.”

“Let’s go.”

We got in my car and I clasped her hand in mine. Brought it to my lips for a kiss a few times on the way to my place.

My body buzzed with anticipation as I walked her to my door. The tension between us was palpable, making my heart thump in my chest.

I unlocked the door to let us in, then held her hand on the way up the stairs. I hesitated at the top, but she gently tugged my hand in the direction of my bedroom.

That was all the encouragement I needed. I took the lead, pulling her down the short hallway into my room, and kicked the door closed.

Sliding my fingers through her hair, I tasted her lips. Lapped my tongue against hers, hungrily licking into her mouth. Her hands slipped beneath my shirt and her palms splayed across my skin.

Still kissing her, I guided her to the bed. She lay down and I climbed on top of her. We were still dressed, but as much as I ached for her—and as hard as it was getting to actually think—there was something I needed to say before I got her naked.

I brushed her hair back from her face. “Grace, I kind of need to tell you something.”

“I do, too. But you first.”

“I haven’t…” I hesitated, not sure how to say this. I’d never told anyone. “I’ve never actually done this. At least, not all of it.”

Her lips parted. “You haven’t?”

“No. I’ve done… other stuff. And I tried a couple of times, but I stopped it before it got that far. Don’t get me wrong, I can. Everything works.” I ground my erection into her a little, just to prove my point. “It just never felt right.”

She touched the side of my face. “Oh, Asher.”

“Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I’ve never been able to separate sex and love. And you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.”

Her eyes held mine and her smile lit up her face. “I haven’t either.”

“Really?”

“No. I’ve never wanted to with anyone else.”

“Oh my god, I love you so much.” I kissed her again, instinctively rolling my hips.