Forever Hers by Walters, Ednah (top 50 books to read txt) 📕

She chuckled softly, the sound so sexy his body responded, reminding him they were still joined. “Yes you did, and like you said before, you’re good at it. You must be open to the possibility of love, so you can either accept or reject it. So, no, baby. Don’t feel obligated to say what you don’t feel.”

That wasn’t the problem. He felt too much. “You are amazing.”

“I know.” Her leg moved up and down his thigh.

He chuckled, kissed her softly, languidly, savoring her taste. He caressed her soft skin, the curves and the dips. “Do you want to have a shower with me?”

“Sure.”

He turned on the lights, scooped her and carried her to the bathroom. He turned on the shower and while they waited for the hot water, he ran his knuckles along her cheek. She was so beautiful and comfortable in her skin. She didn’t even try to fake modesty around him. That was the kind of woman she was. Open. Honest.

Sex with her was mind-numbing, but she’d opened doors to other places, to her heart without expecting anything in return. That kind of giving and loving was foreign to him. It scared the hell out of him.

She took his hand and led him into the shower, the gesture so simple, yet it was so symbolic. Or maybe he chose to read more into it than it warranted. They took turns scrubbing each other. She showed him scars from six years ago. He kissed every last one of them as she giggled. She was ticklish. He shared his battle scars from his work and hung on to his dignity as she copied him and kissed every last one of them, including the one on his ass.

After drying each other, he carried her back to bed, tucked her head under his chin and draped her over him, neither of them wearing anything. She fell asleep.

Sleep didn’t come easy for him. Eddie thought about the past, his mother, his father all alone since Lori left the nest. Love sucked, especially when it wasn’t returned. He saw what it did to his father. He wouldn’t wish anything like that on Amy. He’d already been honest with her when he’d said he didn’t believe in love. He would repeat it, so there would be no misunderstanding. Their relationship, sexually intense as it was, would not end up with him falling in love with her. His only hope was that whatever hold she seemed to have over him would be gone by the time their relationship ended.

***

It was seven when Amy woke up. Eddie was still asleep, looking so angelic and vulnerable. She still couldn’t believe she’d told him she loved him. Once the words had stumbled out, she hadn’t wanted to take them back. Even now, she wanted to wake him with a kiss, tell him again, so he didn’t misunderstand. She didn’t want him thinking it was a heat of the moment confession.

She loved everything about Eddie Fitzgerald. Loved the feel and the smell of him. He was the best lover she’d ever had, but beyond the sex, she loved him for the man he was, a protector, loyal, upright and honest.

But he carried a pain that was so deep and vast, and consuming. His inability to love stemmed from that pain—the rejection by his mother. There was no way he’d love her or feel he deserved to be loved until he found closure. He had to be in control all the time, guarding his heart against those who wanted in. Maybe one day she would make him see the truth.

Amy lifted his arm from across her waist and shifted gently out of his arms. She gathered her clothes, slipped on his T-shirt and padded back to her room.

Raelynn was still asleep. Amy kissed her daughter’s forehead then pulled on panties and shorts, keeping the T-shirt on even though she knew she shouldn’t. She loved knowing it had touched his skin. In the kitchen, she started on breakfast.

With the ear buds on, she got busy whipping a mixture of egg whites and real eggs, flour, and butter for crepes. Bacon baked in the oven for the filling and coffee was brewing in the pot.

She was finishing with the crepes when hands came from behind her and settled on her waist. Her heart skipped. Eddie. His male scent filled her nostrils, the heat from his body engulfing her. She pulled the ear buds and threw him a saucy grin over her shoulder.

“Good morning.”

“Morning.” He held her chin in place, lowered his head and gave her a sweet, gentle kiss that belied the erection pressing against her buttocks. Sensual heat shot through her. “Hmm, coffee,” he added. “How did you sleep?”

“Great.” A lock of dark hair slipped over his forehead and she found herself reaching up and sweeping it back. He hadn’t shaved, and the shadow added to his rakish good looks. “Want coffee?”

“I’ll get it.” He caressed her nape as he walked past. He poured himself a cup, turned and leaned against the counter. He grinned, studying her.

“What?” she asked, turning the stove off.

“Nice shirt.”

“Thanks. I borrowed it from this guy I know, a booty call.” He choked on his drink. She moved to his side and thumped his back. “Are you okay?”

“Booty call?” he asked, not masking his outrage. “Take it back.”

“Make me.” She took off across the kitchen until the counter was between them. He put his coffee down and came after her with a purposeful stride, a playful twinkle in his eyes. It looked good on him.

Amy opened the door and ran outside. He caught up with her on the dock, wrapped her in his arms and, together, they watched the sunrise.

***

An hour later, Amy turned off the video and sat back. Eddie tried to read her expression. She looked sad.

“What do you think?” he asked.

“I had no idea Nolan had been in love with his best friend’s girl. How sad. No