Page 105 of Now and Then

His eyes crinkle at the corners, a soft smile forming on his lips. “I could never hate anything you do.”

Hunter leans down, his mouth finding mine, slow at first, then hungry. His hands skim down my sides, and he lifts me, carrying me toward the tub. It gleams under the soft light, already begging to be filled. He sets me gently on the edge, his gaze never leaving mine.

Rainwater drips from the ends of my hair. My shirt clings to my skin, my legs streaked with mud from the yard.

He tugs at the hem of the soaked fabric. “You’re a mess, babe,” he teases, voice low, fingers brushing my ribs.

“It was worth it,” I whisper, my breath catching as the fabric peels away.

I haven’t done anything this spontaneous in so long. It feels electric. Goosebumps rise along my body as cool air kisses my damp skin. His eyes linger, darker and more intense than ever, as he gently lifts my shirt over my head. The heat in his gaze makes my breath catch.

He kneels, motioning for me to stand. He unbuttons my black jeans with a tenderness that undoes me more than any kiss. Inch by inch, he tugs my rain-soaked jeans down my thighs until I’m able to step out of them, leaving me in nothing but my black bralette, dangling from my shoulders, and cotton panties.

“Sorry,” I say quietly as he reaches to turn the water on. It steams, curling upward as he strips off his own shirt.

“What are you talking about?” Hunter steps into my space and wraps his hands around my low back.

“If I’d have known this is where today would end,” I say, peering up at him, “I’d have made it a point to wear something slightly less ‘It was laundry day and all I had left.’”

“You’re perfect.”

He pulls me until we are chest to chest. Instantly, all apprehension melts from my body, leaving my limbs heavy and relaxed. I breathe deeply and wrap my hands around his back. His masculine scent calms me further. I reach up, tracing the line of his spine, then the curve of his ribs. Each strip of skin is both familiar and suddenly new.

“May I?” His voice is low, eyes dark with desire, as his hands slide over my shoulders and catch the loose straps of my bra. I nod, and he eases the lacy fabric down until it falls to the floor between us. His hands trace lightly over my collarbone and each breast. My breath catches, trembling at the touch.

“My turn,” I smile, reaching for his waistband. Piece by piece, the mess of rain-soaked clothing falls away until there’s nothing left between us but the sound of our breathing. “You’re beautiful,” I say.

His chest rumbles with soft laughter. I’ve seen him a million times in swim trunks, but seeing him like this, in the hazy light filtering through the window, I can truly appreciate the beauty and strength of his body. Broad shoulders, wide chest and back, taut stomach, and . . .

“Baby girl, if you keep looking at me like this, it’ll be over before we’ve even gotten started.”

I swallow deeply, hands curling around my middle. “I’m nervous.”

It’s not just him, it’s everything. I’ve wanted this for so long. All the hours I spent wondering if Hunter would ever see me as more than a friend swirl through my mind in a mix of excitement and fear.

“There’s no need to be nervous.” He shakes his head, reaching for my hand. “It’s just us.”

“I know, but—”

“Sutton,” he says, suddenly serious. “I know you. You know me. Stop worrying. Stop thinking.”

He leans forward, places a gentle kiss to the corner of my mouth, and turns back to the tub. My heart hammers, and I realize I’ve never felt this unraveled, this alive, this utterly sure of someone.

Hunter steps into the water first and holds out his hand to me. I take it, letting the warmth of the water and his presence wash over me. I’m scooting back to the opposite side of the tub when he suddenly pulls me to him, settling me across his lap. All of him pressed against all of me. Heat folds through me.

“You’re staring,” I murmur, biting back a smile.

“Sure am.”

His lips find my shoulder, my throat, my mouth, each kiss deeper, hungrier, until I’m clinging to him, my knees bracketing his hips. The water splashes over the rim as we move. Our laughter breaks through and dissolves into something more desperate.

“Hunter . . .” My voice cracks, my desperation for him outweighing everything else.

He pulls back enough to cup my face. “Nothing else matters when you’re with me.”

My skin flushes, body tingling with need. I widen my knees, pressing against him, pulling a moan from us both. Hunter’s hands grasp my hips and tug me forward and back along his length. I drop my head to his shoulder, relishing in the sensation. “Oh god,” I whisper.

Heat pools low in my belly as nervous anticipation tingles up my spine. I’ve never reached this point so easily before with anyone, but with Hunter, everything feels different.