Page 61 of Choosing Us

His eyes darken as he raises up to meet me, still in control even though I’m on top. “Yeah, and it’s mutual, Lo. I’m yours and you’re mine.”

I chase my release, and as soon as I fully let go, I collapse onto his chest. Ryan flips us back over and finds his own moments later, pulling me into his arms as he lies next to me.

“I’m not sure, but I think I saw a new dimension.” His comment is so unexpected, I can’t help but laugh at the notion.

“So, you’re saying it was good?” I tease as I trace the tattoos on his chest and bicep. There is a large lion over his left pectoral muscle, surrounded by intricate leaves and jungle-like designs.

“There literally are not words for how good, baby.” He kisses the top of my head and pulls me closer. “Do you have any tattoos? If you do, I need the opportunity to study them much, much closer,” Ryan teases as his hand runs down my back and squeezes my ass, making me laugh.

“No, but I always wanted one. I don’t know what I would get, or where it should go. But maybe someday.”

Ryan nods as he snuggles me deeper into him. “If you decide, we can go together if you want. My guy does a good job, and I think it’s time for another piece myself, but maybe smaller this time.”

“That would be great.” I trace the magnificent creature that stares back from his chest. “What’s the lion mean to you?” The mouth of the lion is closed; it’s not open in a roar, just there—steady, righteous, and commanding.

It’s powerful.

Tattooed on his chest? It’s telling.

“It means courage when life is hard, loyalty in all situations, and fierce protection of my loved ones.” He exhales slowly.

A few beats pass before he adds, “It’s also what Mama called me, her little lion.”

I turn to look up at him. “When did you get it?”

“Six months after she passed.”

I lean over and gently kiss the top of the lion’s head, then push up and kiss Ryan.

“It’s perfect.”

And somehow, I hope he knows I’m not just talking about the tattoo.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Me

Hi, gorgeous. I hope you’re having a wonderful day.

Harlow

Well, that’s a sweet text to get just before I head into a meeting. Is everything ok?

Me

Yeah, I was just thinking about our weekend.

Harlow

Oh! Yes… I have thought about it multiple times today as well.

Me

It was really hard to focus on my meetings this morning.

Harlow

Nice choice of words :) I think we need a repeat tonight. Multiple times. For scientific purposes.