Page 71 of Frog

“You know what I mean.”

“I do.” I sighed, rolling over on top of him, straddling his hips, sitting over his groin. “We need to carve out a bigger chunk of time for us. I will work on it the minute I get back from soccer camp with Tris.”

“I sound like a needy piece of crap,” he said, his hands on my thighs, sliding over them.

“You love me and you want alone time with me. How is that needy?”

“But I have to understand that I share you with four other people.”

“We will carve out more time. Just don’t stop talkin’ to me. I have to know everything that’s goin’ on in that head of yours because you ever thinkin’ that you’re anything less than necessary is crap.”

His hands were clutching at my thighs. “Jesus, Web, your body is so hard. I love touching you.”

“Are you listening to me?”

“You look so good, so healthy and beautiful, your whole body… it’s like you were carved out of stone or something.”

“You ain’t listenin’ at all,” I groused at him.

“I am.” He chuckled, hands lifting, reaching for my face.

I bent over so he could reach me and ease me down into a kiss. It was a blur after that.

I WOKEin the night because I was cold, and when I reached for him, I came up with chilly sheet instead of warm body. I lifted my head and saw him standing at the window wrapped in a blanket, staring out at the faraway lights of the city.

“Not bored of your life, are you? Wish you were back out there, on the prowl?”

He looked at me over his shoulder. “No, I’m just glad we got things straight tonight. I wanted to know where I stood, been wondering for a while, and you told me. I know you love me and you need me and that not wanting to be in control all the time, of everything, doesn’t make me weak.”

“No, it don’t.”

He nodded. “I brought you a bottle of water for when you woke up.”

“Thank you,” I said, still watching him.

“I can deal with you being gone now that I know where I stand.”

“You always knew, inside, didn’t ya?”

He looked back out at the lights as it started to rain. “I hoped. I never wanted anything like I wanted you, Web. Only piece I was missing to make my life how I always wanted.”

“Christ, aim higher next time.”

He was scowling when he turned, and I started laughing.

“You’re such an ass. I’m trying to have a moment here.”

“Oh.” I grinned at him. “Sorry, by all means, have your moment.”

“Well now I can’t, dickhead. You ruined it.”

“C’mere.”

He flipped me off.

“You’re gonna make me get up?”

He stalked over to me, the irritation rolling off of him, and when he was close enough, I grabbed his hand and pulled him down into my arms.