Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64147 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 321(@200wpm)___ 257(@250wpm)___ 214(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64147 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 321(@200wpm)___ 257(@250wpm)___ 214(@300wpm)
Without thinking or caring about my clothes, I pull the shower door open and step inside. Natalie’s eyes fly open, and she tries to jump to her feet, but I’m quicker. Getting down on my knees, I wrap my arms around her, engulfing her in a hug. I pull her to my chest and let her sob into my now soaked sweater.
“Why are you crying?”
“You left…” she says between sobs. Those two little words are all it takes for my heart to break into a million pieces at the realization of what I did.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” I say, even though I know it won’t be enough to make her feel better. “You were right. I was just scared of committing, scared to even try and give us a chance.” I almost ask her to stop crying, but I refrain, knowing that no matter how hard it is for me to see her like that, this is exactly what she needs. She needs to let it all out. That’s the only way we can move forward.
“It’s okay, I’m here now.” I soothe her gently while letting her sob in my arms until the last tremor moves through her body.
“You came back,” Nat says when she finally stops crying. “And now you are completely soaked.” She gives me a halfhearted smile.
“I don’t give a shit about my clothes; all I care about is you… and maybe Griffin, a little bit.”
Her smile widens, and this time it actually reaches her eyes. “Come on, let’s get you out of these.” She peels off my sweater and undershirt, discarding them into a wet pile in the corner of the shower. We both get up to our feet, and I turn off the water.
I slip out of my shoes and undo my pants, letting them fall down, while Nat grabs a white fluffy towel to wrap herself in before handing me a towel as well.
“Thank you.” I grab it and start drying myself off. “Where is Griffin?”
“I sent him away. It just didn’t feel right being with him without you being here.”
“You’ve been with Griffin while I was gone before,” I remind her.
“That was different. You were just gone for a few hours then, and at that time, I didn’t know how I felt about both of you.”
“About that…” I’ve been in many relationships in my life, especially when I was in my twenties, but one of my biggest secrets is, I actually never said those three little words to anyone, which makes this moment all the more special. “When you told me you love me… I was scared to say it back, but I’m not scared anymore. I love you too, Natalie.”
“You do?” Natalie asks, tears forming in her already red eyes once more.
“I really hope those are happy tears.”
“They are.” She nods, taking a step toward me, eating up all the space between us. “I’m so happy you are back and even happier that you love me.”
She tips her head up and catches my lips in a searing kiss. Her arms snake around my neck, and she pulls me even closer. My hands find her hips, and I slide the towel away, wanting to feel her skin against mine. I devour her, kissing her so passionately she moans into my mouth.
By the time we break the kiss, we are both out of breath and my cock is harder than steel. I want nothing more than to throw her onto the bed and remind her how well we fit together, but I know that’s not what she needs right now. At this moment, she needs both of us.
Grabbing my phone from the bed, I unlock it and dial Griffin’s number. He answers on the second ring. “It’s about time, asshole.”
“I missed you too. Now get your ass to Nat’s apartment and bring me some sweats. My clothes are wet.”
“Why are your clothes… never mind. I’m on my way.” He hangs up the phone, and I throw mine back on the bed.
Natalie has put on some satin shorts and a tank top that leave little to the imagination, which doesn’t help my raging boner to go down any. Not that I care. I’d rather enjoy the delicious view and deal with my blue balls later.
Griffin shows up ten minutes later, bringing a pair of sweats with him. I get dressed quickly, and we all meet in the living room. Griffin and Nat are already getting comfortable on the couch when I join them.
“So, you’re back,” Griffin starts the conversation with a grin.
“I am, and I want both of you to know that I am and that this won’t happen again. If this is what Nat wants, then I’m committed to this relationship.”
“So am I,” Griffin announces before turning to Natalie. “I don’t care what anyone thinks or says about it. I love you and if you love both of us and want to be with both of us, I am one hundred percent committed.”