Marie Harte - Closing the Deal

She groaned. “I’m telling the truth. We talked mostly about properties in the area. He said nothing about you, only that he was jealous he hadn’t found me first.”

“Bastard.”

“I thought that was kind of nice.” She moaned when he pulled out the plug and began fucking her ass with it. The sensation felt surprisingly good. Then he stilled and slapped her ass.

“He’s trying to charm you, but you’re mine.” Derrick nudged her entrance with his cock and thrust home, filling her sex with his long, thick shaft. “Oh yeah, that’s it.”

He didn’t move, lodging himself and the plug tight.

“Derrick.”

“No, now you tell me the rest. Again.”

“But—”

“Again.”

“Your mom told me how happy she is you finally found a nice girl to bring home.”

He snorted. “Doesn’t know you too well, does she?”

“Ass.”

He popped her in the butt and she jerked under him. “Try again.”

“You’re too bossy.” And it made her wet. She squirmed, under his control, needing him to move. God, she wanted to come.

“But I love you anyway. Say it.”

“But you love me anyway.” God, could it be true?

“I won’t force you to say it, Syd. But we both know you love me right back. After meeting your mom, I understand a lot more that you haven’t said.”

She groaned.

“Don’t worry, baby. You didn’t run after being in the same room with Dylan, Mom and James. So I’m sticking with you too.”

She tried to move again, but he wouldn’t let her. Those massive hands of his kept her hips still.

“Please.” She needed to come.

“Please what, Syd? Tell me, baby.” He leaned over her to nip at her ear. “Say it, the way I told you to.”

She didn’t want to, because when she did, she meant it just the way he knew she did.

“Syd.”

She swallowed hard and did as he’d prompted. “Please love me.”

He straightened up, pulled back and rammed inside her. “Oh yeah. I do love you, Sydney. And I always will. One day you’ll believe that.” He took her hard, giving her the rough release she needed.

When they finished, he untied her hands, cleaned them both up and settled her over him on the couch. They lay together, naked and replete.

“I’m always going to be here for you, Sydney. All week during your mom’s visit, during Thanksgivings, Christmases, you name it. And one day when you’re ready, we’ll get married.”

She blinked down at him, annoyed at the rush of emotion hitting her hard. “Taking a lot for granted, aren’t you?”

He stroked her hair. “Nope. I just know a good thing when I see it. Now what do I have to do to sell you this house?”

“This house?”

“Yep. It’s a nice house, over three thousand square feet, comes furnished with plenty of room for girlie furniture, like the kind at your place. Oh, and it also comes with a handsome, studly architect who’s hot for a certain redhead we both know and love.”

A tear slid down her cheek, but before she could scrub it away, he brought her face to his and kissed it. “I love you, Syd. Forever.”

“You’re a dope.”

“Who loves you.”

She laughed, wanting to say it back. She needed to believe he wouldn’t leave, that they could have a future. She knew how she felt, but she was afraid if she told him, he’d leave. Insane, but that’s what came of a life with Isabel Fields.

Good God. Did she really want to keep blaming her mother for her insecurities? A harsh helping of truth smacked her right between the eyes. “I…”

“When you’re ready, baby. I’ll be here. I promise.”

She nodded and laid her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Listening to her truth. A second passed. Then two. “I love you right back, Derrick Warren.”

Arms hugged her tighter. In as smug a voice as she’d ever heard him use, he answered, “I know.”

She snorted and smiled. “Idiot.”