Why I'm Yours

by S. Moose

  “And why’s that?”

  “Because you look perfect tonight, and it’s our first dance, so it’ll be quite significant. Plus, from what I hear, all the women go crazy over this ginger lad.”

  “Ah, you’re right on that. Ed Sheeran’s songs make my ovaries happy.”

  “What?”

  We both laugh, and I have to kiss her again. When our lips part, I spin her around and bring her back to my body, swaying to the softness of the music. I sing in her ear as she hums along.

  When the song ends, we go back to the dinner table.

  As the night goes on, I can see Reagan getting tired. It’s nearly eleven forty-five by the time we leave after saying bye to everyone with a promise that I’ll bring Dawson and Reagan over tomorrow afternoon for lunch at my parents’ house.

  During the car ride back to my apartment, Reagan’s fallen asleep in my arms, and I feel bad when Sander pulls up to the entrance.

  “Come on, baby.”

  Once we’re in my apartment and in my bedroom, she turns around when she sees her bag on my bed.

  “You can say thanks to Aimee.”

  “She’s my best friend for a reason. I’m sorry I didn’t even think about bringing my things over. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I could go through with this tonight.”

  “Like I said,” I tell her while walking to her and placing my hands on her hips, “we don’t have to do anything tonight. As long as you’re in my arms, that’s what matters to me.”

  “Okay.”

  I give her privacy to change while I call Jason, Jennifer’s father, to see how Dawson’s doing.

  “Sorry for calling so late. Just wanted to see how Dawson was tonight.”

  “Great. We went out to dinner at a pizza shop near the hotel, and he kept talking about his dad’s new girlfriend.” He laughs. “Good for you, Drew. I know I shouldn’t say this since Jennifer’s my daughter, but I’m glad you have someone to take care of you. It’s been too long.”

  “Thanks. That means a lot. I should be getting him after breakfast.”

  “Sure thing. I’ll be back next month, and I’d like to take him for a few days longer than I normally do, if that’s okay.”

  “Of course. Let me know, and we’ll coordinate.”

  When we say bye and I disconnect the call, I walk back to my bedroom and find Reagan asleep on my bed. Her auburn hair is scattered over the pillow, and she looks perfect where she is.

  I quickly change into sweatpants and climb into bed, pulling her to me and whispering good night before finding sleep.

  Sometime later, Reagan stirs in my arms, waking me up, and when I open my eyes, she’s looking at me.

  “Is everything okay?”

  She touches my face and leans in to kiss me before telling me what she’s thinking, “I want you, Drew.”

  For a moment, I just stare at her, as if maybe I’m hearing things. “Are you sure? Baby, it’s okay. This right here is perfect. We don’t have to do more. I don’t mind.”

  “Well, I do.”

  I swallow hard and trace the outline of her lips with my finger before kissing her again. Whatever pain she’s feeling, I want to kiss it all away and replace those memories with happy ones from here on out. I softly kiss each of her cheeks and down her neck. I need to fuck her, but I also know I need to take my time.

  Her soft lips open again, and my tongue enters her mouth. I bring my hand under her shirt and feel her bare breast against my hand. Shit, even touching her like this gets me rock hard.

  Our greedy tongues tangle in delight, and her hands grip my back as she positions herself right where she needs to be. I slowly thrust into her and feel her heat against my sweatpants. Shit, this is going to end sooner than I want it to if I’m not inside her.

  When I break our kiss, I reach over and grab a condom, but she stops me.

  “I’m on the shot, and I’m clean.”

  “I’m clean, too,” I tell her. “The results of my physical came back a few weeks ago, and I haven’t been with any other women since then.”

  “Drew, I trust you. I want to feel all of you. Please.”

  I toss the condom to the side and sit her up to take off her shirt. “You’re so damn beautiful,” I tell her. I bring her back down and slide down her panties, slipping my fingers between her wet folds.

  “Drew,” she moans as I slide a finger into her tight pussy and rock it back and forth.

  Her nipples harden from the excitement of what I’m doing to her, and her moans and whispers of wanting more are perfect. She has the body of a goddess, and I’m going to enjoy exploring her every inch. Sliding my finger out, I move down the bed and spread her legs apart, kissing her inner thighs and slowly licking her folds, sliding my tongue deep inside her.

  “You taste so fucking good.”

  “Keep going,” she rasps.

  She moans louder as I suck her clit. She places her hand on my head, urging me to keep going. I can do this all night. I’ll never get enough of her sweetness. When I feel her come, I quickly discard my sweatpants and crawl up her body, wasting no time before I push inside her. She smiles at me and screams my name when I’m fully inside her.

  “You’re so tight, so perfect.”

  “It’s been a while,” she mutters.

  “It’s okay, baby.” I lean down and kiss her again, sliding in and out of her before we find our rhythm.

  “Faster,” she pleads. “Drew, please go faster.”

  “Shit,” I moan, “are you sure?”

  “Yes!”

  My thrusts are quick. The passion, lust, and warmth our bodies are creating hit me, and in that moment, I know I’m falling in love with her.

  Both of us moan as our bodies sync together, and we come at the same time.

  The trembling of her body beneath my own excites me. The pure, undeniable connection we share, both emotionally and physically, is written on both of our faces.

  This is it. She is it. The one I am meant to share my life with. I believe that now.

  I offer a gentle kiss before sliding out of her and moving toward the side of the bed. Knowing she’ll be a little sore, I rush to the bathroom and bring out a warm washcloth to ease the soreness and clean her.

  She giggles when I toss aside the cloth and bring her back in my arms.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Nothing’s funny. I appreciate how you look after me. No matter what it is, you’re always thinking about me.” Her words become softer, almost a whisper. “Tonight truly was amazing. You mean so much to me, Drew, and I can’t thank you enough for trusting me to trust you.”

  “Anything for you. I told you from the start, this isn’t about sex. This is about us and you making everything in my life and Dawson’s better.” I lean down and kiss her again. “I wasn’t too rough with you, though? I was a little scared,” I admit.

  “No. Don’t ever be scared. We have a strong foundation, and I’ll tell you if you’re doing something that makes me uncomfortable. I know you’ll do the same with me.”

  She sits up and covers her body with the bedsheet. Although I wish she hadn’t, I don’t want to tell her that.

  “Ever since we became a couple, I’ve always wondered, Why me? You’re this amazing, successful, sweet, and sexy man with the cutest son and a great life. But, now, I know why. We share a connection I think most people look for their whole lives. When you look at me, I feel butterflies in my stomach, and I love how you make me feel. Making love with you tonight affirms everything I’ve always known. I love you, Drew. You brought back the woman I once was, and I can’t thank you enough for your patience and warmth.” She pauses for only a moment before smiling in the sweetest way. “We still have so much to learn about each other, and I want you to know the real me, everything about me. Like the fact that I love music, and I think music helps heal us in more than one way. You’re my chord, Drew. It’s special and unique, and I think whoever created the repeat button knew it was meant for people who l
oved music, so they could listen to that one song over and over again. Well, I want to be with you and only you, on repeat, and someday, I hope you’ll want that, too.”

  “I do want that, Reagan. I love you, and I realized it tonight. I wasn’t looking for anything after my divorce, and I was fine with being alone with Dawson. When I found you, it made me question everything I wanted. Was I ready for love again? And the answer is yes. You’re making me see the beauty in the little things in life, and I’m appreciating those moments as well. You unexpectedly came into my life, and suddenly, I can’t stop thinking about you and what our future holds. And I don’t know if you know this about me, but I enjoy reading. Sometimes, I’ll read the classic romances and some new age romances. Regardless of what story I’m reading, ours is my favorite. You’re my love story come true, and I don’t want this to end.”

  “You’re quite the smooth talker, Mr. Powers, but I’m done talking if you are,” she whispers.

  Our lips meet, and it's as if our bodies already know exactly what the other needs. The moment I slide inside her once again, I can’t feel more complete.

  28

  Reagan

  Everything feels different. That ache and worry, the constant need to be on guard—it’s gone. I finally fully gave in to what my heart wants, and I’ve never felt so light and refreshed.

  I wake in the arms of the greatest man, feeling treasured, even with him lightly snoring near my ear.

  Once I faced the fact that I wanted Drew, that I was ready for that step, I felt like a crazed sexual fiend who couldn’t get enough. I knew it wasn’t just about the sex, but that was fantastic. It was the way Drew looked at me while moving within me. The way his eyes spoke volumes, like he could see right into my soul. Soft, gentle touches that made me feel as if no one had ever been more loved than me. Drew gave me all that.

  I thought nothing could make me feel more desired—until now.

  He holds me as if I’m his lifeline. His arm is curled around my waist, securely grasping my body to his. It’s all right to admit that I need this man, and in turn, I feel he needs the same. I love being needed by a man like Drew. It isn’t a selfish love but one of purity.

  “Good morning, beautiful,” his husky voice whispers. “I don’t remember ever sleeping so soundly.”

  I smile. “Me either,” I confess. “It feels good to be in your arms.”

  “I’d love nothing more than to spend my entire day wrapped up with you in these sheets.”

  I know there is a but coming.

  “But I have to get Dawson, and I promised my mother we’d join them for lunch.”

  I can feel his impressive hardness against my backside, and during his little speech, I might have been a little distracted. As I wiggle against him, a low hiss escapes him, and his arm tightens around me.

  “You make it difficult to remain on task,” he groans, biting my earlobe. His hand now glides along my side and over my hip. “It would be so easy to get lost in you, forgetting all other responsibilities. Because you, Miss Halloway, are extremely addictive.”

  “As are you,” I say without hesitation.

  “I do, however, think we can spare at least twenty minutes,” he adds, his hand slipping around and descending to the apex of my thighs. “The things I can give you in that short amount of time—”

  “Will be more than enough to hold me off for a few hours,” I finish his sentence.

  Laughter falls from his lips.

  “So confident,” he adds as he pushes himself against me. The fact that he is turned on cannot be missed. “But never will it be enough.”

  With one very impressive move, Drew twists me over, and his body is now hovering above me. Apparently, the man possesses ninja moves.

  I stare up at him as he descends upon me, his lips messing with mine in a hungry kiss. I’m unable to hold back my moan, lifting my legs to securely wrap them around his waist. I rock against him, begging without words for him to fill me.

  And he does.

  One quick drive forward, and my back arches as he kisses down my neck. Never have I ever felt so full, both physically and emotionally, as our bodies take over, and our desires give in to the need we both feel.

  “You sound happy,” my mother says as I slip outside onto the back deck to take her phone call.

  Just inside, I can see Drew and Dawson as they gather in the living room of Drew’s parents’ house. Their smiles alone light up my day.

  “I am,” I assure her, feeling carefree and airy. “He’s amazing, and Dawson is the sweetest little boy ever. There’s no possible way I could be anything other than happy when I’m with them.”

  “You’ll never understand just how much peace it gives me to know that they’ve found you.”

  I close my eyes for a moment, taking in her words. I can only imagine the heartache my mother felt when I withdrew from everyone—the not knowing and being unable to help. It makes my past that much harder. Not only did that asshole take something from me, but he also took from those I love.

  “I’m sorry, Mom,” I say without thinking. “I’m sorry I ran away and made you worry all those times.”

  Tears threaten to spill over, but I do my very best to fight them.

  “I might never understand what led you to do what you did. I hope, one day, we can talk about it, but I’ve always known that, somehow, you’d find your way. You did, and from what I hear, Drew is quite the successful, attractive man.”

  I can hear the smile in her voice.

  I look through the door once more and find that Drew is now watching me. A look of worry covers his face. I smile, attempting to reassure him that I’m good. I’m more than good.

  “Someone’s been talking to Aimee,” I say with a laugh.

  “Yeah,” she replies, “and I think your friend might have a little man crush on your fella.”

  I’ve seen the ogling looks Aimee has tossed at Drew when he’s not looking. She, of course, doesn’t even attempt to hide them from me, but it makes me laugh every time. My breath of fresh air, she’s the one who always, even in the darkest times, makes me feel better.

  “She can look,” I say, letting the words die.

  “But never can she touch or else,” my mother finishes with a chuckle. “You tell that man to treat my girl right, and I’ll be visiting the city someday soon. I can’t wait to hug the two who brought back my sweet girl.”

  Again, those emotions tug at my heart, for all we’ve lost as a mother and daughter. I want those times back. I want her here, part of my life. In that moment, I make a promise to myself that I’ll work my hardest to make that happen.

  I miss my mother.

  “I love you, Mom,” I tell her.

  “And I love you,” she says just before we end the call.

  I remain on the deck, looking in at the family who has buried themselves deep in my heart. Not only Drew and Dawson, but Miranda and Vincent, too. I’m lucky for so many reasons, but to have them as part of my life is the greatest blessing.

  Drew meets my gaze once more, and once he realizes I’m no longer on the phone, he moves toward the back door. Sliding open the door, he steps out and closes it behind him.

  “Is everything okay?” He moves toward me, again looking concerned. “You look sad.”

  “No,” I say, shaking my head. “It’s the opposite. I’m so happy.”

  He places his hands on my hips and pulls me in against him.

  “The only thing missing is my mom.”

  With a tilt of his head, he remains silent.

  “When I left home, I did it in a hurry.” My confession burns inside me like acid. It is something I’ve never talked about. “It was so unfair to her, to Aimee. It’s hard, knowing what I put them through. I know they don’t hold grudges, but inside, I still battle with that loss. I still battle with the guilt. If I could change anything about what took place, it would be the way I left them without any answers.”

  Tears fill my eyes, and I look away, onl
y he stops me.

  With his palm pressing firmly to my cheek, he turns me to face him once again. “What would it take to get her here?”

  His question surprises me, but the seriousness in his eyes is confirmation that, he would do anything he could to take away this ache inside me.

  “You tell me, and I’ll do it.”

  Rising up on the tips of my toes, I press my lips to his. “Your need to protect me is overwhelming,” I confess.

  “I’ll always protect you.”

  My heart aches with the intensity Drew’s love invokes.

  “Thank you,” I whisper, “for finding me.”

  He leans in, pressing his forehead to mine, and we remain in that very spot, both saying nothing. Just a silent moment as I try to calm my emotions.

  “No,” he whispers, “thank you, Reagan, for finding me.”

  29

  Drew

  It’s been a week from hell, dealing with an attempted hack of our systems, calming our clients, and possibly losing two major clients. I haven’t had much time to spend with Reagan since I’ve been working until nearly ten in the evening and trying to spend time with Dawson.

  I know she understands, but it bothers me that she never complains.

  I glance over to my phone and think about calling her, asking her to come into my office for a few minutes so that I can feel her against me. I’m not sure why it bothers me that she’s not complained about us not spending time together. Part of me feels as though I’m failing her by not giving her the attention she needs. I know she’s nothing like Jennifer, and she doesn’t need to be coddled the way my ex-wife did.

  A swift knock on my door gets my attention. Remy walks in with a scowl on his face and pours himself a glass of scotch.

  “Did it feel like we got our asses handed to us? Or is it just me?”

  I nod in agreement. “We’ll recover, and everything will be fine. Our clients need to understand the market and the slight rise of interest, which, in turn, causes a rise in theirs. It’s a shit time right now, but it’ll get better. Be ready for more meetings like this. We have a three o’clock with Stintson and Powel.”