Embracing Today, a firefighter romance: (The Trading Yesterday Series, #3) - Kahlen Aymes (old books to read .TXT) 📗

tonight or whenever it happens again, is a conscious decision. I sense something is holding you back. Maybe not sexually, but emotionally, and when I make love to you again, I want you to be ready and all in. I want all of you.”

I swallowed at the unspoken meaning behind the words. I reached up and slid my fingers down one side of his face. The most beautiful, handsome face would be burned into my memory forever. This moment would be burned into my memory forever. My heart was bursting inside my chest

“I love you, Ben,” the words were out before I could stop them. I paused, afraid of the implications… and of my own fear. “I love you…” I whispered, again. I’d never meant anything more… though the strength of it terrified me. Would Ben be taken from me, would something bad happen to him? Instantly I regretted my words thinking I’d blighted us, but even left unsaid, it was the truth.

Ben’s mouth lowered and he kissed me deeply, sweetly, and so lovingly, both hands cupping the sides of my face, his body still covering mine. My mouth opened to his and our tongues melded together in an incredible dance of love and desire. Slow and sensual; I melted into a puddle and I knew he loved me, too.

“I know it’s crazy given that we’ve known each other only a few weeks, but I love you, too, Marin. So much, I can’t breathe.”

“Ben,” I said breathlessly, ghosting my fingertips over his strong jaw, but he shook his head.

“You’re scared of something. I don’t know what it is, but I feel it hovering between us. We could make love tonight and it would be earth shattering, but it will be everything when you trust me completely and you’re not afraid. I want you, but I want you forever, so I’m willing to wait until you can trust me. I will be here, and I’m not going anywhere.” His mouth traced lightly over my lips and up to my cheekbone and temple as his words sank in. “I can wait. However long it takes for you to believe that.”

Ben backed away and off of me but pulled me to him so that my head rested on his chest. His arms engulfed me in my stunned silence. My hand slid down his impressive chest to slip around his waist and I held on for dear life.

“You want me forever?” There was thunder inside my chest, my soul soaring. I’d never used that word with anyone before, never even thought about it. Not Carter even when he duped me into believing that he loved me.

Ben’s arms tightened around me and his warm lips pressed a kiss on my temple. “I do,” he said simply. “Now get to sleep. You’ll need it. Dylan and Remi will run our asses off a few hours from now.”

As much as I wanted Ben’s hands and mouth on me, sleeping in his arms would have to be enough tonight. His strength and willingness to wait for me filled me with incredible love. Waiting would be difficult, but maybe time would ease some of my worry and help me to banish the bad dream. I couldn’t bear to think of my life without Ben… not ever. I closed my eyes and pressed my forehead to the base of Ben’s throat where his pulse assured me of his life-force. I inhaled his scent committing it to memory.

“Can’t wait.” I looked forward to completely immersing myself in Ben’s life and that included his family. I couldn’t wait to see him interact with the little kids, but I knew he’d be perfect in that, too.

***

Ben’s tuck rambled up the drive followed closely behind by a shiny dark blue Toyota Avalon, obviously Missy’s rental. His truck stopped next to mine on the gravel in front of the house as I waited anxiously on the front porch holding Gem in my arms. Ben got out and two rambunctious youngsters piled out of the passenger seat of the truck then rushed around to his side.

“Uncle Ben! Uncle Ben!”

“Can we go in the barn and see the pony, now?” They both spoke at once. A little girl with pink cheeks and shoulder-length dark hair was followed by a sandy-haired boy a little taller and both rushed up to Ben clamoring for his attention. His handsome face was filled with joy as the wind blew his hair off of his forehead.

My heart filled when he placed one large hand on the top of each of their heads. “Well, let’s get your moms and Jace out of the car then go meet Marin first. It’s her ranch, remember? I told you.”

Two glamorous women in sunglasses climbed out of the front seat of the rental car. The brunette was visibly pregnant, and she opened the back door on her side and leaned in, soon emerging with a dark blonde toddler in her arms. The other woman had long lighter blonde hair, who I assumed was Dylan’s mother, walked toward the youngsters and her brother.

“Hey kids, chill a little, will ya? We’ve got all week here. We don’t need to bombard Uncle Ben the minute we step foot out of the car.” She smiled and lifted a hand in a wave to me as I began my way toward them across the yard. “You must be Marin!” A genuine smile broke across her face and she opened her arms to welcome me into them. “Is this okay? I’m a hugger!”

I nodded and quickly set Gem on the ground at my feet. She immediately scampered off in the direction of Ben and the kids. “Of course! It’s so nice to meet you!” I could see the resemblance, though her hair was lighter than Ben’s which more resembled his young nephew’s.

By now, the other woman who carried a sleepy little boy, came closer. “This is my friend, Teagan.” The toddler hid his face in the curve of his mother’s neck, turning to