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  And I smirked, but as she pushed back, circling her pussy around my cock while I stroked, I clenched her hips.

  “Fuck, don’t do that, baby. You’ll make me come too soon. You know that gets me every time.”

  She glanced over her shoulder, grinning playfully, and then she did it again. And again, pushing back and circling her hips in tight little circles while clenching her tight, slick pussy around me.

  I spanked her ass and she moaned even louder, her fingernails sinking into the couch. Moving, faster, listening to our clapping skin and her shaky, high-pitched moans.

  She squealed my name like she would never forget it, and that was all it took to bring me over the edge. I stilled, gripping her thin waist and coming so deep inside her sweet, tight pussy.

  “Fuck,” I groaned, my head falling back. She clenched my cock again, drawing out all of my release. “Shit, Knight.” I fell forward, on top of her as she collapsed. My face was on her shoulder, my cock on her ass now. “You always feel so fucking good.”

  She turned her head to kiss the tip of my nose. “Just so you know,” she laughed softly, “I won’t forget this. I don’t even want to go anymore. I already want more of you.”

  I couldn’t fight my smile.

  Good. That was exactly what I wanted to hear.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  CHLOE

  “Theo, you have to let go of my hand.” I looked over at him with a small smile.

  His eyes swung down to our interlocked fingers. “Shit. Right. Sorry.” He pulled his hand away and mine was hot and slick with sweat.

  We were sitting in front of my house, and Sterling’s two-door blue Honda was parked in the driveway, as expected.

  “Hey,” I cooed when he didn’t pull his gaze away from Sterling’s car. “It will be quick, I promise. Okay?”

  “I should go in with you.”

  “Theo, I love you, but your temper is horrible,” I teased. “I think it’s best you stay out here and let me handle it.”

  He put on a crooked smile, hunching his shoulders. “All right, all right. Fine. Twenty minutes, Chloe. Not thirty. Not twenty-five. If it takes longer than that I’m coming in.”

  “I have to pack up some more clothes too so I may need that extra ten minutes.”

  “Yeah, okay. Fine.” He released a ragged breath, slouching back in his seat. “But I’m waiting right here in front of the house.”

  I laughed. “And that is more than okay with me.” I grabbed the door handle. “Don’t stress, okay? I’ll be right back.”

  He shut his eyes, exhaled, and then nodded. “Kay.” I started to push out but he caught my elbow and I looked back. “Hurry before the sun is completely down. I have a surprise I want to show you.”

  “Another surprise?” I grinned.

  “I think you’ll love this one a little more.”

  “Okay. I’ll be right back. Sit tight.”

  He reluctantly pulled away and I climbed out of the car, shutting the door behind me and walking towards the house with my keys in hand. When I met at the door, I drew in a deep breath, looked over my shoulder at Theo’s car, and then stuffed my key in the lock, unlocking it and stepping right in.

  The living room, dining room, and kitchen lights were all on, making it appear brighter than usual inside. “Sterling?” I called.

  “Yeah!” he shouted from the kitchen. “I’m in here.”

  Eyes narrowed, I walked with caution. It was then that I smelled something in the air. It was a fishy scent. When I made it into the kitchen, I could smell the tilapia cooking. There was a bowl of pasta on the island counter and two wine glasses, as well as my favorite sparkling wine too.

  Great. Just great. This was going to make it even harder for me to tell him. He’d cooked, cleaned—what the hell was he thinking?

  “Oh—hey, you!” He looked over his shoulder with a broad smile, still frying the fish. Hell, he’d even shaved and cleaned himself up.

  “Um . . . what are you doing?” I asked, folding my arms and leaning against the wall.

  “Cooking,” he chuckled, dumping the fish on a plate. “For you.”

  “Wow . . . uh . . . you should have told me you were going to do all of this, Sterling. I wasn’t planning on staying for very long.”

  “Oh.” He dropped the spatula and spun around, looking me over. “Plans tonight?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ah.” He bobbed his head way too many times to count. A nervous habit. Then he pointed to the island counter where the wine and glasses were. “I bought your favorite. Thought we could start over. Make up, you know?”

  “Sterling, I really don’t think we should,” I responded nervously, rubbing my elbow. “I mean, things have settled, and I’ve accepted what you said. About us and Janet. It’s fine. You don’t have to feel bad about telling me the truth.”

  “Come on, you don’t even want to try again?” He laughed an uneasy laugh. “I cooked, Chloe. Cleaned up a bit. I wanted to make it easy for you tonight. Look,” he sighed, taking a step closer. “I know I fucked up before. I was being stupid and trying to find an excuse for how I felt. The truth is, I am over Janet. Have been ever since I met you. I think about her a lot, yes, but that’s not what was really bothering me, you know? It was Mom, and her being sick and all. I’d found out weeks ago, and I’m sorry I took so long to tell you. I couldn’t get leave from work until just recently, which stressed me out even more. It was just . . . I don’t know. I was frustrated. With life. With everything.”

  “Why didn’t you just tell me that from the start, Sterling? Why say it was Janet?”

  “Because I knew that would make you keep a little distance from me. I wanted to go alone. You didn’t need to see Mom like that. She isn’t well.”

  “So she’s still alive?” I asked, pushing off the wall with concern.

  “Yes, but not doing so good. I left to come and work things out with you. She told me I was stupid for letting you go, and you know what? She’s right. So I’m back for now. I’ll be leaving to see her again tomorrow, but I’ll be back.”

  Shit.

  “Do you think you can give me the name of the hospital?” I asked, nervous.

  “What for? You can just ride with me. It’s not that far,” he offered, picking up a piece of fish and eating it.

  “No, Sterling, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Look . . .” I pushed my hair back, exhaling. “I’m not here for dinner or anything even remotely romantic. I’m here to talk about the engagement. We aren’t calling it back on. I just . . . can’t. I shouldn’t. It wouldn’t be right to keep this going when I don’t even want it to.”

  He stopped chewing slowly, brows furrowing a little.

  “Don’t get me wrong, this is sweet and I appreciate it, but I can’t. The past few days you were gone made me realize that you were right. We aren’t meant to be. I was trying but . . . that’s it. Just trying. It didn’t feel like enough, you know?”

  “Oh. Yeah . . . sure. I guess.” He was avoiding my eyes now, scratching the back of his head.

  “I came to tell you that and to pack some of my stuff. I have a hotel booked so you can stay here and get what you need until you leave. If I stay it will be a little awkward.” I probably should have mentioned Theo, but he already seemed bummed enough. I mean, he’d put together this dinner for me. I didn’t want to put him down in the dumps any more than I already had.

  “Right. Um . . . right.” He dusted his hands off. “I get it.” He huffed a laugh. “I guess it’s sorta my fault. I shouldn’t have been so shady.”

  I didn’t say much, but my nod gave it away that, yeah, he shouldn’t have kept me in the dark. Theo was outside waiting for me—the love of my life. I wasn’t going to change my mind this time or let my guilt steer me.

  I felt bad, yes, but he brought this on himself. We were never in love. We just cared for one another and I knew deep down that he knew that too.

  “Shit.” He turned and gripped the edge of the
counter, shaking his head swiftly. Shakes of disappointment and regret.

  I took a small step backwards, taking this as my opportunity to start packing some of my things so I could go. I headed up the stairs and as soon as I made it into my closet, I pulled down a suitcase and packed some of the dresses and jeans I had in the closet.

  I took down a few blouses and some of my sandals, and then stuffed some pajamas in as well. I already had my toothbrush, but I needed my other hair and facial products.

  As I collected them and brought them back to the duffle bag on the bed, I looked over and then gasped, spotting Sterling standing between the frames of the bedroom door.

  “Shit,” I gasped clutching the heart of my chest. “You scared me.”

  “Sorry,” he murmured. He looked paler now, than he did in the kitchen. I didn’t look at him for too long. I had nothing more to say. I felt like I was being a bitch, but I had to stay strong. I couldn’t falter.

  As I zipped up my bag, Sterling walked towards where the vanity was. He looked at my jewelry in the holders and then I heard him take a hard swallow before he picked something up and lifted it in the air.

  “When did you take it off?” he asked, voice sullen.

  “A few days ago,” I lied.

  He said nothing.

  Why is he making this harder than it needs to be?

  “Do you mind me asking who you have plans with?” He clutched the ring in hand.

  “Kim,” I lied again.

  “That her car parked at the curb?”

  “Yep.” I forced a smile. “She got a new one.”

  “Doesn’t fit her,” he noted. Theo drove a black Chrysler. No, it didn’t fit Kim, but who cared? Theo’s windows were tinted. I knew Sterling couldn’t see through them, but I was almost certain he knew it wasn’t Kim. “Chloe,” he pleaded, “are you sure about this? I—I can do better. I can try. I mean, I know I haven’t been the greatest fiancé lately, but I want us to try and work it out again.” He paused, watching as I placed my suitcase down on its wheels. “You can’t just give up. We can’t. We shouldn’t.”

  “Sterling, I’m not giving up. I’m doing the right thing for us.” I stood up straight. “I know you’re not over Janet. You say it but . . . you’re not.”

  He looked away then, eyes glistening.

  “I really don’t want you to let this stop you from doing anything. We can be friends.” I smiled, making my voice lighter. I knew Theo wouldn’t have liked that I said that, but I also knew Sterling wouldn’t call once he figured out that I was leaving, and not coming back. That I was moving forward—well, backwards in a sense. “Anytime you need to talk, I’m here.”

  He kept his eyes away, looking everywhere else but at me.

  “I get it. I’ll . . . uh, pack my things then. Find a new place to stay.” His jaw ticked. I couldn’t tell if he was angry or just upset. “I’ll probably be in and out to make sure I have it all, but don’t worry about me just showing up. I’ll let you know beforehand.”

  “Okay.” I started for the door. “If you . . . need anything, I’m here. Just remember that, okay? We can talk about what we’ll do with the house later.”

  He shoved his fingers through his hair, glancing sideways. “Yeah . . . sure.”

  I walked to the door, peering over my shoulders. I felt horrible now, but I couldn’t linger. He’d have taken it as a sign of weakness, and tried to make a move. And I couldn’t because Theo was waiting, and the sun was almost set.

  I felt Sterling’s gaze on me as I walked towards the stairs. When I took the first step, he was looking at the ring again, brows stitched. I didn’t know what the hell he was thinking, but I wasn’t about to stick around and find out.

  I trotted down the steps, grabbed a Diet Coke from the fridge, and then hurried for the front door. I was out in no time, taking in a deep breath of relief as I made my way to the car. I tossed my bag in the backseat, and then climbed into the passenger seat.

  Theo was already looking at me, brown eyes swirling with concern. “So?” he inquired.

  “He didn’t take it well, but I think he understands.” I cleaned off the top and then cracked open my can of soda.

  He put the car in gear and sat up in his seat. “Good. Better that he makes it easy for you.” He drove away with a smug look on his face.

  “What’s that look for?” I asked.

  “You weren’t even in there for ten minutes. You made it quick.”

  “Easier to do than I thought,” I sighed. “But I feel bad. He cooked and bought my favorite wine. He was going to try hard this time. I could tell.”

  He glanced over as I took a sip of soda. His hand touched mine and our gazes met when he squeezed it. “It’s done,” he murmured. “I know you probably hate disappointing him, but it had to be done. At least he knows the truth now.”

  I nodded and jerked my gaze down to my lap. That was a secret I’d keep with me. Sterling didn’t know the whole truth—that I was officially leaving him for Theo. If I’d said that, it would have proved him correct even more.

  All I wanted was Theo, and I’m sure that would have hurt to know more than just settling it with a gentle breakup and never seeing one another again.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  CHLOE

  My concern for Sterling’s well-being made me somewhat forget about the surprise Theo had mentioned before I’d gone inside the house.

  We didn’t go back to the hotel, but instead Theo kept driving on the interstate until we were driving down a hill and onto rocky gravel.

  “Where are we?” I asked, curious now.

  He winked but said nothing. Moments later, a house appeared. It was a two-story home, built with dark green shingle siding and a porch made of smooth wood, the railings painted a glossy white. Tall palm trees were planted outside the home, the bushes trimmed neat.

  Two garages were attached to the left of the home and Theo parked in front of one of them. Shutting the car off, he sat back in his seat and looked ahead with me.

  “Whose place is this?” I asked.

  He smiled. “Ours.”

  “Ours?” I gasped, eyes stretching wide. “What?”

  “Well, I mean, right now it’s mine. My mother helped me get it—she even let me get the keys early. I’m hoping that within a few weeks or months or whenever the time is right, we can call it ours. I already put a down payment on it, and got approved for the mortgage. Turns out I could buy another house, now that I’ve paid off the loan to the bank for my garage. Once I get the house in San Francisco sold, and you handle yours it will be . . .” He stopped talking, trailing off lightly. The leather of his seat crunched as he shifted. “Too much?” he asked, gesturing towards the house.

  I blinked at him before grabbing the door handle and pushing the door open. Theo climbed out just as quickly as I walked along the cement driveway, breathing in the warm air, studying the yellow daisies planted along the driveway and by the front door.

  He didn’t say anything as I walked towards the porch. I made my way up the stoop and when he was right beside me, I said, “Open it.”

  He pulled out a set of keys from his front pocket and then put a bronze key in the lock. When he twisted it and the lock clicked, he pushed the door open and stepped back, letting me go inside first.

  His eyes were soft. Mellow, with a hint of worry. Was he afraid I wasn’t going to love it? I walked inside before I could answer that question myself.

  The floors were made of mahogany wood. There was no furniture. A chandelier hung in the dining area, the walls painted a light shade of gray. It was completely vacant of furniture inside.

  I continued forward, and there was a wide-open space that revealed the outdoors. When I got closer, I realized there wasn’t any glass. It was just a long, rectangular walkway, but the doors had been pushed open.

  A breeze hit me and I glanced back. He stood by the door, his fingers in his front pockets.

  I kept walking until I was through the ope
n space and on the wooden deck. It was unoccupied, but the view . . . the view was absolutely breathtaking.

  I thought the view we had from his hotel was great, and even the view from my backyard, but this was another level of beauty. The home wasn’t sitting right on the beach. We were on a cliff, overlooking the ocean. The railing was made of glass and outlined with wood. I heard my feet moving forward, my hand gripping the rail.

  I was smiling. Hard. The minimal heat from the sunset lingered on my skin, the breeze still flowing.

  Before I knew it . . . I was crying.

  The tears were hot. Blazing hot, but I didn’t swipe them away.

  Complete.

  Never had I felt so whole. I wanted to burst with joy.

  Footsteps sounded behind me and then a large pair of arms wrapped around me. Through blurry vision, I could see the tattoos on his tan skin, the tribal wave he’d gotten for me. I could feel the warmth of his hands as they pressed on my waist. I saw my tattoo—the boat. Matching with meaning.

  “It’s not too much,” I said when he kissed the crook of my neck. “It’s perfect, Theo. So damn perfect.”

  Without words, he spun me around, cupped my face in his large hands, and kissed me. I threw my arms over his neck and he picked me up, sitting me on top of the rails as he pushed between my legs.

  He groaned and sighed, a noise catching in his throat. It wasn’t a noise of pain or sorrow; it was one that would stick with me forever. A small whimper, one that proved he would do anything and everything for me.

  All of the emotion had caught up to me on this day. Going from feeling guilty to feeling incredibly grateful. All this from one man. It couldn’t get better than this.

  “It’s perfect,” I repeated, a grin breaking through the kiss as I bobbed my head.

  “I’m glad you think so.” He rubbed a line of my tears away with the pad of his thumb. “But there’s one more thing I want to show you.” Stepping back, he grabbed my hand and helped me off the guardrail.

  He led the way through the living room and through a beautiful, modern kitchen made of chrome and black tile, and then he opened a door.