She doesn’t answer; instead, she slides my shirt over her head. I watch as the material glides over her naked body. Mine. The first thing that pops in my head at the sight of her in my shirt is mine. I want her to be mine. I want that claim. I want her in my arms every night. Kensington James has just officially turned my world upside down.

Her soft hands graze my abs as she works to unbutton my jeans. Placing one arm around her back to steady her, I stand and allow them to fall to the floor. Kicking them to the side to join her discarded clothing, I wait for her next move. It’s barely a heartbeat before she’s wrapping her arms around my waist and resting her cheek against my bare chest. Not one to let opportunity pass me by, I wrap my other arm around her and hold on tight.

PROTECTED. THAT’S WHAT it feels like to be in Maxton’s arms. It’s a feeling I crave. I really was worried about him driving, but it wasn’t until I asked him to stay that I was able to admit to myself what I really wanted. Taking a deep breath, I decide to take the plunge and ask for what I want. It’s risky because my heart beats faster any time he’s near, and I think about him all the time. I’ve gotten to know several sides of Max and I still don’t know if I can trust who my heart tells me he is.

“Hold me.” My voice is soft yet loud enough in the quiet darkness of the room.

“Anytime, anywhere,” he replies. Sweet Max is still here. It seems like he’s the one I see more often than not.

Reluctantly, I break our connection. Pulling the quilt back on the bed, I climb in. I hold it up in invitation and he takes no time sliding in next to me. He immediately aligns his body with mine and holds me against him. Relaxing into him, I let his warmth and scent surround me.

Max scoots closer, if that’s even possible, and buries his face in my neck. His hot breath sends goose bumps across my skin. We lay like this, not saying a word, just enjoying the moment, at least I am. It’s not until I hear him release a satisfied sigh that I know we’re on the same page.

Kissing my neck, he whispers into the darkness, “Goodnight, pretty girl.” It’s with those words and the protection of his arms that I drift off to sleep.

Waking up with Maxton draped around me is something I can definitely get used to. Nicole peeked her head in about ten minutes ago to tell me she and Bright were headed out to breakfast. They wanted to know if I wanted to join them. Imagine her surprise when she found Maxton curled up beside me.

I’m glad Nicole bursting into the room didn’t wake him up. It gives me time to study him, to enjoy the feel of his warmth swathed around me. I watch as he slowly opens his eyes and grins. “A guy could get used to this,” he says, tightening his hold on me. He runs his stubble covered chin against my jaw and a giggle escapes my lips.

“I love that.”

“What?” I question. He’s obviously still half asleep.

“You, the sound of you giggling and happy, in my arms. Waking up with you. All of the above.”

Wow! He just… wow. My heart is fluttering in my chest and the butterflies are working overtime in my belly. I open my mouth to speak but the words won’t come. I lay my palm against his cheek. Max takes that as an invitation as he leans down and softly presses his lips to mine.

Breaking the kiss way too soon for my liking, he asks, “What are we doing today, beautiful?”

He wants to spend the day with me. Giddy excitement takes over as a smile spreads across my face. “First, I’m going to make you breakfast. Nic and Bright left about twenty minutes ago.”

Shit. I forgot to tell him Nicole walked in on us. Not that we were doing anything, but we were tangled up in each other.

Max places his thumb on my bottom lip, which causes me to release it from my teeth. “What’s wrong, Kensi?” His voice is gentle. This big bear of a man is always so tender with me. I have not seen Asshole Max since that first night. It almost makes me think sweet Max is here to stay. Could I be that lucky?

“Um, Nicole kind of walked in this morning thinking it was just me. She wanted to see if I wanted to go to breakfast with them.” I’m staring at his jaw, not wanting to see the look in his eyes if he’s pissed off.

Max lifts my chin with his index finger. “What’s wrong with that?” he asks.

“Well, I know this,” I point between the two of us, “is not something you do. I’m not sure how you feel about Nic and Bright knowing you spent the night with me, again.” I rush through the words.

“Baby, I’m right where I want to be.” He tucks a wayward curl behind my ear. “I don’t care who knows you spent the night in my arms.” He kisses my forehead. “Kensi, I don’t know what this is between us, but I know I can’t seem to spend enough time with you. I know being with you changes something in here.” He lays his hand against his chest above his heart. “I’m not a believer, at least I wasn’t. Now, I’m not so sure. What I can tell you is no one else even enters my mind, not since the night I met you. I know I want to give us both time to see what this means.”

“Max, it’s hard for me… to trust. My past is something that shadows me every single day.” His face falls a little and I’m eager to tell him the rest so that look will disappear. “Even so, I feel different with you, protected. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true nonetheless. I find myself opening up to you more and more, and it scares the hell out of me.” I watch his face as my words sink in and a slight smile tilts his lips. “Six months ago, I couldn’t see myself allowing a guy to stay over, to become so entwined in my world.” I laugh aloud. “Hell, six weeks ago, the night we met, I would have bet my life that you wouldn’t be.” I run my fingers through his hair. “That all changed when sweet Max showed up; sweet Max changed the rules.” I lean up and kiss his cheek.

“Sweet Max?” he questions, a smile crossing his face.

I scoot closer, if that’s even possible, my lips mere inches from his. “Yes, sweet Max. The one who’s okay with holding me.” Kiss. “The one who’s okay with sneaking a few of these.” Kiss. “The one who protects me.” Kiss. “The one who’s slowing reviving me.”

He crashes his lips with mine. Urgently, his tongue slides against mine. This isn’t slow and sensual. No, it’s sloppy and intense… hot! Pulling away, his lips brush against mine one last time. “That’s not sweet Max, sweetheart; that’s me. That’s me falling so far out of my comfort zone that sometimes it’s hard to breathe. That’s just you and me; that’s us together, pretty girl.”

I PRETTY MUCH just laid my cards out on the table. I have no filter when I’m this close to her. Fuck, waking up with her in my arms is something I could do forever. Believe it or not, it’s not the thought of forever that induces panic. It’s the thought that it might never happen again.

“So, breakfast first, then what?” I need to change the subject. I can’t let myself think about forever, about not being in this exact moment ever again. Nope, pushing that out of my mind and focusing on spending the day with her.

Kensington smiles and all is right in the world. “Let’s start with breakfast. Besides, I’m sure you have better things to do than hang out with me all day.” She sits up to get out of bed. I immediately miss the warmth of her in my arms.

“Stop!” She turns to look at me. “Don’t do that. Don’t act like I’m doing you a favor by spending time with you.” Cupping my hand behind her neck and bringing her closer, I whisper, “I can’t get enough of you, Kensi.” My lips lightly press against hers then skim over her jaw, her neck. I can feel the rise and fall of her chest.