A SPOT FOR HOPE (MXM) BOOK 2

CHAPTER 14

HOPE

'Smells great.'

Long arms wrapped around my waist, and I smiled as he rested his chin on my shoulder. I continued stirring the crab and corn soup in the pot, savoring its smell.

'How did you learn to cook?'

'Carson and Mandy taught me,' I said proudly, feeling his fingers gently rub my waist under my shirt.

'Hmm? I need to thank them I guess.' He kissed my temple, and I chuckled as I placed the lid on the pot, letting it simmer. I knew a certain someone was in need of some attention.

I stepped back, playfully pushing him off my back. Once we had a bit of distance from the stove, I turned to face him.

He was smiling down at me with so much love, and I looked back admiring those manly, genuine smiles, as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

'Why are you smiling like that?'

'Well, I can't help it. You look good in an apron,' he complimented, and I chuckled, a bit flirtatiously, tilting my head to the side.

'With or without anything under?' I teased, and he raised a brow in surprise.

'Hope, you shouldn't be doing this to me.' He chuckled, pressing his forehead to mine. 'My boys are in the living room. You can't just stir me up and leave me hanging afterward.' His voice dropped, laced with lust.

'Aww can't I?' I asked, batting my lashes. Henerson smirked before tilting my head up, peppering my nose with light kisses before capturing my lips for a light kiss.

'You'll be the death of me.' He laughed softly, pulling me close against his chest. 'I missed you so much.'

My chest clenched from that and closed my eyes.

'I missed you more...'

The sunlight slipping through the curtains hit my face directly. I blinked a few times, still not moving from my spot between Henerson's strong arms.

Damn... I fell asleep.

I looked up, admiring his sleeping face. Although his facial hair looks untidy, you still can't deny that face card.

So handsome...

"Henerson..." I whispered, tracing my fingers from his chest up to his rough chin and dry lips—the same lips I kissed last night.

Yes, and I'm not sorry. I couldn't help it... It was our first kiss in three years.

I'd been dying for it since we'd met again. My eyes widened when Henerson whispered my name, and it showed that I was still needed. The way he embraced me so tightly, as soon as I lay beside him, told me so.

At first, I worried he was awake, but that was not the case. Even Ash was surprised at how he instinctively reached out for what he needed, even in his sleep.

And I believe he needs me more than anyone else... More than the girl he once mentioned...

'I thought I loved you that much,'

You did. And the way you called my name in your sleep proves that you still do.

But why? Why are you pushing me away? Why won't you tell me?

I leaned my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. I should leave before he wakes up, but why is it so hard? Still, I'm also afraid to stay.