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“I saw your face in the car, Ginger” His voice sounded low, furious “When you heard that e You looked terrified”
She shook her head in denial “No, I—”
“Yes So you knohat your punish to ht taketo lose count of howto tell you that I love you Until you fking get used to it”
Tears burned behind her eyes God, he sounded so hurt She turned to face him “Derek, listen to me—”
“No” His throat worked with e to cry your way out of this”
Ginger knew then she wouldn’t get through to hi physical people since the beginning Only her body could persuade him to listen As the water pounded around them, she put her hands on either side of his face and stared deep into his eyes She stretched up to place her mouth on his and felt a stab of pain in her chest when he flinched
Garnering her courage, she poured every ounce of love she held for hi hi her life Her hands stroked his face and neck, dipping down to his shoulders to pull him closer Derek’s arousal pulsed hard and thick between them, but she didn’t reach for it like she wanted to, worried heThe kiss represented love and she needed him to understand that
Derek pulled away to scrutinize her face “Ginger?”
Tearswith spray from the shower, she nodded “I love you, too”
His eyes squeezed shut Banding her arainst his skin and repeated the words over and over again, willing him to believe her
She heard the shower turn off Then Derek lifted her in his ar her down, still soaking wet, on the pillows of the bed, Derek sat heavily with his back to her and buried his head in his hands Propping herself up on her elbow, she waited without breathing
When he finally spoke, his voice sounded hoarse “When I turned the corner into youryou into the trunk and slaer scra herself around hi, I think it ht have been the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard”
Ginger pressed her face into his damp neck “I’m sorry I’m sorry I scared you”
Derek remained quiet for a ood reason for it I see a lot of terrible things in er Murders The entire drive to Nashville, I couldn’t stop picturing your face on every single one…”
She cli hiht here I’ll never do anything like that again”
“You’re goddaht you won’t”
His gruffness made her smile, but it wavered under the i that money…you don’t think less of me for that?”
Derek was already shaking his head “Never Especially after seeing where you grew up AndValerie”
She bit her lip “I suppose the worst way to introduce your boyfriend to your mother is from inside a trunk”
“Please I’ain” Uncertain eyes searched hers “When you heard the voice mail…that look on your face…”
“Oh” She blew out a shaky breath and tried to cliht e your mind Decide I was too much trouble”
Before the words were out of her er found herself flat on her back with Derek looe er, I don’t want to encourage you to atteain, let me make that abundantly clear But I would come after you every time Every Time”
Ginger laughed through her tears, but it turned into a hs and thrust deep inside her, holding her still against the mattress
“Look ather whimper “You own this, too”