The Midnight Hour - Brenda Jackson [116]
That part of his life was over. Now he had a lot to live for-Tori and their child. He pulled her into his arms and Kissed her, needing to hold her while his soul became cleansed.
Moments later he picked her up and carried her out of the shower and began toweling her dry. Their gazes connected and she clung to his gaze as he crouched down and dried off her legs and her feet. When he stood back up, he whispered, tenderly, "I love you."
His three words, spoken in a heartfelt whisper, touched her, emotionally drawing her in. "And it doesn't matter to me if you're Sandy or Tori. What matters more than anything is that you're back in my life."
He inhaled deeply before continuing. "I am filled with so many imperfections that I can't name them all, yet someone up there looked beyond my faults and saw my needs, and knew I needed you. I have been given the most perfect gift and I will cherish it always. I will love you, honor you, and protect you. And I pledge to make you happy and live each and every day as if it were our last; enjoy every single moment and give thanks for every second. I love you, Tori, with all my heart and with all my soul."
Tears clouded Tori's eyes. "Oh, Drake, and I love you." He wiped the tears from her cheeks with his fingers. "We've been through some rough times sweetheart; five years' worth," he said, his voice deep with his emotions. "But it's all behind us now. We'll look to the future and will tackle any problems that come our way. Together. I think anyone would agree that we're a good team."
She gave him a trembly smile and nodded. "Yes, the best."
And then he kissed her long and intimately hard in a way that intended to touch her the same way he was touched. And when he picked her up into his arms, she knew that
everything would be all right. She had to concede that there were some risks that were worth taking.
They had gone through the storm together and there would be sunny days ahead. And when the rains came again they would find shelter in each other's arms and be protected by the love in their hearts.
They had solid history on their side. They also had time. Starting tonight, they would embark on a new beginning, one stronger, with deeper meaning and more powerful because of what they had endured.
"I want you in my life, Tori," Drake whispered. "Now. Tonight. Always. I love you and have always loved you. My life won't be complete until you agree to marry me. There's no way we can recapture the past but we can build a future. Together."
He took her lips hungrily again as he shifted her into his arms to open the door. Once they got to his bedroom, there were no words needed as he dropped the towels covering them.
"Do you still want to pay our baby a visit?" she asked as her arms wrapped around his neck, savoring the feel of him touching her everywhere.
"Always," he whispered, bending his head to take her mouth hungrily.
Drake's senses soared, they flew high, and a guttural sound was released from his throat as he gently placed her on the bed. This is what he had always wanted and desired but thought he would never have.
Peace.
His tongue made a path around her breasts, latching onto one nipple and then another, drawing moans after moans from her. She was his, had always been his and would always be his.
He took his time to enjoy the sight and taste of her, to send heat sizzling through both of their bodies. The driving ache to bury himself inside of her was unbearable.
"Please, Drake."
She had begun begging for release from her sensual torment and he knew he would give her anything and everything that she wanted. He eased between her thighs and as he entered her with a single, hard thrust, he knew what it felt like to be high on the mountains, walking