Free Love and Always (A Pound of Flesh #1.5) by Sophie Jackson

his scared, hurting words with her mouth, kissing him with every ounce of love she had. She lost herself to the kiss, seeking out his tongue and bringing it into her mouth so she could taste him, so he could taste her. He grunted and held her so tightly, pinching her wet skin. With his arms around her, he lifted her, pushing his hard body into hers, making her gasp against his lips. She settled on him, waiting for him to guide her, to feel his familiar, strong, urgent hands on her hips. But he didn’t move.
    “I just need to feel you,” he explained, holding her, breathing into her. “Us.”
    “We’re okay,” she told him simply. “I’m here.”
    Kat’s heart broke for the helplessness he felt, and for Max and the excruciating struggle he was going through. Despite her initial anxieties regarding Max and the way he lived his life before he entered rehab, she could barely comprehend the strength it must have taken him to get up each and every day and face a world without his love, without the son Lizzie was carrying before his tragic loss. The mere thought of losing Carter sent a sharp pain lancing through her chest.
    After kissing for what felt like hours, Carter eventually kneeled up in the tub, placing Kat on the edge of it, and made love to her slowly, tenderly, moving, not with purpose to come, but to immerse them both in the sensation of their lovemaking. Kat’s orgasm was gradual and warm and pulsed through her body for minutes afterward.

    Wrapped in woolen blankets by the fire, Kat and Carter ate grilled cheese, feeding one another grapes, sipping wine, and enjoying the sound of the thunderous rain on the roof.
    “Did you mean what you said to your mom on Christmas Eve, about having the wedding here at the house this summer?” Carter asked, his gaze fixed on the flickering fire.
    “Sure. I don’t want to wait a long time, and I think a wedding here would be beautiful. Me barefoot in the sand. You sexy as hell in . . . well, anything.” She smiled when he snorted. “It is the place I told you I loved you for the first time.”
    Carter nodded and leaned back, his head resting in Kat’s lap. “The thing is, you know I’d marry you anywhere, anytime,” he said, teasing the ends of her hair with his fingertips. “I mean, I’d marry you tomorrow, right here, your mother’s prenup and all”—Kat laughed—“But I . . .”
    Kat cupped his cheek, knowing he was hesitating through his fear of disappointing her. Her heart bloomed with warmth. “But you don’t want to make any plans until Max is home.”
    Carter sighed with clear relief. His voice was small, his face apologetic. “Yeah.”
    Kat shook her head. “It’s all right. I figured that’s how you felt. I know you want him there. Why wouldn’t you?”
    “You’re sure?”
    Kat paused, biting her lip. “Will we still be engaged?”
    Carter’s brow furrowed. “Damn right.”
    “Do I still get to kiss you whenever I want?”
    Catching on, he smirked. “ Anywhere you want.”
    “And we’ll still be waking up together every morning?”
    “I’ll even let you be the big spoon.”
    “Then I’m sure.”
    Carter laughed and pulled her down to him, peppering her face with kisses. “I fucking love you,” he said ardently, rolling her onto her back and lying over her. “My Peaches.”
    “It’ll all be okay, Carter,” she whispered. “I promise. He’ll be okay.”
    He pulled her closer. “I hope so, baby. I truly hope so.”

acknowledgments

    Thank you once again to everyone who has made this possible. The team I have behind me is truly amazing, filled with people who have endless patience, and who encourage me to always be my best. Lorella, Micki, Louise, you’re epic. I admire and value you all so much, and I don’t tell you all nearly enough. Thank you.
    To my family, who have to put up with so much. I will never be able to show you how much your tolerance and belief in me means. I love you.
    To all of you who continue to have