Free Can't Buy Your Love by Tressie Lockwood

inhaled his masculine scent, both comforting and arousing. He held her tight, stroking her back. She picked up the rustle of the paper in his hand and gave him time.
    “I love him.”
    She tightened her hold. “I know, baby, and he’s yours. I have no doubt of that. Let’s do this together.”
    Owen shifted his shoulders and kissed the top of her head. They sat down on the couch in the living room, and he ripped apart the envelope’s seal. Together, they read the words, and tears filled Vanity’s eyes until she had to shut them.
    “99.99 percent chance…” Owen read.
    “That he’s your son,” she finished. “Thank God.”
    “Yes.”
    Owen crushed her to his chest, and she felt the tension leaving him. The letter slipped from his fingers onto the floor, and he drew her onto his lap. He cupped her face and kissed her lips. Vanity leaned into him, shutting her eyes. They rubbed cheeks, just holding on and drawing comfort. After some time, Vanity inched closer to rest her head under his chin. She lay a palm on his chest, his heart beating a rapid tattoo.
    “Next is the custody suit,” he said.
    “Are you going to tell her?”
    “Yes, I don’t want to spring it on her as she did to me.” He tipped her chin up and kissed her once again. Vanity lingered where she was, parting her lips so he could slip his tongue between them. For long moments, they danced with just their mouths, and a wave of sexual desire made Vanity’s body heat to scorching. Owen ran a hand up from her waist to her breast, and when he tweaked her nipple, she cried out in pleasure.
    In an involuntary movement, she spread her legs and took Owen’s hand from her breast to place it at her pussy. He thrust her panties aside and eased two fingers into her wetness. A shudder rocked her to the core, and she arched her hips on his thrusts.
    “Vanity.”
    She moaned. “Hm?”
    “Stay with me tonight—and every night.”
    She stilled his hand, opened her eyes, and stared at him. “What are you saying?”
    “I want us to live together. I want you beside me every day.”
    “I’m already beside you. I told you I’ll be right here throughout this custody thing. I’m not going anywhere. While I admit it’s scary, and it took me a while to take the step, I trust you.” She chuckled, a little embarrassed. “I’m even resisting the urge to prove myself with my bank card. I mean it hasn’t been that long, but you don’t know the temptations I’ve dealt with. I’m just…I’m here, Owen. I promise.”
    He raised an eyebrow while he studied her face. “In other words, no?”
    “I—”
    “I see I will have to win you over to my way of thinking.”
    “All or nothing?” she said.
    “All and all!”
    Vanity squeaked in alarm when he stood up and tossed her onto the couch. He unbuttoned his pants, and she caught her breath. The sight of the V at his groin arrested her attention, and she refused to look away. Owen shoved the slacks over his hips, and she sat forward. Her endless lust for him never dulled. They had sex everyday, but it was more than just about the physical. Owen seemed to know when to be gentle and when to dominate her. He read her like a book, and she loved it. She loved him . Each time they were together, admitting the fact came easier, both in her mind and out loud to him.
    The tenderness that came into his gaze, the way he held out his hand to her, all drew her like a moth, but not to flame. More and more, Owen became a haven rather than danger or risk to her heart. She blossomed in his love and attention, and it made her want to get better—to give him better in return.
    “I’ll stay,” she said on impulse, yet sure the second the word left her lips. “I’ll move in.”
    His eyes grew round, and then he extended a hand to her. Vanity put hers in his and stood. They ascended the stairs to his bedroom and shed the rest of their clothes. At the bedside, Vanity drifted into his embrace. They clung to one another, and she