It Will Always Be You (You Series Book 1)

by Tina Ness

  I sit myself up on my elbow. “I was wondering … if maybe …” I take a deep breath. “Well, you’re just so tall, and the sofa really can’t be very comfortable, so if you wanted to”—I have to look away from him to finish—“sleep in here with me, it would be okay.”

  He says nothing and turns his head toward the door, so I can’t see his face to read it.

  “It’s just that being alone doesn’t feel very good right now. The bed is big enough that we can both keep to our own sides. It’s all right if you don’t want to.” I’m officially panicked for asking him. “I’m sorry I asked.”

  His head snaps back to look at me, and he places his finger gently to my lips to stop me from rambling. “Relax. I want more than anything to stay in here with you, Beth. I’m just not sure if it’s the best idea, given everything you’ve just been through.”

  We both look intently at each other.

  “I don’t want to be alone tonight. Please don’t go back out there.” I take his hand and begin to lie down, relieved that he follows suit. I can hear his breath accelerate, just the way mine has, as he positions himself behind me along the contours of my body. I adjust myself farther back into him and pull his arm tighter around me. His heaving chest is against my back.

  “I thought you said we would be sleeping on our own sides.” His mouth is so close that his lips brush my ear as he speaks. I close my eyes, hypersensitive to every solid inch of him that is touching me.

  “I need you next to me.”

  I turn my head back toward him, and he kisses my cheek and the corner of my mouth. He pulls me in tighter as I settle my head back down on my pillow. I have never fallen asleep in any man’s arms—I can never seem to get settled—but in this moment, I don’t care if I have to stay up all night, just so I never have to feel Marshall let go. His breath begins to slow, and I’m sure he’s asleep. I have never felt so safe, so whole. Oddly enough, I feel loved. I wish I could feel like this forever.

  ***

  Wednesday, June 9

  I have never been much for cuddling, but I have also never shared a bed with someone who makes me feel the way Marshall does, either. I have been lying here awake for nearly a half hour after one of the best nights of sleep I ever recall having. He is still holding me, and neither of us has moved. I wonder if he is awake, and I can’t help but wonder if he’d had any of the same thoughts I did as I drifted off to sleep last night. There wasn’t a single dirty thought I could come up with that I hadn’t thought of lying there in his arms.

  I decide to head to the kitchen and make us some breakfast. I slowly wiggle out from beneath his arm, but my actions aren’t as smooth as I’d hoped. He is still sound asleep. I wonder how little sleep this man must be running on. The attack was five days ago, and the worry he must have felt going through something even remotely close to what he has been through with his wife must have been so hard on him.

  I watch the rise and fall of his chest, stare at the strong biceps that had only seconds ago been wrapped around me, and bask in the fullness of the lips that had kissed mine so gently last night and with so much longing and hunger only a few weeks ago.

  What is this man doing to me? I’ve just begun to scratch the surface of who Marshall really is, so it can’t be love. I don’t know what you call this feeling I’m having, but I sure as hell don’t want it ever to go away. It’s a million miles from anything I ever felt with Gavin.

  If my head wasn’t still sore, I would be skipping on my way to the kitchen instead of walking. I’m so elated. Marshall confessed that I have been on his mind ever since the first time he saw me. He remembered a flower I said I liked. Good God, do you know what that does to a girl? Cloud nine doesn’t come close to the way I feel at this very moment. I couldn’t have imagined he would have taken a second look at me, let alone have me on his mind since he first laid eyes on me. This all seems too good to be true, but if it doesn’t work out, I would rather have Marshall for a little while than never at all. I can’t wait until I have healed and he won’t need to feel like he has to be so careful with me anymore.

  I pop what I hope to be the very last pain pill I will ever need and munch on a few crackers before I start on breakfast. I have no idea what’s in the fridge since my mom and Rose stocked it yesterday morning. I’m not sure what Marshall likes for breakfast, so I decide on French toast, scrambled eggs, and fresh cantaloupe.

  Krystal comes into the kitchen, shuffling her feet and yawning. “What’s with the couch?” she asks.

  “Marshall stayed over last night.” My smile must be a mile wide.

  She looks stunned. “Well, where is he now?”

  “In my bed.”

  “Well, you little vixen, you.”

  “Nothing happened, so chill out. Want some breakfast?” I ask.

  “Actually, if you’re okay here, I may just head home and get some more sleep before work.”

  “I’m fine with that.”

  “So he calls you Beth, huh?”

  “Yes, and I love it.”

  Krystal rolls her eyes and laughs. “Well, enjoy your breakfast. I’ll see you later.”

  I pull up my acoustic morning music mix, which includes Jamestown Revival, the band Peter had recommended. I absolutely love it, so pop my phone onto the speaker dock and keep the sound low so I won’t wake my sleeping prince.

  I sing along to “California” and sway to the rhythm. My kitchen is lit brightly with morning sun, and the wonderful aroma of coffee greets my nose as I begin to cut up the cantaloupe. Mornings have always been my favorite. The light of a new day, seeing the birds outside an open window, and the feeling of fresh air as it passes through the kitchen. The energy and possibilities are so fresh, alive, and vibrant.

  On the deck out back, I have my patio table all set up and ready for breakfast with Marshall, so I head in to see if Marshall is up yet. I open the sliding glass door only to see my sister and mom standing right there in my kitchen.

  “Wow, someone is feeling better. Why are you making breakfast?” My mom snorts. “I figured Krystal would take care of it.”

  “I wanted to make breakfast, Mom. I’m fine.” How do I tell her Krystal left me alone with a man my family has never met and who I have only just begun to get to know?

  “Did Krystal get a truck?” Rose chimes in.

  “No.” I bite my lip to hide my grin.

  Both of them freeze, waiting for me to continue.

  “Did she borrow someone’s truck then?” my sister asks.

  “No.” I grab the pan off the stove and turn to the sink to wash it so they can’t see my face.

  “Really, Lizzie? You’re not going to fill us in?” My sister is champing at the bit for some info.

  I keep on washing, enjoying making my sister sweat it out awhile.

  “Is it the guy from the hotel or the bartender?” she begs.

  “Elizabeth, do you think it’s a good idea to jump into a relationship after what you have just been through?” my mom scolds.

  “I’m not jumping into anything, Mom.” Thankfully, the blankets and pillow are still on the sofa, so we won’t have to go there. I finish with the pan and set it down on the sink’s edge to dry before turning to face them.

  “Not that it’s anyone’s business, but his name is Marshall, and he slept on the couch. Krystal just left a half hour ago.” I’m twenty-six. I shouldn’t really have to answer to anybody about my sex life, my nonexistent one at that.

  “Is Marshall the one you’ve been eyeing up for the past two years?” Rose barely gets the words out when I hear a laugh, and in steps Marshall.

  I love that he’s confident enough just to walk into the room without the slightest look of embarrassment. I can’t say the same for Rose; her cheeks are painted red. Even my mom looks rather flustered.

  “Marshall, this is my mother, Addison, and my sister, Rose.”

  Marshall shakes their hands. “Nice to meet you, ladies.”

  As he shakes Rose’s hand, I
can’t help but wonder if he finds Rose more attractive than me, like everyone else does. Thankfully, he seems unfazed by her. He turns to me.

  “Good morning, Beth. Did you sleep well?”

  “I slept great. How about you?”

  The way he is looking at me right now is all it takes for me to blush, which totals three women blushing in my kitchen.

  “Best sleep I’ve had in a long time.”

  “I made us some breakfast. I hope you like French toast and scrambled eggs.” I motion out to the deck.

  “I should’ve been the one making you breakfast this morning.” He touches my arm, and the look of concern in his eyes has returned.

  My mom clears her throat. “You look familiar, Marshall. Have we met before?”

  He was there at the hospital, so she must have noticed him at some point.

  “No, I don’t think so,” he says.

  I wonder if he’s just saying that to avoid any awkwardness or if he never even noticed her at the hospital.

  She lets the thought go easily. “We will leave you two to your breakfast. We wanted to check on Liz before we went to get supplies for the big birthday party next weekend. You should join us next Saturday for Liz and Rose’s birthday party, Marshall.”

  “I’m sure Marshall has better things to do than attend an extremely unnecessary birthday party.” I send an annoyed look her way, but she totally misses it.

  “I have to head to Minneapolis for the next two weeks, but I appreciate the invite, Addison.”

  “Please, call me Addie. Well, if anything changes, we live a few blocks down from the Scenic Route B&B in the yellow house on First Street. ”

  “Mom, please. He said he couldn’t make it,” I retort.

  My family clearly needs to be shoved out the door. “I will walk you two out. Marshall, go ahead and start without me. I’ll be out in a minute.”

  They share good-byes, and we head to the foyer.

  I didn’t think my grin could get any bigger, but as we make it to the front door, my sister snaps around and says to me with wide eyes, “Holy shit, Liz. He’s gorgeous.”

  I look at my mom, and the flush on her cheeks is a dead giveaway that she is thinking it too. I burst into laughter at the two of them. “So it’s not only me who thinks so?”

  I shut the door and lean back against it, preparing myself for what this morning, my first with Marshall, might bring.

  Chapter 15

  “I wish you would have woken me up so I could have made you some breakfast. I should be taking care of you, not the other way around.” His serious tone wipes the childish grin right off of my face.

  “I was happy to let you sleep. You clearly needed it. I’m feeling really good today, and making a few pieces of French toast is no big deal.”

  He grabs my hands and raises them to his lips, kissing them softly. “Please let me take care of you today. It’s the least I can do when this whole thing could have been avoided, had I followed you out to your car that night.”

  “Marshall—” He places a finger on my lips.

  “Don’t argue with me, Beth. Let me do this. Plus, I always win.”

  How on earth can I resist?

  “I’ll clean up after breakfast, and then if you’re up to it, I’d like to take you somewhere today.”

  I sit quietly for a bit, like I’m pondering whether or not I will agree to it. But I can’t think of a single reason in the world that would keep me from spending a whole day with him.

  “Like I said, I feel really good today. What did you have in mind?”

  He sits back in his seat. “Well, what would be the fun in telling you that?” He flashes me a sideways grin that is impossible not to reciprocate.

  After cleaning up from our breakfast, Marshall leaves my townhouse to make a pit stop at the hotel and the distillery while I get ready.

  Before I shower, I check my phone.

  A text from Krystal:

  How are things going with pretty boy?

  Any hot sweaty sex stories to share? ;o)

  I can’t help but roll my eyes at my friend’s dirty mind. Can’t say that I mind it, either. She can turn even the most mundane into something sex-related. Just sitting at the mall, she will observe people talking and ad-lib their conversation into some hot, dirty dialogue that is wildly entertaining. It used to make me blush like a little pig-tailed virgin, but now I can actually contribute to the commentary. I’ve grown quite used to dirty talk and have learned some new phrases that in the past would have sent my prude little ass off hiding.

  Very funny! He’s taking me somewhere today and said it’s a surprise.

  We will talk tomorrow, you damn horn ball!

  Krystal replies,

  As always, damn proud of it! Talk to you soon!

  After I get showered and ready, I check my e-mail. One is from Kiki, telling me that she gave me the week off, that I’m due back the following Monday, and that I should let her know right away if I need more time off. This is perfect since I’ll get to spend some time preparing for the meeting I have in two weeks at the new nightclub, and I can’t afford not to get the job. After missing so many days of work, I will need the money. The job would be a new construction design. I love the idea of having a blank canvas and want the chance for more experience with it.

  As Marshall pulls up in front of my townhouse, I’m taken back to our first date. Both the memory and the nerves cause me to pace in anticipation. I watch in awe as Marshall runs his fingers through his dark hair, not breaking his confident stride on his way up my yard. He insisted I lock the door when he left, which I did. I wait for him to knock, not wanting it to be too obvious that I was staring longingly out the window as he approached.

  I open the door to find him looking me over like he wants to eat me. Heat climbs to my cheeks. His hungry gaze stops for a moment at my legs, and I’m thrilled with my decision to wear my favorite cutoff shorts. My legs may not be long, but they’re toned. One of my best assets, in my opinion. And the way he is looking at me, I can see he doesn’t object.

  His eyes meet mine. The passion in them is so evident it makes my breath hitch, and it’s hard to swallow. We both pause, our eyes locked. He takes a step inside and grabs hold of my waist, lifting my mouth to his with his other hand. He kisses me gently, minding my cut lip. He threads his fingers into my hair, tilting my head back as soft, fevered kisses scatter all over my neck.

  With impressive steadiness and grace, he closes the front door. I press my back firmly against it. He lifts me up higher until my legs are wrapped around him. Our moans drip with desire. With one hand, he cradles my ass, and he carefully removes my shirt with the other. His eyes search for mine, looking for any hesitation. I know damn well there isn’t any to be seen.

  I wrap my legs tighter around him and grab ahold of his shirt, working it up over his head with my good arm. The heat of his back burns into my hands as I touch every inch of the solid, toned flesh. His warm hands cup my breasts as he kisses the exposed flesh peeking out over the top of my bra.

  His shaky voice stops all action. “Are you sure—”

  I press my finger to his lips. It’s my turn to stop him from talking. I stare intently into his denim blues. “Yes, I’m sure.”

  I want this. I need this. I need to feel genuinely desired. I need more of what Marshall makes me feel. If I feel cared for, maybe some of my fear and pain will go away. I want more than ever to feel safe like I did last night in Marshall’s arms. This desire I have for Marshall is more powerful than anything I’ve ever felt. I just want to give in to it and let go of everything else.

  His eyes search mine before both of his hands grip tight under my ass. Now it’s my turn to kiss his jawline and trail his neck with kisses while he carries me through the living room and down the hallway. I ignore the pain from my injuries that prick both my lip and the side of my head. We reach my bed, and he lowers me gently until my feet touch the floor. With both feet planted, I’m given the chance to run
my hands over his picture-perfect abs. He is still. I feel his heart racing under my hands, matching mine, and I can feel him watching me admire his body, turning me on even more. I reach for the waist of his pants, and as my fingers pull on the button, he gently takes my wrist.

  “Beth, I know you think you’re up for this, but I can’t help but feel like I might hurt you.” He runs a gentle thumb across my jawline. “I never want to hurt you.”

  “We can take it slow. I promise I’m ready for this. I have never been readier for anything in my entire life,” I say, holding my gaze. I mindfully reach back and unhook my bra, letting it slip slowly down my arms.

  “I told myself I wasn’t going to go too far with you until you healed, so I don’t have any protection with me.” His voice is low and controlled.

  “I got it covered.” It feels like my entire body blushes as my face gets warm.

  He places a tender hand to my cheek, and I cover it with mine, holding a steady gaze. My hand moves into his thick hair as his soft mouth captures my breast. My head tips back in delight as his tongue teases one erect nipple, then the other.

  He slowly lowers to his knees, kissing my belly on the way down and running his tongue along the skin just above my shorts. A whimper seeps from my lips, and his face turns up to mine. Peering up at me through heavy-lidded eyes, he slowly works my shorts down my legs, his coarse fingers trailing behind, making my body tremble.

  “These legs of yours are amazing.” His voice is heavy as he leisurely stands, tracing my legs with his fingertips as he rises. He runs his fingers up my belly before cupping my breast. “And so are these.” His mouth closes again over the hard peak, and he rolls his soft tongue around in circles before nipping lightly at the glistening flesh. “And these are irresistible,” he says before his mouth eagerly covers mine. He’s still careful to avoid the cut side.

  Doesn’t he know he is the irresistible one? How he’d left my sister and mother dumbfounded this morning, along with every other woman who has ever laid eyes on this divine creature?

  “Marshall?”