Kai

Bruised ribs are a bitch.

When talking. When walking. When lying down. When leaving the hospital against doctor’s orders.

Bruised ribs are a complete and utter bitch.

“Thanks, man,” I wheeze out, and the cab driver looks at me like he can’t get me out of his car fast enough.

The limp in my step makes every move forward that much more excruciating, and I have to brace a hand against the door for a moment before I can manage to reach for the knob. Never before has a simple task felt like such a burden. My hand shakes and rattles the knob of the front door. One. Last. Breath. And then I’ll knock. Stinging discomfort paralyzes my muscles as I bring my fist up and force three strikes.

I almost fall forward when the front door swings open, and Burke gives me his driest of smirks. “Shit, Kai …” Burke’s already bracing to catch me. “Paisley said you were already gone from the hospital when she attempted to pick you up almost an hour ago. You should have fucking waited.”

“Paisley … came … to … pick … me … up?” A drawn-out wheeze rushes from my lungs with every word I produce.

“Yeah, we figured you wouldn’t stay put long once you knew we had Smith.” Burke gives me his shoulder and helps me inside.

“You couldn’t have texted that she was coming?” My body tiredly sags against him.

The unfamiliar dark home comes into view through shadows.

Burke leads me without instructions, and my exhaustion sets in as we reach a closed door in the back.

“Can you handle it from here?” He pulls back, gesturing to the room, and I stand on my own, slightly wobbly but standing nonetheless. “Don’t fucking make me unload you into my sister’s bed.”

“I’ve got it. Thanks, bro.”

Burke gives me a look; it’s quick, but it’s real. Everything has been put into perspective. All the bullshit, our egos, and drama are lifted. There is respect again in his eyes when he looks at me.

All it took was an almost-fatal fucking car accident.

After he walks away, I can’t get to Teagan fast enough despite my injuries.

Her slim leg peeks out from between the comforter, which is twisted around her sleeping form. She looks so beautiful and peaceful with her face resting on her arm.

As carefully as I can, I undress and then crawl into bed with her.

This girl is my one, my everything.

My touch frames her face, my fingertips tracing her features, and she stirs. Her tongue innocently wets her lips as she snuggles closer. Even in a strange bed, her subtle scent wraps around me and ties me in knots. Her eyes slowly blink open, filled with sleep.

“I missed you, baby,” I whisper.

“Kai?” She clears her throat of a yawn.

“Well, I hope you weren’t expecting someone else to hold you in their arms,” I tease.

Her legs tangle together with mine as her arms snake around my back.

“I mean, not unless it’s a Hemsworth brother; otherwise, it’s only you.”

Her tiny giggle pulls a smile to my face, even while she’s being cheeky.

I taste her lips, and her laughter subsides while my hands explore. The softness of her skin glides across my palms while I take my favorite journey across her skin. She quivers with every caress and trembles as our eyes link. In the dark, wrapped up in the covers, we reconnect like only soul mates can.

“I missed you.” Somehow, the pain of being away from her still rocks me, even after being reunited. Every moment with her is a precious gift. One I’ll never let either of us squander again. Second chances don’t happen often, and we won’t waste ours.

“I missed you more.” It’s cute how she even thinks that’s possible.

“I’ll let you believe that, Teagan.”

“Shut up and kiss me, Kai.”

The press of her body is a tempting allurement.

Her fingers grip the back of my neck as our mouths meet. Every bit of frustration and fear that was infecting us since the years that have passed when we originally parted ways seeps out of us between kisses. Our second chance isn’t weighted by the mistakes of our past. We take the good and move forward together, stronger and more in love than ever before. I lie back and pull Teagan to straddle my legs. The position eases the discomfort in my ribs, and of course, I love looking up at her. Her messy hair falls around her shoulders, and her smile grows so huge; it looks as if her cheeks might burst.

My hands skim up her legs as she pulls her top over her head, and her tits bounce as she throws the shirt to the ground. It’s easy to appreciate how lucky I am from my current point of view. The girl I love found her way back to me, and my best friend has pretty much finally given us his blessing. Life for us will probably never be simple. We run a shady business, and let’s face it, Burke and I don’t always follow the rules, but it really feels like things are exactly as they should be.

Teagan’s legs clutch my waist, and our heartfelt moment steams up. As her hands slide down my stomach and her face lowers between my legs, my cock grows rock hard. It’s time to make up for every minute of our time apart since the phone disconnected before the accident. I relax back and watch her every move. There isn’t anything about her that doesn’t absolutely amaze me. And the best part …

We no longer have fleeting moments in secret. We have an unrestricted lifetime together.