My eyes followed Reed as he made his way to the front. He hadn't mentioned being a speaker, but maybe it wasn't a big deal since he was an employee. There was a slight sheen on his forehead. Maybe he didn’t like public speaking. I didn't take him for the type to be afraid to talk in front of people considering he instructed fitness classes.

The microphone screeched when Reed adjusted it to his height, he winced. His eyes landed on me and he smiled before starting his speech.

"Hello everyone, my name's Reed. It's great to see you all here to celebrate our ten-year anniversary, but also such a great cause. At our gym, we focus on more than weight-loss and physiques. We focus on helping people live healthier lifestyles."

Reed took a sip of the bottle of water that was given to him at the beginning of the speech.

"This year I  had the opportunity to help someone very special. When I met this client, I knew that she was different. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all my clients and put my best foot forward when it comes to helping them. It's just this particular client captivated me from the first time I saw her. She was the most beautiful woman I'd ever set eyes on. So much so that for the first time I risked my professional integrity and gave her my number."

Reed's eyes bore into mine. I couldn't blink, couldn't think, I wasn't even sure how I was breathing.

"That client turned into more than that. She turned into my best friend, my confidant, the best thing that ever happened to me. My love."

Reed broke eye contact with me and looked down on the ground. His shoulder slumped as he continued.

"Being a stupid man, I pushed her away. I didn't trust her when she was truly one of the few people in the world that were looking out for me and wanted what was best for me. She only ever wanted me to be safe and happy. I was too blinded by my insecurities and past to see it and I pushed her away."

The room was silent. The room was hanging on his every word just as much as I was. His coworkers kept glancing at me gauging my reaction. Mine had to be a mix of shock and bewilderment. This was certainly not the speech I had been expecting.

"Then by the higher powers that be or by some miracle, she agreed to spend time with me as friends again. I've even been so lucky that she agreed to join me at this ball tonight. Penelope, I hate to put you on the spot, but can you please come up here a second?"

One of the girls that Reed worked with nudged me because apparently, my feet had decided they didn't know how to move. I shook my head no, not wanting all that attention on me, but he made a 'come here' gesture with his hands. He looked vulnerable. A man came over and took my elbow helping me up and escorting me to the podium.

When we reached the front Reed reached his hand out to me. My hand was trembling as I placed it in his. His smile was so sweet. I was too nervous to return it. I chanced a glance around the room and all eyes were on us. I wouldn't consider myself a shy person, but all those eyes on us had my legs feeling weak. Reed turned his whole body to face me.

"Penelope I was a complete idiot. I chose to ignore your affection and kindness. I was too blinded by pain and the need to save someone that wasn't ready to be saved. In the process, I hurt you. You are the first woman I've ever opened up to about my past. You are the first woman that I've ever imagined what my future could be like with. You are the first woman I've truly allowed myself to love. I know sorry isn't enough to make up for the hurt I caused you, but I am so sorry. I'm committed to spending each and every day showing you how sorry I am and how much I love you. How much I really need you."

The emotions of the whole situation took over. I hated crying in front of people, but the tears were flowing freely. Someone placed a tissue in my free hand. I dabbed at my eyes knowing it was no use.

"I know that I said I'd try to just be your friend, but I can't do that anymore. I want to be your lover, your friend, your everything. Penelope, I know I don't deserve it but please give me another chance to prove my devotion to us."

Reed placed the microphone back on the podium. He grabbed my free hand with his and pulled me into him.

"Do you think you can ever forgive me Penny and move forward together?"

I buried my head into his chest overwhelmed by emotions. I did love him so much. He'd hurt me, but unlike Alec, he thought he was doing what was right for his family. Alec had just been a jerk that wanted his cake and to eat it too. The time we were apart had truly sucked. No matter how much I tried to get him out of my system he was still always there. I imagined he always would be.

I nodded my head against his chest. His hands captured the sides of my face and he lifted my face to look at his.

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes," I replied barely able to get the word out.

His arms encased my body, and he began to kiss me as he spun me around. Much to my surprise, I giggled. When he placed me firmly back on the ground, his smile was magnificent.

"I love you so much, Penny. Thank you so much for not giving up on me. You are the single greatest gift that has ever come into my life. I'm so thankful for you."

"I love you too Reed. Don't blow it this time. I'll be holding you to your word."

"I'd expect nothing less. Let's get out of here, yeah?"

"Don't you need to stay until the end since it's your work event?"

He dipped his forehead to touch mine.

"Somehow I think they will understand if I leave early."

“Good, because I’m done being the center of attention for one day. I should have made you sweat before giving you my answer after that stunt you just pulled.”

“You can make me sweat alright.” He winked at me. His mind was in the gutter.

He reached for my hand and started to pull me toward the door. An applause erupted from the crowd and a few cat whistles sounded as well. Reed gave a salute as we slipped out of the door into the night.

"Where are we going?" I asked Reed when I realized he wasn’t taking me back to my place.

"Home," was all he answered.

When we pulled into his driveway, I wasn't surprised. We didn't talk on the way to the door or while he opened it. As soon as it was shut he had me against it kissing and touching my most intimate places. He took his time worshiping every part of me. Showing me just how much he'd missed me.

***

Reed wasted no time lifting my dress up and over my head. His hands were back on me grazing every part of my body. He wrapped his arms around my back and unlatched my bra. My bare nipples now up and at attention anticipating his touch. He didn't disappoint. His head dipped down as he alternated sucking and licking each nipple.

My back arched against the door. I reached down to his pants trying to unbuckle them so I could stroke his hard length.

"Here, let me help," he said around my nipple.

Without stopping his delicious torture to my breasts he reached down and made quick work of unbuttoning his pants They dropped down around his ankles.

"You still have too many clothes on too. Let me help you with that."

He pulled my panties down my legs to the floor. His face was level with my sex. He ran a finger through my slit.

“You’re so wet, Penelope. Is this all for me?”

He smiled up at me as he placed his finger in his mouth and sucked it dry.

"Mmm, delectable."

My hands went to his hair trying to pull him up. "Please Reed, I'm aching for you."

"Not so fast sweetheart. Now that I had a taste I need the whole thing."

He buried his face in my mound and ran his tongue over my clit."

My knees buckled. "Oh, fuck," I gasped.

This egged him on. He continued to lick and suck until I felt like I was going to explode.

"Oh my gosh, that feels so good."

"I know something that's going to feel even better."

Before I knew what was happening, he was back on his feet.

"Wrap your leg around me, baby."

He grabbed my left thigh and guided it around his hip. He positioned himself at my center.

"I'm not going to be able to go slow this time, Penny. I need you too bad right now."

"I don't want you to go slow."

He entered into me with one thrust. A groan came from deep in his throat.

"Damn it, you feel even better than I remember."

I licked my lips loving the way I was able to make him feel.

He pulled back out and plunged back in, in  a steady rhythm. My head fell back against the door as I took all that he gave. His tongue licked up my neck to my mouth where he kissed me hard and deep.

His thrust sped up and I could feel my orgasm building. His steady thrusts became more frantic  until I heard myself scream out.

"That's right, sing for me, sweetheart."

Moments later Reed let out a curse and collapsed against me.

***

After the most intense love making, I'd ever experienced we cuddled up on his couch. He stroked his hand over my hip as my head laid on his shoulder. I felt complete peace and satisfaction.

"This is exactly how I want to end every day. With you right by my side," Reed said.

"I think I could get used to this too."

"You better, love because there is no way I'm letting you go again. You’re my forever."