A/N: Hope you'll forgive me for the cliffhanger, and that this one brings you a chuckle or two! I owe you, haha... Enjoy, and thanks for the overwhelming support you continue to shower on me! Makes me the happiest writer ;) xo

***

I finish cleaning the table and kitchen, doing the dishes and buying us both time to cool down. I need Dakota to know I'm truly sorry, and that I don't blame her for what happened. The heat of the moment swept us up, and it's time to backpedal out of the mud.

I turn off all the lights and make my way toward the bedroom, hoping with any luck that's where we'll be the rest of the night.

Zepp sits up and wags his tail when I enter. Dakota is facing away from me with a book in her hand. I scratch Zepp's head before changing out of my clothes. Dakota doesn't say a word while I strip down to my boxers. I sit on the edge to empty my pants pockets and still nothing. I would think she's asleep if she wasn't turning the pages of her novel.

Zepp lies back down on the floor at the foot of the bed when I roll toward her. I take a huge risk by snaking my arm around her waist to pull her closer.

"Stop," she says, trying to free herself, but I won't let her.

"Baby, let me talk."

She sets her book on the nightstand. "You can't cuddle your way into an apology right now."

I kiss the sweet spot behind her ear and she squirms. Works every damn time. "Can I kiss my way?"

She giggles, but uses both hands to loosen my grip. "Jamie, don't. Come on."

"My temptation is to make you laugh, I can't help it."

She rolls over to face me. I get lost in her baby blue gaze, forgetting every negative word we exchanged. All is right when she looks at me this way.

I tuck a hair behind her ear and she closes her eyes at my touch. "I'm sorry for what transpired. For taking my anger with Hayley out on you when it wasn't your fault. For raising my voice at you. But above all, for making you cry. I don't want to be responsible for your sadness. It's too heavy a load. Unless those tears come from laughing, I don't want to see them."

She sighs. "I'm sorry, too. I didn't mean to throw your family in your face. We agreed to everything, I was just hurt you didn't trust my lunch with Nick was innocent. I'm sorry if I was insensitive to your feelings. We shouldn't try to outdo each other's pain."

I trail my fingertips across her shoulder. "The only thing that hurts me is knowing I hurt you. I love you, and hope you'll forgive me in time."

She looks at me and nods. "I didn't run."

I furrow my eyebrows, not following.

"To my house, I mean. That was your fear, wasn't it? Well, I stayed."

I bite my lip, relief washing over me. "We'll both stay and work things out, every time. Because I want this forever, and neither of us are perfect, but we can cross those bridges when we come to them."

She cups my hand to her cheek. "I don't want to be mad at you, Jamie. I hope you know how much I love you too, and it hurts to watch you question that, knowing I can't stop your insecurities. I try to prove my loyalty, and I hope someday it'll be enough for you."

I pull her closer before she starts crying again. "Sweetheart, you're more than enough. More than I deserve. Don't ever think that. I can't believe I've let you think that. You are my world, baby. I can't imagine life without you."

"And I can't imagine mine without you." She kisses my nose. "I've handed you my heart in hopes you'll never break it. You're who I want to be with, and if that somehow weren't true, I never would've waited."

I nod, breaking our intense gaze to breathe. She's put her entire life on the line for me. Staying single. Laying low. Playing the PR game. This woman has given me everything and she deserves the sun, moon, and stars for putting up with my shit. Her love knows no bounds, and I can't believe she wants to love me, the fool who made her cry.

"Deep down I do know that. I'll work harder on taming my jealousy. But I love you so much, and want to tell every person I see. It's hard to pretend like we're just costars. You're the love of my life, and I have to lie to every camera and interviewer, knowing you'll see it."

"It's not easy for me either. Every time they ask about my personal life I can't tell them I've fallen in love with my best friend." She grins. "That I met my soulmate on the set of a BDSM movie."

I laugh at that. "Like I can't tell them how hard I was for you every fucking day on set."

She snorts. "The Dornan D was out of control a few times. Although I was impressed with my ability to turn you on with a simple kiss."

I lick my lips. "Simple. Since when are you simple, Johnson? In my defense, I'd never been kissed like that before or felt a connection so deep the moment we touched. God help the D. Never stood a chance against you."

She runs her fingers through my hair. "You're forgiven," she whispers.

"I don't deserve to be." I shrug, turning to kiss her palm.

She narrows her gaze. "You deserve to be loved in a way no one else is capable of except—"

"You," I interrupt.

"Me." She blushes, caressing the side of my face with her soft hands.

"We have make up sex now?" I wiggle my eyebrows and she laughs.

"Yes. Nice and slow."

I grin. "I can handle that."

"Zepp," she calls.

I hear him stand with the rattle on his collar.

"Bed," she commands, and his nails clack against the floor as he heads off down the hall.

"Bossy." I wink.

"Then take control." She bites her bottom lip and I'm done for. The Dornan D suddenly alert and ready to tackle the task at hand: her perfect body beneath mine.

I roll on top of her, kissing her lips before sucking my way down her neck to her chest. I look up into her eyes before pulling the strap of her sundress down her arm to expose her breast. She hums when I swirl my tongue around its hardening peak.

"Your skin is beautiful, baby."

She grips my hair with a smirk. "Taste it then."

I groan as I try to maintain control and not ravish her body. I lean back to shimmy her dress over her torso. She lifts herself to help me get it off. I look between us to admire the lace panties that remain.

I scoot across the bed, nestling between her spread legs. I lick and trail kisses down her soft abdomen. "Delicious."

"Mhmm." She snakes her foot down my back, her heel pressing into my ass.

"Thought you said slow?" I smirk as I grip her panties with my fingers. I kiss her covered mound and she arches into my lips.

"Too slow," she breathes.

I chuckle, tugging them over her thighs. She moves her legs to let me pull the lace completely off and toss the thong on the floor. I rub my thumb over her clit and she gasps. "Reactive."

"Touch me," she begs.

"Like this?" I continue to roll my thumb, sliding it down through her folds and dipping it into her.

She writhes beneath my torture and grips the sheets for support. "Jamie."

"Say it again," I command.

"Jamie, please."

I hum, sucking her clit between my lips and she arches off the bed, her nails digging into my scalp. I trail my tongue down the same path as my thumb to lick and taste her soft flesh.

She's panting and I know the longer I keep this sensual rhythm the closer she gets. My dick is throbbing against the bed, it's almost painful how bad I want her. But I'm not giving in that easily. I owe her, and I'm going to get her there over and over tonight.

I add my middle finger to the mix, pressing it into her and coaxing her orgasm to the brink.

"Fuck, don't stop," she breathes, rolling her hips.

I tug her folds with my teeth. "All the way, baby."

I suck her swollen bud one more time, and she unravels. My name and a slur of curses fall from her lips. I slow the swirl of my finger as she throbs around it.

"I need you," she whispers.

I break my contact to slide up her body. Her eyes are full of emotion as she cups my face in her hands.

"Love me," she says.

I nod. "Forever."

She pulls me to her mouth, crushing me in a feverish kiss as I reach between us to free my length from my boxers. It's not easy, but I manage to get them far enough out of the way. Her tongue meets mine, tasting herself on it and I groan into her throat.

"Hands," I breathe, grabbing them from my face to interlock our fingers.

She grins up at me when I push them above her head. "I love you."

Her confession is heartfelt, and everything we said earlier is now meaningless. This honest and raw expression of love is the real us, without the frustration of outside noise interfering.

She moves her leg slightly as a signal, and I enter her one inch at a time so she can feel every bit of me that belongs to her—my weight pressed against her torso, our breathing and heartbeats in sync.

"I love you, Dakota. And I always will. Let me show you." I grip her hands as I begin to move at a slow pace. I want every ounce of this.

Her eyes well up, and I latch onto her lips, kissing away those remaining emotions as we connect body, heart, and soul.

***

I'm jolted awake by my phone ringing from the nightstand. Dakota and I both groan as I roll over. It's only 7AM, who the hell could be calling? We've been asleep a few hours after a night filled with lovemaking. She's going to be sore.

I check the screen to see it's a FaceTime call from Dulcie then the ringtone registers with me. "Shit," I mutter. "It's the girls."

Dakota scrambles to find her dress as I slide my finger to answer before it stops. I try to never miss their calls.

"Daddyyy," she squeals when it connects.

"Hi, baby girl. How are you?"

"Fine. Home from school." She chomps on an apple slice. "Where are you?"

"In bed."

"Oh," she says, wrinkling her forehead. "It's afternoon. Why?"

I chuckle. "Sweetie, LA is in a different time zone. It's only 7 in the morning here."

She nods, oblivious to my explanation. "Where's your shirt?"

I smile. "Daddy hasn't put one on yet."

Dakota leans against my arm, so I move the phone to get her in the frame. Dulcie lights up when she sees her, and my heart soars.

"Kota!"

"Hi baby!" She blows her a kiss. "I miss you."

"I miss you, too. When you come see me?"

She looks up at me and I grin.

"Not sure yet," she answers. "But hopefully soon. Where's your sister?"

"Napping."

"Aww, okay. How's school?"

"Fun. We played outside today and I drew on the ground with chalk."

"Pretty," Dakota says.

"What did you draw?" I ask.

"A rainbow. It had all the colors, Daddy."

I beam with pride as Dakota nestles my arm further, rubbing her hand up and down its side.

"You're a great artist," I tell her. "You should draw Kota a picture."

"Okay!" she exclaims. "What you like, Kota?"

"Flowers. Horses. Dogs. The ocean. I like a lot of things," she says. "But I would love anything you colored for me."

Her response triggers an idea that I should act upon later today.

"I can draw flowers," Dulcie says.

"Perfect." Dakota winks at her.

"Daddy, you come here soon?"

I feel Dakota kiss my shoulder. I nod. "Soon, darlin.' Not soon enough. Are you being a good girl for mummy?"

She shrugs. "I guess."

Dakota and I both laugh.

"Are you helping take care of Sissy like I asked?"

She nods. "She's annoying."

"Aww." I pout. "She's just little. Be good to her. Daddy needs you to love each other, understood?"

"Okay, Daddy. I love her."

"Tell her we said hi," Dakota says.

"She talks 'bout you."

"What about Daddy?" I ask. "Am I chopped liver?"

She giggles. "No, she miss Kota."

I huff. "Well, we both miss both of you, how about that?"

Her smile warms every fiber of my being as I look at the corner of the screen to see Dakota's happy face. My girls.

"Love you," Dulcie says.

"I love you," I tell her.

"Kota you love me?"

Dakota's breath hitches and I think she's taken aback by Dulcie's sweet sentiment.

"Yes, buttercup, I love you lots."

Dulcie claps. "I love you, bye!"

And without further notice the video ends. I chuckle and shake my head, setting my phone back down. I look over and Dakota is wiping her eyes.

"I've made you cry way too many times in 24 hours." I pull her under my arm and she laughs.

"Your daughter made me cry."

I kiss her hair. "She loves you, and that makes me the happiest man on Earth. I hope you know that."

She nods. "I'm so lucky. I love your babies, and thank you for letting me be part of their lives."

I move to force her gaze. "Sweetheart, the three of you are my life. I should be thanking you. I know I come with so much baggage, and none of this has been easy, but you accept us without hesitation. You're incredible."

She scratches my beard, and I revel in her loving touch. "Because you are my fate, and everything that comes with it is an added bonus."

I pull her up to my lips, kissing hers gently. "Before you make me cry, why don't you shower so I can take you on an adventure?"

Her eyebrows furrow when she breaks us apart. "Adventure? What do you have up your sleeve now, Dornan?"

"An extension of my apology." I smirk.

"I forgave you, baby. Let's move on."

I nod. "We have. But I also want to try something with you. It'll be fun, promise."

She sighs with a chuckle. "You always have my trust."

"All right then, chief. Up and at 'em."

She snorts when I roll her toward the edge of the bed and slap her ass. "Jamie!"

"Dakota!" I mock. "Get your ass moving. And wear a bikini."

I laugh when she stands with a confused expression.

"Expect the unexpected." I shrug, and leave her on that note to go schedule the idea I'd had only moments ago.

***

I'm in the kitchen putting everything away from breakfast when the doorbell rings. Surprise number one has arrived. Dakota looks over at me from the table.

"Can you get that?" I ask.

"Sure." She hops up and heads to answer it. Zepp barks twice before she snaps and silences him.

I cross my arms as I anticipate her reaction. She swings the door open and I hear her gasp at the man on the other side.

"Miss Johnson?" he asks.

"That's me."

"For you, madam." He hands her the big bouquet of flowers.

She thanks him as he disappears, kicking the door shut while she admires them. "James Dornan."

I snort. "Yes, baby?"

"You are perfect. Look at these."

I can't contain the cheek-to-cheek smile that stretches across my face. Her eyes peek through the petals of orange and pink to gaze at me.

"You like?"

She giggles. "I love. They're gorgeous!"

"Gorgeous flowers for a gorgeous girl."

She smirks, walking to me. "That was super cheesy, but you're flawless either way."

I laugh when she leans in and kisses me hard. I grin into her lips as she tugs on my bottom one before letting go.

"Read the card," I say.

She sets them on the counter to pull it from the plastic tongs. I blush when she begins to recite it aloud. "Flowers, horses, dogs, the ocean. Finland and Zepp count as two of your favorite things. Now for the flowers, and then next the ocean. Love you forever, Jamie."

I bite my lip and pray she doesn't cry again. I've made her an emotional mess—time to create a happy memory.

"This is too sweet, babe," she says. "So that's why I'm in a bikini?"

I nod. "Unless you want to stay home. I don't mind you taking that cover-up off and walking around the house in it."

She laughs. "No, I'm too nosy. I have to know what you're planning. If it's anything like Finland, I'm bound to be surprised."

"Damn." I shrug. "It's just a day at the beach, nothing more."

She rolls her eyes. "Nice try."

I chuckle, reaching for her hand. "Your chariot awaits, m'lady."

"Cheesy Jamie is here to stay, yay!" She intertwines our fingers.

"Keys?" I display my empty palm.

She sighs, grabbing the Porsche remote from the table beside the door and hands it to me.

"That was easy," I mumble.

She bumps my hip and I laugh, leading her to the car. I open the door for her before walking around to join her. The seductive engine roars to life as we head out. I crack the windows, turn up the radio, and we both get lost in the songs that play while driving up the Pacific Coast Highway.

Dakota doesn't ask any questions as we make our way to our destination. I'm pleased to find a barren lot near the beach in Malibu. A spot Melanie promised me was secluded, and by the looks of it, we're the only two within a solid mile. I park and she finally looks over, clearly inquisitive.

"You can leave the cover up," I say.

"I forgot towels."

I shrug. "I didn't. Already in the back."

I can tell she's eyeing me through her sunglasses. "When?"

"Baby, you take long showers, and I'm quick."

She shakes her head. "You're amazing."

"Leave the shades behind, too."

She takes them off and moves them to the console. I drop mine in with hers before pulling my shirt over my head. She watches me, contemplating what's to come. A second later she removes her cover up.

"Ready?" I ask.

She giggles. "For whatever."

We both get out and I reach for her hand again, leading her down the beach. I can tell she's curious as to why we left the towels in the trunk since she looks back at the car. She slows her step when we approach a lifeguard station.

"Where are we going?" she asks.

"Inside to get our wetsuits." I aim for nonchalant, because I love gauging her reactions to my surprises.

"Jamie, what the hell are we doing?"

About that time a tall, tan, toned, and very much shirtless lifeguard comes out onto the deck. His blonde hair blows in the wind as he smiles and waves. I lead Dakota up toward him.

"Hey, I'm Jeff," he says, offering me his hand when we approach.

I shake it as he eyes Dakota one second too long for my liking. "I'm Jamie, I called earlier. This is my girlfriend, Dakota."

He nods and shakes her hand as well. "Nice to meet you both. If you want to come on in, we'll get you suited up."

She wraps her free arm around mine, and for the first time in a long time, I can tell she's nervous. Luckily I've dealt with anxious Dakota more than once and know how to calm her down—Fifty filming being the most nervous she's been, and a few interviews and events along the way. To be fair, she's better at calming me down, but I guess that's why we mesh perfectly, because we know each other so well.

We walk into a room full of boards and wetsuits. Jeff wanders over to a section and flips through a few before deciding on two.

"These should work." He holds them up in front of us and we both take the one he's selected.

"And these here," he says as he walks to two surfboards propped by the door. "Are best for beginners, and look like they'll be a good fit. Any questions?"

Dakota opens her mouth, but I interject.

"Thanks, Jeff. I'll take it from here."

He nods, and hands us our boards before walking off.

"Are you serious?" Dakota whispers.

I laugh. "I am, baby. Put your suit on."

She sighs, but follows my direction. There are a couple other male lifeguards who glance over as we get ready; I hope they don't recognize us or worse, aren't eye-fucking my girlfriend. I motion toward the door and she nods, zipping herself in and grabbing her board. We walk out and back down to the sand.

"You have some explaining to do," Dakota says.

"Teach me to surf." I smirk as she stands in front of me gripping her board. She looks adorably confused with the sun highlighting her hair and skin.

She laughs. "You planned an activity you don't know how to do?"

I shrug. "You're taking me to Hawaii. Figured I could use some prep."

She puts her hand on her hip. "You're so certain that's where we're going."

I nod. "Yes, because you love to make me happy and Hawaii makes me real happy. Now show me what's worth, Johnson."

"This will be entertaining to say the least."

I chuckle. "Don't trust my skills and quick ability to learn?"

She shakes her head. "No, I don't trust my skills to teach you."

I wrinkle my forehead, worried I've overshot my adventurous plans. "Jesse said you guys surfed together all the time growing up?"

Even in the bright glare I can see her blush. "Jesse talks too much."

"I think he talks just enough, because you seem surprised I know this."

She nods. "Surprised my brother thinks I'm a decent surfer. He should be here teaching you." She pauses, and I almost apologize before she goes on. "But I love that we're out in the daylight doing something as a couple, so I'm not going to waste this. Let's give it a shot, Dornan."

"There's my girl," I say, beaming with pride. "Lead the way."

She bends down to strap the leash to her ankle, and I do the same with mine. She stands confidently, tucking the board under her arm—I'm her shadow and letting her take the lead now. I follow her to the water, admiring the swing of her hips and the outline of her plump ass even in a wetsuit. I whistle and she snaps her head around to eye me.

"Sorry, enjoying the view."

She giggles, running toward the ocean and I'm hot on her tail. Her heels splash water onto my legs as her sexy frame becomes soaked the deeper we go.

"Ready?" she asks.

I nod and give her thumbs up. She hops on her board belly first, and I mimic her actions. We paddle out over the waves, and I instantly realize how difficult this is, my arms already aching from the motions. We find a smooth patch and she swings herself upright to straddle the board. I am not that graceful, so naturally I roll off into the water to a fit of her laughter. I blink away the salt water, and get back on, sitting beside her as we wade.

"You okay, babe?" She's still laughing.

"It's all fun and games until you fall, remember that."

She snorts. "I'm the expert, right?"

"Whatever," I mutter.

She pinches my arm and I laugh. "Don't be so competitive. Relax. It's much easier to learn if you're not worried about being perfect."

I sigh—exactly what I mean by her knowing when to correct me. "Tell me what to do then."

"Okay, you'll want to lay back down and once we find a wave instead of swinging your legs around like this, you'll lean up on the board, feet at the end and hop to a kneeling position. From there you do your best to balance, eventually trying to stand all the way up, keeping your knees bent. Follow the wave then jump off at the end."

I laugh out loud. "We're going to be here all day."

She grins, shading her eyes with her hand. "First few times will be rough, but you'll get used to the water and the board then you'll be fine."

"Coming from a girl who doesn't think she knows what she's doing."

"Fine, maybe I'm decent. We'll see."

"Show me," I say, displaying my hand.

"Do what I do."

I settle back down on the board and take a deep breath, hoping I don't absolutely humiliate myself or hurt one of us. I keep a safe distance as we paddle with the waves. She looks behind her, finding one.

"This one," she yells.

I steady myself and watch her. She hops up, so I do the same, my ankles feeling like jelly as they try to overcorrect the movement. The wave pushes us and she successfully stands for a second before falling off. I, on the other hand, hit the water before I even kneel completely.

I come up and sigh, trying to keep my composure. Dakota gets back on as I wipe the salt water away before doing the same. We meet again on the smoother side of the whitecaps.

"All good," she says with a smile.

"I couldn't get my knees to unlock."

"It's okay. Practice makes perfect. Go again."

I nod, leaning down to paddle with another wave. I notice she isn't with me this time to let me try it on my own. Because of my competitive nature this works better, since I now want to impress her. I turn to see the water come up, so I jump and instead of waiting for my balance I attempt to stand all the way. This proves to be a poor choice when I lean the wrong direction and topple over.

I come up, slapping my palm on the surface and it stings. I'm already frustrated, but don't want to make an ass out of myself for what's meant to be a fun adventure.

"You almost did it!" She claps when I paddle back to her.

"I almost broke my neck."

She shakes her head. "Don't beat yourself up. This is hard. It's like snowboarding on a much more uneven terrain."

I've snowboarded before. I should be able to do this. "You're right. I'll figure it out. You go."

"Okay." She mounts herself, swimming away from me as I watch her technique. She finds her wave, crouches on the board, and a second later she eases into a standing position. She follows the water like an expert, jumping off when she rides it down.

I clap and whistle when she heads back to me. She's grinning, rightfully pleased with herself getting upright twice in a row.

"Thanks," she says breathless. "Give it a shot. Stay focused, and go slow. Balance closer to the back."

I nod, deciding to take it easy this time. I can tell I'm getting too worked up over a simple activity. I choose a good wave, and take a small jump to kneel on the board.

"Stand!" I hear Dakota yell.

I slowly inch up until I'm fully standing. I want to cheer, but am too afraid to lose my balance, so I calm my racing heart and keep focused on balancing my arms and legs as I ride the wave out. I dive off after a few seconds.

When I come up Dakota is yelling and clapping. I laugh, swimming closer to her. She throws her arms up with a huge smile.

"You did it, baby! I knew you could."

I straddle the board as I pull hers closer to me. "A celebratory kiss."

She giggles, leaning across to peck my mouth. "I'm proud of you. Maybe a celebratory blowjob on the drive home."

My breath hitches and I kiss her again. "Or now. No one's here to watch."

She throws her head back to laugh. "You think those boneheads in the lifeguard booth aren't making fun of us with their binoculars?"

I join her laughter. "Hope they enjoyed my embarrassing attempts."

"You did it though. That's what counts. Let's surf together this time."

I pull her in for one more kiss. "Thanks for the lesson."

She smirks. "It's all about the motion of the ocean, handsome."

I lick the saltwater from my lips. "Mmm, a subject we know quite well."

I follow her out for another wave, tucking away her promise of a BJ in the Porsche. I better perform adequately and earn my reward.

***

Do you love me again?! Please don't forget to hit the vote button and/or drop me some feedback/good vibes/inspiration/all of the above! PS: That Freed teaser still has me shooketh, cannot wait! Xo