AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes. I have a tiny car I share with my sister, Sam. But she won’t need it tomorrow.”
“Good. Then let’s clean up and I’ll carry you to the car.”
“No, you don’t have to. I can walk.”
“I want to, though. I want any excuse to hold you close to me and my heart.”
Part of me wanted to read into his words—did he mean love?—but I was too tired to deal with a heavy, emotional conversation. “Fine, you can carry me. This time. Don’t even think about doing it at the charity benefit, though.”
“Of course not, baby. But even if we do our best to blend in with the crowd, we’ll be noticed.” He traced my cheek. “Will you be okay? Because I won’t be able to divert all the attention, no matter how much I try.”
“I know. And I can handle it, I promise.”
More like I had to handle it, no matter what. Because being with Nolan meant accepting all of him—both the shy, sweet, and dirty guy I had now, but also the famous movie star who always had the world’s attention.
He kissed my nose. “Just remember that you don’t have to face it all by yourself. I’ll be right by your side, ready to help whenever you need it, baby.”
“I know. I trust you.”
His gaze intensified, and my heart raced.
But before I could ask anything else, I yawned, and it spurred Nolan into action. As soon as we were cleaned up, he carried me down the path and to the car I shared with Sam. He insisted on driving, and I didn’t fight him.
And by the time we made it to his house, I was barely awake. Once we were in bed and my head hit the pillow, I passed out, dreaming of my wedding and the future I was starting to think was possible.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Nolan
Abby: Just an FYI: I’m going to be at your charity event.
Me: Um, okay. Not that I don’t want you there, but how did you get invited?
Abby: Why? Because I can’t afford the astronomical price to attend?
Me: It IS for charity.
Abby: Whatever. Emmy asked me for a favor, and I’m going with Rafe.
Me: As in Rafe Mendoza?
Abby: No, as in Rafe Smith Jones. Of course Rafe Mendoza.
Me: No need to get snippy.
Abby: Sorry. I didn’t want to go, but Emmy was worried about her brother. I don’t know about what exactly, but she said he needed to be around a friendly face.
Me: Not Emmy?
Abby: Gee, thanks, Nolan. You really don’t want me to come, do you?
Me: That’s not it, and you know it. I mean, aren’t the siblings still working things out?
Abby: Yes. But West and Emmy are still newlyweds, and well…
Me: West didn’t want her to go.
Abby: I think so, but he never said anything. However, Avery has a swim meet and Wyatt is working on a kid’s photography contest, and Emmy is trying to help them all.
