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“Shit. Okay, can you distract her at the other end of the mall? This is my only purchase. As soon as I get it, I’m leaving.”
“Where does she think you are?”
“I told her I had to help Dad with something. He’s on board, so is Mom.”
“The things I do for love.” She grins. “All right, Soph. Let’s go visit Aunt Hollis and your cousin Milo.” She looks up at me. “I’ve got this.” She starts pushing the stroller with one hand, her phone at her ear. “Hollis…” I hear her say before she’s out of sight.
I make a mental note to do something really nice for Gwen. Maybe we can watch Sophia for them one night. I’ll have to bring that up to Hollis after I propose, of course. Can’t go giving away the surprise.
I don’t know when I’m going to propose. I’ve gone back and forth with an elaborate proposal, something intimate, Christmas morning, and even when we get together with the gang to celebrate the holiday. My parents are watching Milo on New Year’s Eve, so I thought about doing it then, but that’s a week away. I don’t know if I can wait that long.
I thought that if this moment ever came in my life that I would be nervous. I’m not the least bit nervous. I’m excited to start our life together. The three of us. I’m excited for what’s yet to come. I know we love each other. I know she loves Milo. What I don’t know is when I’m actually going to ask her.
As the jeweler hands me a small black bag and my receipt, one thing is for sure, this ring is going to burn a hole in my pocket.Chapter 16HollisChristmas Eve is here. The morning is bright, the sun shining, and the temperature just over freezing. But I’m not cold. Oh, no. I’m snuggled into Colton’s naked chest, the sound of his steady heartbeat echoing against my ear and the scent of his soap tickling my nostrils. God, I love waking up like this.
Free.
Free to live my life under my terms.
Free to be with Colton and Milo and build a life together.
Is it too soon? Possibly. Do I care? Nope. I’ve dated my share of duds in the last decade, so why shouldn’t I grasp onto the good? And Colton is the good. He’s the best. We still have a lot to figure out, but being together, falling in love, that’s the one thing I know we got right. So as we’re working out how to live together in his small house and what foods he doesn’t really like, I know our love will still be there on the other side.
My mind focuses on the positives and the negatives. Should I move out? It’s too soon to live with someone like this, even if I’m technically in the in-law suite. I mean, it’s not like I’ve actually slept there in the last few weeks. I’ve awakened every morning in Colton’s bed.
“I can hear you thinking,” he mumbles in that sexy, sleepy voice I love. He shifts me in his arms and glances down at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I insist, shaking my head. Yet, I can’t stop the tears from prickling my eyes.
Colton gives me a soft, gentle kiss and smiles. “Liar.”
I shrug and burrow into his shoulder. “I was just thinking.”
“I gathered that part. About what?” His hand lazily strokes my upper arm, shockwaves of lust mix with that sense of calmness he provides.
“About us. Maybe I should move out, you know, so we can date properly.”
Suddenly, I’m moving. Colton has me flat on my back and is hovering over me in the blink of an eye. I’m wearing a tank top and a pair of his boxers that are way too big yet are the most comfortable thing in the world to sleep in, but they’re both quickly gone. Colton’s own boxers vanish moments later, and he’s sheathed in protection.
Painstakingly slow, he presses into my body. Sparks of heat race through me as I hitch my legs on his hips. He makes long, fluid strokes, my lungs forgetting how to pull oxygen, and my brain practically explodes.
“Now, let’s have a little talk about you moving out,” he whispers as he runs his nose along my jaw and presses into my body, all the way to the root.
“What?” I gasp, trying to grasp onto what he’s saying. “You want to talk? Now?”
“Yes, right now, Hollis. It’s important,” he mumbles just before nipping at my earlobe.
Seriously?
“I don’t think I can talk,” I inform him, my nails digging into the flesh in the middle of his back.
“No?” Long stroke. “Then, you can listen.” Grind against my clit. “I don’t want you to go anywhere. I want you to stay here, even if it’s in your own room.” Pull out and press inside with a little force. “We’re going to figure this out. Together.”
