He nodded but didn’t seem surprised by my announcement. “You don’t think you’ll miss the big-city life?”
I laughed, though the sound was mirthless. “No. I think I was so busy trying to be everything my father wasn’t that I didn’t stop to think about who I wanted to be—for me.”
He seemed to consider my words and me carefully. Then he asked, “And the tiny?” His expression betrayed nothing. “I suppose you’re still intent to move ‘the eyesore’?”
I squeezed my eyes shut, more of my ugly words being flung back at me. “Rent it, keep it. Hell, you might want to have it as a place to escape when I drive you crazy.”
“Oh…” He ground against me, gripping my hips. My heart was pounding, and I was breathless with want. “You drive me crazy, all right.”
I laughed, a throaty sound, smoothing my hands up so they rested on the back of his neck. “Is that a yes?”
“I have just one condition,” he said, and I stilled.
Despite our attraction, despite the pull I felt to him, he’d still given me no indication of how he felt. We’d barely known each other two weeks. An outsider might think I was crazy. I was planning to quit my job, uproot my life, and move in with a man I barely knew. But I knew Ethan. And more importantly, for the first time in a long time, I knew what I wanted.
“From here forward, you are absolutely forbidden from referring to me as ‘Tiny.’”
I laughed.Thatwas his stipulation? “Done.”
He brushed my hair away from my face. “It’s a deal.” The words were whispered just before he pressed his lips to mine, sealing our agreement with a kiss.
And what a kiss it was—fueled with passion and longing, anger and uncertainty. But also…hope. I pulled him closer, unable to get enough of him. He made me feel all those things and so much more.
“Um, guys.” Grant’s voice cut in. “Hello…”
Ethan lifted my leg, grinding against me as he asked in a louder voice, “Have you ever had sex in a police station?”
“Have to say it would be a first.” I grinned, sensing that he was doing this to get back at Grant. And to turn me on. I was more than willing to play along.
“Time’s up, Tiny,” Grant barked. “No conjugal visits.”
Ethan lifted his hand from my ass, flipping off Grant over his shoulder. I laughed, resting my head against his chest. I’d spent so many years running away, but this was exactly where I belonged.
“One more question,” Grant said, interrupting our kiss again.
Ethan groaned. “What now?”
“Do you want to press charges?”
I glanced up at him. “It’s completely up to you. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you one hundred percent.”
“Nah.” He pursed his lips. “He’s not worth it. Besides—” he leaned in, lowering his voice “—I got in a pretty good shot before the cops showed up.”
I shook my head with a smile, eager to leave the drama behind. “Come on.” I slid my hand into his. “Let’s go home.”
He smiled, pressing his lips to mine at the same time the electronic lock on the door disengaged. We were free. Free to live the life of our choosing. A life of happiness, love, and above all,hygge.
Chapter Sixteen
Ayear later
“We wish you a Merry Christmas.We wish you a Merry Christmas,” we all sang in unison as Mackenzie played the piano.
I glanced around our home, smiling at the faces surrounding me. The crew from Freedom Tiny Homes, the Malones, other friends who felt like family, and of course, Audrey. I pulled her closer to my side, pressing my lips to her temple.
“I love you,” I whispered.
Her lips quirked upward. “I love you too.”
