~ Lethal Weapon 3
“Happy New Year,”Jesse murmurs against my lips.
We’re hosting a party—at his house—and the guests are about to arrive. He wanted to be the host this year, and I offered to help him pull it together.
“You look beautiful,” he says, pulling back, his hands on my upper arms, his eyes scanning the dress I purchased online.
“You look beautiful too,” I say, straightening his tie.
A knock sounds at the front door. I take one more glance around the living room. It’s all here: punch, appetizers, noisemakers all in a stack on a side table. Streamers and silver balloons line the ceiling.
Jesse walks to the door, opening it to the first group of guests. Lexi and Trevor, Shannon and Duke, Rob and Laura, Aiden and Em all file in, shucking their coats and greeting us with “Happy New Year!”
I can’t help but think about my life since I arrived in Bordeaux. So much has changed in such a short time. Jesse wasn’t even a part of these kinds of gatherings, let alone hosting a party where our friends showed up willingly. As set in their ways as they had been, as soon as Jesse and I made it public knowledge that we’re officially dating, Lexi’s friend group opened their circle to include us.
Lexi steps over and gives me a hug. “You look beautiful.” She looks around. “And the house looks so festive.”
I smile.
“And you’ve got the glow of a woman in love,” she adds.
“We haven’t said those words yet,” I tell her quietly.
Things between us are still new, but we’re not young. We know what we want in a romantic relationship. I was already engaged to the wrong man. The feelings I have for Jesse eclipse those I had for Marco with a strength that took me by surprise. When you know, you know.
“You don’t have to say it,” Lexi says. “The way you feel for each other is written all over your face—and his.”
“He’s amazing,” I tell her, not for the first time. “Always looking out for me, complimenting me, making me feel like I’m special.”
“You are special,” she says with a soft shake of her head.
“I know. But I’ve never had a man show me the kind of respect and care Jesse does.”
Lexi smiles. “I’m happy for you.”
With everyone else, I’ve always had to adjust and perform. With Jesse, I don’t have to hold any part of myself back.
More people arrive: Mabel, Esther, and Memaw with her husband, Bill. Then the whole police squad and Jeanie. Music filters through the house. People mingle. The party is a success.
Jesse sidles up behind me when I’m refilling appetizer trays. He wraps his arms around my waist and cinches me into his embrace. “How are you?” he whispers into my ear.
“Great,” I say, turning my head so I can look him in the eyes. “How are you?”
“Good. I like this.” He nods to the room full of people. “And you know what I’ll like even better?”
“What?” I say, leaning into him and loving the way it feels to be cocooned in his arms.
His voice is a low rumble, private and irresistible. “I’ll like it even better when they leave so I can have you to myself.”
I giggle softly. “We’ve got a few hours til midnight.”
“I’m in no rush,” he whispers into my ear, sending chills skittering over my skin. “I’m a patient man.”
My eyes flutter shut and I settle in his arms, just for the briefest moment, soaking up the way he always steadies me.
The sound of laughter trickles in from the other rooms, punctuated by another knock at the door.
“Who could that be?” I ask Jesse, stepping away from him so we can greet our guest together.
