Goose bumps slid down her spine. “Option two.”
“You sure?” His smile crooked. “That took you a second, baby.”
“The whole trying-to-remember-how-to-breathe thing.”
He ran a thumb over her cheek again, over her lips, then tugged the bottom one down. “Then let’s go.”
Chapter Thirty-One
The closer they drove to Rhys’s home, the tighter the band around his chest cinched. The streets funneled them through the idyllic neighborhood to the outskirts, where the hilly space between the houses grew. The sun shimmered through green leaves, trees arching over the road. Shadows and sunlight danced over them as they drove. He eased off the gas to turn onto his property, and Clyde howled.
“Guess he’s happy to be home.”
Part of Rhys also wanted to howl. Bringing Jules into his home would fundamentally shift his worldview. She was no longer the client. This was as real as he could be with her. He could ask her to stay.
Another part of him was realistic. She could live anywhere in the world, and her house—her mansion—topped the list of the most beautiful places he’d set foot in. Ignoring the problems with the public, her life was golden. She had staff and chefsand personal trainers. An entire industry worshipped her every move. All he could do was worship her.
It was something he had to be aware of. Big conversations needed to happen.
They rumbled up the wooded driveway, and the rustic house opened into view.
Clyde launched into the grass as Rhys parked. He zoomed around the truck until Jules called his name, smacking her hands on her thighs. He raced to her and threw himself at her feet.
“I think my dog loves you.”
She let Clyde cover her with licks. “Same, Clyde. Same.”
This woman was doing a number on him. He rubbed his sternum and the pressure in his chest.
“Didn’t know Clyde was such a slut for attention,” Rhys joked.
Jules laughed as she stood, taking his hand. He pulled her close to his chest.
“Are you jealous of your dog?” she teased.
Yeah. Apparently, he was. “Can’t spoil him too much.”
“Of course we can.” She pushed to the tips of her toes, still laughing as her lips barely brushed his mouth.
Yup. He was falling harder and harder with every piece of her fitting perfectly in his life. He stole a kiss then walked toward the truck for her luggage.
“I’m sorry I packed so much.”
“You’re acting like I haven’t traveled with you for more than a third of my lifespan. I know how much you pack.”
She gave him a funny look. “A third of your life?”
“Fifteen out of forty.”
“I never thought about it like that before.” Jules hummed. Her funny face transitioned into something more devious. “Fifteen out of thirty-five. I’ve known youalmosthalf my life.”
“If you round.”
“That’s a long time not to know you can do that thing with your tongue.”
He smirked. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I’ll just shout it out next time it happens. ‘This, right here. Yup. This is the move, stud. Mark it in your memory.’”
