Page 123 of Don’t Go Breaking My Heart

My stomach twisted. I could feel the silent judgments, the unspoken questions about whether we belonged here. Maybe we didn’t. What kind of couple shows up to a house viewing on a motorcycle? What kind of couple like us even wants this house?

The neighborhood was all manicured lawns and luxury cars. This was the kind of place where kids were raised with golden retriever puppies and white picket fences. It was the kind of place where whispers and gossip wound their way through the community like a treacherous undercurrent, threatening to pull us under if we weren’t careful. Although I had a feeling we would be the talk of the neighborhood should we live here.

I slid off the bike, smoothing my hair and trying not to shrink under their scrutiny. Kannon turned to me, raising an eyebrow. “You good, Buttercup?”

I forced a smile. “Yep. Totally fine.”

He frowned, stepping closer and tilting my chin up to meet his gaze. “Try again.”

I sighed. “Look at them, Kannon. They don’t think we belong here. And honestly? Maybe they’re right.”

His lips quirked into a smirk but his eyes softened. “You’re out of your damn mind if you think I care about what some Stepford wives think.” He leaned down, brushing his nose against mine. “And you shouldn’t either. We’re buying the house. We’re paying the mortgage. We can do whatever the hell we want. We’re not moving here to make friends with a bunch of snobs. If they don’t like us, that’s their fucking problem. Don’t let them make you feel small.”

“I can’t help it. This is such a big step, and⁠—”

Before I could finish, he cut me off with a kiss—deep, slow, and unapologetic. I forgot about the other couples, the polished women, and everything else as he reminded me with that kiss exactly why we were here.

When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine. “Listen to me. If this house is supposed to be ours, it’ll be ours. If not, something better is waiting. But no way in hell are you going to let a bunch of strangers intimidate you, got it?”

I smiled, my confidence slowly returning. “Got it.”

“Good.” He smacked my ass, making me yelp, and grabbed my hand. “Now come on. Let’s go find out if this is the one.”

The house was even better than the pictures. A blue beauty with white shutters, a wraparound porch, and a massive willow tree in the front yard. I could almost smell the scent of wisteria in the air. I could already imagine us sitting on the porch, watching the seasons change. I would put two white rockers on the corner and have some beautiful potted flowers at the bottom of the steps.

The inside was just as charming—wide-plank wood floors, a fireplace in the living room, and a kitchen that begged for Sunday morning pancakes. Every step we took made me fall a little more in love.

In the master bathroom, I couldn’t help but let my guard down completely. The shower was massive, with sleek glass walls and more than enough space for two. “This shower is ridiculous,” I said, stepping inside and spinning around.

Kannon leaned against the doorframe, grinning. “Plenty of room for activities.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, is that so?”

He stepped in, crowding me against the wall. “You know it is.”

Before I could respond, he spun me around, pressing me against the cool tile, his hands on my hips.

“Just checking for size,” he teased, his voice low.

“Kannon!” I hissed, trying to sound scandalized but failing miserably.

The sound of footsteps made both of us freeze and then the door swung open. The realtor stood there, looking utterly unbothered by the scene in front of him.

I straightened so fast I nearly slipped, my face turning neon pink. “We were, uh⁠—”

“Visualizing,” Kannon said smoothly, his hand still on my hip. “Making sure the house works for us.”

The realtor laughed, shaking his head. “That’s important stuff right there. Take your time.”

I groaned, covering my face with my hands as he left us alone again. Kannon’s deep laugh rumbled behind me. I turned to scowl at him. He smacked my ass in response.

“Not funny,” I said.

“Come on. It’s a little funny.”

“Let’s go see how big the other bedrooms are,” I said.

“Make sure it’s big enough for the brood we’re going to have,” he joked.