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Only my mother and a few teachers have ever believed in me this much. And none of them had the means to set up an entire empire on my behalf. It’s mindboggling, yet so in line with Shane’s character for him to go through all this trouble for me. The last thing I’d want to do is refuse such a generous gift.
“I just…” I squint one eye, tilting my head to the side. “I just want to paint. I’d prefer the experts take care of the rest.”
The corner of his mouth kicks up in a confident little smirk. “That’s what I figured.”
“How do you know me so well?” I ask, playfully narrowing my eyes.
His shoulders bounce. “It’s the quiet ones who pay attention.”
Since there’s no shirt to fist, I tug him closer by the waistband of his shorts until my fingers can slide up his back. Shane’s smile drops the second I touch him, his focus shifting to my mouth. Our exhales tangle as electricity runs backward through my body.
“Thank you, Shane. For everything.”
He nods, watching me carefully as he drifts closer. Our lips brush, and Shane’s soft grunt unfurls something deep within my soul. Before I can even process that first touch, his hand is on my jaw, tilting me with expert precision. I give in to the needy kiss, letting my Shane take and take.
In short order, we’re breathless and scrambling for more connection. My hands are in his hair, and his arms are banded tight around my sweatshirt. I’ve never felt so blissfully in sync and devastatingly lost at the same time.
Shane breaks the kiss, resting his forehead against mine to collect his breath.
“I never thought it could be like this.”
Though his murmured words set my heart ablaze, I simply tug his lips back to mine. Because I know that if I speak, I’ll end up telling my husband that I love him.
Chapter 31
Shane
“It’s official. I’m Cinderella,” Willow says a week later, accepting a crystal champagne flute from a flight attendant.
“I still don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Actually, it’s not a perfect comparison, because my mom is alive and awesome, and I don’t have any siblings, but they’ve got the rags-to-riches part right.”
“Who’s they?”
Willow simply shrugs before gasping. “Your brothers can be the evil stepsisters!”
I set the protein shake I was handed on the table in front of us, no longer hungry. A generous spread of fruit, nuts, and artisanal cheeses litter a silver platter. Willow eyes the aged manchego before taking a generous bite. Her delighted food moan should squash the tension mounting in my chest, but now that we’re underway to Dustin’s wedding, dread seeps into my skin.
“It’s not too late to turn back.”
Willow splays her hand over her heart. “You wound me, good sir.”
My brows bunch.
“I already told you I can handle my own.”
I grumble.
Just because Willow is incredibly strong doesn’t mean I want to send her into the lion’s den.
“Is this always how you fly?” She runs her palm over the leather armrest with an appreciative caress.
This private plane is a lot nicer than the one the team takes to games, but I wanted to flex a little. The warm wood paneling, live plants, and cozy touches like plush pillows and cashmere throws make it feel more like a living room than a metal tube hurtling through the sky.
“Not this nice, generally, but yes.”
She lets out a low whistle, taking in the luxurious plane. I can only imagine what her artist’s eye catches, probably things I don’t even notice. Since this is Willow’s first flight experience, I wanted to make it a good one.
