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I take the bags from her and place them on the tailgate of my truck, and then pull her luscious body against me. Forgetting all about my crew, I cover her soft lips with mine and devour her sweetness until we’re both breathless.

I pull back and place my forehead against hers. It’s then I notice Julian still staring at my girl with an intensity that’s impossible to miss. It’s as if she’s the most exquisite feast laid out under his nose, and he’s a man who’s forgotten what a full stomach feels like. His eyes track her every movement, widening slightly as though trying to absorb every detail.

It’s not subtle in the least. He’s practically slack-jawed, standing there with the trimmer idle in his hand, forgotten, as if Remi’s presence alone has reset his priorities. Oh, hell fucking no. The spoiled little rich kid has finally found the one thing he isn’t getting, and it’s time for him to know how things really stand.

“Julian,” I call over, deciding to address it directly. “Eyes on the job, not on my girlfriend.”

My voice is light enough not to sound too threatening, but firm enough to get the message across. Julian blinks, a shade of red creeping up his neck. “Uh, sorry, Piers. I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s Mr. Pratt until you earn the right to use my first name,” I remind him with a glare before pointing to the slightly over-grown hedges. “Keep those lines straight.” He stares me down for a few seconds and then shakes his head and turns back to the yard.

My girl instantly draws my attention back from my new employee. “I didn’t want to be rude and leave someone out, so I called your secretary to see how many men are on your crew today.” Remi points at the large takeout bag. “I brought enough lunch for everyone.” Fuck. I don’t want to share anything from her.

“That was sweet of you, Cookie. Why don’t we eat together, and then I’ll give them a break for lunch.” I forget all about the rest of the men as she smiles up at me.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” She nudges me playfully. “I’d love a little time with you if I’m not interrupting your day.”

The sun warms us from high up in the Texas sky as Remi and I perch on the tailgate of my truck. It’s parked just far enough under the shade of an old oak tree to shield us from the direct rays, but we still catch the occasional autumn breeze. The back of the truck is perfect for an impromptu picnic, and we settle in comfortably, unwrapping the brown paper bags my gorgeous little lunch fairy brought.

Sitting there, just soaking up her company, I can’t help but smile.

We dive into lunch, chatting between bites. “Gourmet tailgate lunching,” I quip, savoring a bite. “Nothing beats it and you’ve got me spoiled. I’m going to need you to do this at least once a week.”

Remi chuckles, nudging me with her shoulder as she takes a sip of her drink. “Only if you promise to give me your famous back rubs often.”

“That’s easy to agree to. I’ll do just about anything to touch your luscious body. Matter of fact, I’ll give you one of my famous back rubs every single day if you stop stalling and agree to move in with me.”

“That’s a very tempting offer.” She glances up, swallowing. “And now that I know Uncle Jasper approves, I think I’m going to take you up on it.”

Fucking hell. Happiness flows through me as I pull her curvy body close. I kiss her sweet lips, celebrating.

“I’ll help you pack and start moving after work tonight.” I’m not going to let the grass grow under my feet.

“It will have to wait until this weekend.” She throws a monkey wrench into my plans. “I have to work on two different websites this week, so I can’t take the time to move. Not if I’m going to make my deadlines.”

It’s hard to be patient, but I’m getting what I want most—my little Cookie living under my roof. “Okay. We’ll plan to move your things this weekend.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” She smiles up at me, and I realize it’s been a long lunch.

As much as I’d like to lounge here indefinitely, the guys have been working hard, and I know they’re probably eyeing the clock for signs of impending lunch salvation.

Time shifts subtly, and as the last of lunch is wrapped up and tucked back into the bag, reality calls.

“Thanks for breaking up the midday monotony,” I note, though the sincerity in my voice says more than my casual words do.

“You’re welcome,” she responds, her hand brushing mine. There's a tiny pause, the world slowing when her gaze meets mine as a familiar spark flickers in her eyes.

It’s almost instinct now the way we lean toward each other. Her silky lips touch mine, igniting my blood. The kiss starts off gentle but quickly turns scorching from the chemistry swirling around us.

We pull back as the world comes back into focus.

“I should get back,” she says, hopping off the tailgate with a nimble grace. “Are you up to dinner with Uncle Jasper tonight at six? I promised him I’d take the time off each night to eat dinner.”

“I’ll be there, Cookie.” I give her soft lips one more quick kiss before standing and stretching. “I’ll do just about anything to spend time with you.”

“Even deal with Uncle Jasper and Winston?” she teases, rolling her eyes.

“Even that.” I chuckle, noticing my crew scattered about, still working hard on manicuring the lawn to perfection. “I need to call the guys over for lunch before they faint from hunger.”

“Okay. I need to get back to work, too. I’ll see you tonight. I love you,” she tells me as I walk her over to her little red car. Fuck. I’ll never tire of those words leaving her lips.

“I love you, too.” I kiss her soft lips before she slides into her car. I close her door and step back as she drives off, leaving me with nothing but a hint of the engine purr and an afternoon that suddenly seems much longer.

“Lunch time!” I holler, signaling the official start of their lunch break. “There’s plenty to go around, so grab something and get off your feet for a while.”

They don’t need to be told twice, flocking toward the truck eagerly. I pass out the drinks and sandwiches, catching snippets of gratitude.