Page 93 of Then There Was You

He blows out a breath as he stands and reaches for the zipper.

“You’re killing me, baby,” he mumbles, his fingers skating over my spine as he pulls the zipper up. I lift my curled hair over my shoulder as his fingers climb higher. When he’s done, he brushes a kiss on my bare shoulder. “Turn around, Taylor.” His voice is low and husky, and I love that I’m having this effect on him.

I slowly turn around and his eyes sweep over my body.

“You’re so fucking beautiful. I’m not going to be able to keep my hands off you tonight.”

“Then don’t. I love it when you touch me, even if it’s only holding my hand.”

He smiles. “Let’s go so we can get this over with and I can get you back here and naked.”

I turn and slip my feet into my nude heels. “You don’t mean that.”

“I do!”

“Not the bit about getting the meal over and done with.”

He sighs. “No. Maybe not that bit. I’m happy for them. I was wondering when he was going to pluck up the courage to ask her when he wimped out at Christmas.”

“What? He was going to ask her at Christmas? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to spoil the surprise.”

“Why did he wimp out?” I reach out and place my hand on his arm. “He wasn’t having second thoughts, was he?”

“Hell no! I think he’d have married her months ago if he thought she’d say yes. He was going to propose on Christmas Day and then they had that argument about Ash. He said he didn’t want to ask her on the back of an argument.”

I nod, remembering how upset Paisley had been when they’d argued. While they sorted things out pretty quickly, I think Nash was right to wait. Paisley had excitedly told me he’d taken her back to the lake where they’d had their first date and asked her to marry him. She had no idea he was going to propose, but there had been no doubt in her mind she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. I couldn’t wait to celebrate with them and the rest of the Brookes family. After everything she went through before she came to Hope Creek, she deserves more than anyone to be happy, and I’ve never seen her happier than when she’s with Nash.

A few minutes later, we’re ready to leave. The restaurant is just around the corner from the bar, so we’re walking. It’s a good thing we’re walking. I’m not sure I’d be able to get on Seb’s bike in this dress. I can’t help but feel a little apprehensive as we head downstairs and into Eden. Despite meeting Seb’s parents quite a few times since moving to Hope Creek, tonight will be the first time meeting them as his girlfriend. I already have a good relationship with everyone in his family, but it feels different now that we’re together.

“You okay? You’re quiet,” Seb says as we reach the security door that takes us into Eden.

“Just a little nervous.”

“Nervous? Why?”

“I’m going to be meeting your parents tonight.”

He frowns. “You’ve met them tons of times.”

“Not as your girlfriend. What if they like me as your friend but not your girlfriend?”

His eyebrows pull together in confusion. “You’re serious, aren’t you?” I nod and he wraps his arms around me, pulling me against his chest. “Baby, my parents love you. They’re going to be happy. I promise.”

I bite my lip. “Maybe you should have told them about us before tonight.”

He shakes his head. “You have nothing to worry about, okay?” He holds my gaze and reaches his finger up to pull my lip from between my teeth. “Okay?” he asks again.

“Okay.”

I’m still nervous, despite what he’s said, but he slips his hand in mine and squeezes encouragingly.

“Come on. Let’s get going.”

We walk hand in hand into Eden, and Ryder smiles when he sees us.

“Have a great time. Tell Nash and Paisley I said congratulations,” he shouts as we head past the bar.

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