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Ring. Married. Riley. Dylan. Everything he hadn’t even known he wanted was within his reach. Could he change Riley’s mind? Staring at her as she smiled and hugged everyone, he tried to figure out his next move.
Seconds later, he shook his head. He’d never really had time to figure out anything with Riley. Things just happened. And he’d been happy with whatever arrangement she’d wanted. He’d marry her in a heartbeat, but if she just wanted to move in with him, he’d take what he could get. Even if she only stayed for a little while.
After more hugs and good-byes, the family finally left.
Mitch stepped in behind Riley as he waved the family good-bye. As he dropped his hand, he noticed the low back of her dress for the first time. His blood heated instantly as desire punched him in the gut.
With a soft groan, he pulled Riley closer. “Damn, this dress is driving me crazy.” Trailing his hand down her naked flesh, his mouth found her ear. “When can we get out of here?”
She shuddered, leaned against him. “I think someone is going to make a speech at some point; I should probably stay for that. Would you mind?”
“Yes, I mind,” he growled. “I can’t wait to be alone with you.”
Frowning, she turned toward him. “I’m sorry…”
He grinned. “Don’t mind me. I’m frustrated. Of course, I’ll wait for you; I’m so proud of you. As long as I can be close to you, I’m happy.”
Just then, someone tapped on the microphone. Pulling Riley close to him, Mitch put his arms around her. He wasn’t quite sure how it had happened, but they’d been given another chance. And he was going to make damn sure he wasn’t messing it up this time.
Chapter Nineteen
It took anotherhour before Riley felt comfortable to leave the exhibition. As she and Mitch left the gallery, her hand still in his, her mind was busy.
Her portraits weren’t for sale, much to the disappointment of several clients of the gallery, but the interest in her work had her thinking it was maybe time to get serious about portrait studies. Her first love would always be fashion photography, but if she and Dylan were to move to Marietta…
“Here we are,” Mitch said as he unlocked Craig’s car and opened the door for her. “When we drove here earlier today, I had no idea I would leave here a much happier man. I’d asked my sisters to help me win you over, but not in my wildest dreams could I have foreseen you’d be here tonight. You’ve made me a very happy man.” Bending down, he kissed her.
The kiss was hot and wet and urgent. By the time he lifted his head, they were both breathing heavily.
“Let’s get home,” she gasped.
Laughing, he helped her into the car. “I like the sound of that.”
The road wasn’t busy, fortunately, and with her hand in Mitch’s, the half-hour drive to Marietta flew by.
As they drove into the small town, Riley smiled as she leaned forward. “Every house seems to be decorated for Christmas. It’s beautiful.”
“People around here are big on Christmas.” Mitch smiled. “Annie is in her element—she’s always loved Christmas.”
“So does Aunt Janice. She came to stay with us when my mom passed away. I’ll never forget the first Christmas we had with her. My mom also loved decorating our house, but Aunt Janice takes it to a whole new level. One year she had…”
But they’d reached Mitch’s house. As he parked the car, her words faltered, the zoo in her tummy coming alive.
“You okay?” he asked quietly. “If you’d rather I take you back to Janice, just say the word.”
“I am exactly where I want to be. Only… I’m not sure if we’re on the same page. I think we have to talk…”
With a soft curse, Mitch opened his door. “Let’s talk inside.”
Biting her lip to prevent it from quivering, she waited for him to open her door. Everything she’d ever wanted was within her reach, but what Mitch didn’t know was how loving him had healed her, had changed her heart.
He was miffed. Well, that was too bad. He wasn’t always going to get his way. Lifting her chin, she got out of the car. It was high time Mitch learned that at times she was going to change her mind.
Although his teeth were clenched tightly together, Mitch took her hand as he led her up the pathway to his front door. Without saying a word, he unlocked the door and pushed it open.
Before she realized what he was about to do, he picked her up. “I don’t know what page you are on, but I’m on the page of I don’t ever want to be without you again. Is that clear?”
Stepping inside the house, he kicked the door closed behind them before he slid her slowly down to the floor. His body was hot, hard, and the expression in his eyes nearly had her falling in a puddle at his feet. But before anything happened, she had a few things on her mind.
