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Not a million, but she’d snapped a few…or maybe like twenty.
“You’re one of those people who’re first in line for the cake and front row when the bouquet is tossed,” Matt continued.
Her grin had grown throughout the list, letting him know without words that he was spot-on.
“You say all that like it’s a bad thing.”
Matt tightened his grip around her waist. “Not a bad thing. In truth, I suspect it’s hereditary, passed down through those Moretti genes of yours because it’s true of everyone in your family, isn’t it?”
“You were at Gage and Penny’s wedding, so you got to witness it firsthand.”
“I did,” he said, though she noticed he wasn’t using the same slightly annoyed tone that seemed reserved for conversations about her family.
Mention of her family sent her thoughts down paths she’d been trying to avoid since hopping on the plane with Matt. Her family was wonderful, so if this thing between her and Matt went the distance, she was confident they’d support her decision.
Regardless, she was going to have to be a lot more certain of the relationship before she opened that can of worms. It felt as if they’d turned a corner after the rehearsal dinner, but Liza was too much of a realist to bet the whole farm on one incredible, amazing, perfect night.
And because of that damn pragmatist personality, she couldn’t let go of her concerns regarding what might happen when they returned to Philadelphia. Spending time together on holiday was easy, carefree, and fun. How would this thing between her and Matt translate when they were dumped down in the middle of their real lives?
Matt turned her with a hand on her waist until she faced him, then he gave her a kiss. Last night was the first time he’d kissed her since New Year’s Eve, and now that they’d added it to the mix, it felt as if they couldn’t stop. They’d shared at least a hundred kisses today.
Not that she was complaining. Matt’s kisses made her feel warm and fuzzy.
The deejay invited other couples to join the grooms on the dance floor. Matt took her hand and led her just a few feet away from where they’d been standing. He wrapped his arms around her as she placed her cheek on his chest, and she was reminded of their first dance, the night of the gala. Even that night, when she’d still considered him her arch enemy, she’d felt safe, cared for, comfortable—words she never used in regard to her relationship with Matt.
Arnold and Johnnie had opted for a casual dress code for the wedding, most of the men in lightweight pants and Hawaiian shirts, the women in sundresses. She’d opted for a pale pink twist dress, the skirt cut high in the front, low in the back, with flowy cap sleeves. It was much simpler than the elegant gown she’d worn to the Snowflake Gala.
Just before leaving for the wedding, Matt had given her a gift. She reached up to touch the necklace briefly, wanting to make sure it was still there. The ruby teardrop pendant was topped with a diamond and hanging from an 18K rose gold chain. She’d tried to give it back, exclaiming it cost too much.
Matt refused, demanding that she turn around—in that tone—so that he could put it on her. She’d never owned anything so beautiful or expensive, so she was scared to death of losing it.
“It’s still there,” Matt murmured against her hair.
“You shouldn’t have spent so much.” This wasn’t the first time she’d made that comment.
“I’m going to spoil you, Liza. You might want to get used to that.”
She lifted her face to his. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“You already thanked me,” he reminded her. “Three times in the room, in the elevator, on the walk to the beach before the wedding, during dinner.”
She laughed. “I’m just trying to show my appreciation.”
Matt’s hand slid from her waist to the small of her back as he pulled her more snugly against him. “Mmm. Later, when we get back to the room, I’ll let you show me all night.”
Oh God. There were so many ways she wanted to show him. “What did you have in mind?” she whispered, lifting on tiptoe so that her lips were next to his jaw, his well-trimmed beard tickling her. Unable to resist, she gave him a quick kiss.
“I’m going to tie you to the bed, kitten. Going to use that vibrator you packed on you.”
“That sounds backward. I thought I was showing you my appreciation. That sounds like me receiving, you giving.”
Matt’s brows furrowed. “You think there’s something I want more than you tied up and at my mercy while I give you your other gift?”
She stopped swaying. “There’s another one?”
“You’re not dripping in rubies yet,” he said, his tone pure seduction.
She knew exactly what he was hinting at. The night of the gala, he’d told her all the places he’d put rubies on her. Her neck was the most innocent, and while she loved this necklace more than she could say, she was more excited about the idea he might have ruby nipple clamps or—sweet Jesus—he mentioned a clamp for her clit and a butt plug. Her curiosity sparked over what it might be.
