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With every whispered endearment, with every soft embrace, Blane had reawakened her love for him until she’d had no option but to admit the truth.
She loved him.
Had never stopped loving him despite steeling her heart and moving on with her life.
And that truth would set her free from the mistrust and the reservations she still had. Time to move forward. Time to give them a chance, for real.
“Have you finished your sundae? We can hit the road and check out the surprise I have for you.”
She nodded, pushing away her half-eaten banana split with extra choc fudge. Entering this small café had been like stepping back in time. Her parents’ coffee shop could’ve been its twin. From the faded vintage car posters on the wood-panelled walls to the blue and white gingham curtains, the frilly edged threadbare cream voile tablecloths to the limited selection of hot drinks, it resembled her folks’ place so much it sent a pang of nostalgia through her.
She’d even ordered her favorite childhood dessert in a pique of reminiscing, though it hadn’t tasted half as good as it had back then, only serving to ram home how far she’d moved on.
“I’m ready,” she said, pushing away from the table and grabbing her bag, eager to escape the confines of the café.
Having a sundae for old time’s sake reeked of sentiment and she didn’t have time for it, not where her parents were concerned. She’d loved them, trusted them, and they’d betrayed her. She’d wanted to believe it had all been some nasty mistake but her mom had blurted the truth in anger and it couldn’t be taken back.
She’d put her all faith in them as a good kid should. She wouldn’t make the same mistake again. And she sure as hell wouldn’t let thinking about them ruin this day for her.
Today was a day for celebrating how she’d reconnected with Blane last night, how making love had cemented what she’d already known deep down: that despite her resolve to keep things casual between them, their relationship had evolved into so much more.
Her husband wanted a real marriage? It looked like he might get his wish.
How many times had she dreamed about happily-ever-after as a teenager, but only in the vague, wishful fantasy sense, envisaging the perfect guy to make all her wishes come true? Lucky for her, her fantasy had come to life and stepped into her reality—twice—leaving her breathless and amazed and shell-shocked.
It was almost too good to be true. But she was through being super cautious. She deserved this, deserved him. Being the best café operator in Melbourne might get her noticed in the hospitality industry but it wouldn’t keep her warm at night.
After shrugging into her striped hooded top she headed for the car, eager to see what her playful husband had in store. He was like a kid at Christmas with this grand surprise and she had to admit he had her revved up too.
She propped on the front of the Ute, waiting for him as he chatted to an old guy leaning against the café’s striped post, using the time to absorb every impressive inch of her man.
That had a nice ring to it,herman, and with a smug smile she watched him rub the back of his neck in a habit of a lifetime, the simple action pulling his polo shirt up and revealing a tantalizing sliver of tanned, washboard abs above faded denim.
She’d explored every delicious, muscular inch of his body last night, catapulted back to the past by the familiarity of it all, delightfully surprised by the newness of his adult maleness.
He’d been lean and scruffy as a young man.
Now, her husband’s body had a hardened edge that begged to be explored.
After bidding the old guy goodbye with a snappy half salute, Blane strode toward her, all long denim-clad legs and confidence.
When he reached her, he swooped in for a swift kiss, before murmuring against the side of her mouth, “That sundae must’ve been something else. You’re practically drooling just thinking about it.”
“Who said I’m thinking about the sundae?”
Her hand slid over his hip and rested on the most tempting butt she’d ever seen, leaving him in little doubt what had put the dreamy look on her face.
He chuckled as he slung an arm over her shoulder. “I’m flattered. But I think you’re buttering me up in an attempt to get a clue out of me.”
With a not-too-gentle pinch on his inspiring butt, she pulled away with mock indignation. “I wouldn’t resort to such underhandedness.”
“Yeah, you would.” He brushed his lips over hers again as she registered she’d probably do anything to have him kiss her like this.
“Mmm…as much as I love that, I have to admit the suspense is killing me. When do I get to see this surprise?”
“Right now.”
He held the passenger door open and she smiled her thanks, thrilled by his impeccable manners. He’d always held doors open for her but back then, she’d thought he’d been trying to schmooze her. She hadn’t had time to appreciate what she had before she’d lost it and this time, she had no intention of making the same mistake.
