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“I believed you loved Lex, but you had this guilt-filled idea that you had to take over the family business. Some kind of loyalty I never really understood, to be honest.” Toby frowns.
“Me neither, but I did feel that way.” I scratch the side of my head and stare off.
What is it with wanting to please parents even when you disagree with everything they represent? Is that part of being someone’s child? Blind loyalty?
“Anyway, tonight we’ll have some drinks, eat some great food, and forget about the rest. I’m getting married!” Toby yells across the bar at the resort.
Laughing, I shake my head and wave at the bartender. The girls had spa day today. Meanwhile, we had a long day out on the slopes, so we’re all having dinner at the resort. Now I just need Lex to hurry down.
“What can I get you?” The bartender stands before me. I order us all a round of beers and head toward where Toby and the rest of the guys are standing at a hightop.
“Beer coming up.” I smile at them.
“Speaking like a true best man.” Toby chuckles but stops midway and widens his eyes.
I follow his line of vision, and my mouth dries.
Lex is glowing. She’s wearing a short satin V-neck long sleeve dress. My eyes trail up her body, slowly appreciating her curves until I reach her smile. Red lipstick makes me hold back a groan. I don’t care who’s around us. I stalk toward her and wrap my arms around her.
“You look stunning, beautiful. Wow…” I breathe out and stare into those chocolate eyes. “You always do, for the record, but…” I shake my head.
“Thank you.” She wears a shy smile.
Her hands move to my chest, over my baby blue dress shirt. “You look handsome.”
“Thanks, babe.” I kiss her cheek.
All night, I keep my eyes on Lex. I can’t look away. While she eats, drinks, and laughs, I wish we were in Hartville. After dinner, we go back to the bar. I grab Lex’s hand and pull her to me, keeping her close as I move us to the soft music.
Her smile wins me over. When her fingers brush the back of my hair, I close my eyes and lean my forehead to hers. Everything seems perfect for once in my life, and I clutch on to this feeling.
“When are you officially moving to Hartville?” She leans back and looks into my eyes.
“Soon,” I promise. “I’m finishing up a few things at the office next week, and then I’m all yours,” I smirk.
“I like the sound of that.” Her lips twist into a smile.
“Yeah?”
“Uh, huh. I need someone around to feed my monster stomach and bring me coffee when I’m working.”
“Hold on. Am I just your food and coffee delivery man?” I raise my brows.
Lex rolls her eyes up thoughtfully. “Yeah.” She nods, and a huge smile breaks out on her face before she laughs.
“You, sir, are the man I love. We could be on a deserted island having to fish with branch spears we carved, and I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side.”
“I like the sound of that. Well, not the deserted island without food but having you by my side.” My arm tightens around her waist, keeping her close to me.
“Same,” she rubs her nose against mine.
I keep her close the rest of the night. I plan to keep her close for life.
I’m finally back in Hartville for good. I stare around the apartment I rented and the mess of boxes. It’s much smaller than my condo in New York, which is expected, yet this feels homier.
“Knock, knock.” I turn toward the open door and smile when I see Lex standing here holding a tray with coffee cups and a paper bag.
“Hey.” I grab the tray from her hands and kiss her softly. “Welcome to my new home.” I extend my free arm around as if showcasing a prize.
