Page 166 of Unexpected Redemption

With my next breath, I know it’s time to go get my third thing.

Chapter 37

Where do you want it?

TOMER

Lettie bounces from foot to foot, looking out the living room window.

Striding up behind her, I encircle her waist and pull her close to my chest. “Sugar, relax.”

She rests her arms on top of mine, locking me in place. “Iamrelaxed. Perfectly relaxed.Hell, you’d think I was swaddled in fresh lavender and just downed a Xanax-Valium smoothie.”

Amusement builds in my chest, making my cheek twitch. “What would you say to me if I tried to bullshit you like that?” I hum, thinking of the perfect Lettie-ism to throw back at her. “Probably something like,” I pause and throw my voice to impersonate her, “Man alive.You must think my brain is a soft-boiled egg if you believe I’d fall for that bunch of hooey.”

With her laughter serenading me like an aria, she twists in my arms to face me. My breath catches. The only thing better than feeling her body pressed against mine is when she beams at me this way. And when it’s both like right now? Words can’t describe the utter bliss.

Reaching toward my neck, she locks her hands at my nape. Her chuckles gradually fade to lingering sighs.

After kissing the tip of her nose, I ask, “What has you so nervous? Aren’t you excited to see them?”

Jonesy is driving Stella and Freya here to visit Lettie for the evening and to have dinner with us.

Boss gave us a one-night free pass away from HQ. He insisted on paying two off-duty police officers to beef up our protection detail. In addition, Josh and Deb are guarding the perimeter.

The novelty of sleeping at Redleg HQ has worn off. Although Lettie won’t admit it, I know she misses her friends. Tonight will be good for her.

Assuming Stella doesn’t murder me on sight.

“I’m beyond excited to see them.” Lettie’s head slopes to one side, lip jutting. “What I’mnotexcited about is the guilt and tension I expect from Stella.”

“About me?”

“Aboutus,” she corrects.

The way she lumps herself in with me—as if it’s us against the world—makes my throat thicken. Doubt I’ll ever get used to that.

“I know Stella was upset when you had the initial video call a few weeks ago, but hasn’t she come around? I thought they were both cool with it and happy for you.”

“Freya’s thrilled.”

“I’ve always liked her,” I joke.

Lettie grins, her sapphire eyes twinkling. “Well, Stella was shocked at first, then quickly ramped up to irritated and slightly ragey. By the end of the call, she focused on how happy I was and talked about my recovery. And since then, our chats have been a bit stilted. Anytime you come up, the tension spikes.” She shrugs. “She still isn’t sure about us yet. And dang it, I need her to be. I love you both. The idea of losing either of you is too painful to imagine.”

I intensify my hold on her, infusing comfort into my embrace. “Sweetness, she’s a good friend who loves you. It makes sense for her to be pissed at me on your behalf. Especially since she doesn’t know the whole story and has only met me briefly a few times. I’m sure she’s only looking out for you.”

“Yeah, but?—”

“Shh.” I kiss her to cut off her rebuttal, just a soft peck. “You’ll never lose me. And there’s no way you’re going to lose her because of this. Even if she doesn’t accept it right away, she’ll come around. I’ll convince her somehow. Whatever it takes.”

Her pout recedes. “Thank you, babe. I love you.”

A moan rattles in the back of my throat, and I dive my mouth toward her neck. “Those fucking manners.”

Her giggles go right to my dick as I pepper kisses above her collar. Like they have minds of their own, my hands journey down her back to rest on her ass.

She rolls her head from one side to the other, giving me access to her neck while taunting the shit out of me with a string of adorable, polite remarks. “Thank you. Please. Excuse me. I’m sorry. Pardon me. You’re welcome.”

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