Page 37 of Heat & Hard Candies

“Thank you.”

“I’m lucky to have him,” I said, giving her a small but genuine smile.

“Like hell you are. This bastard doesnotdeserve you,” Kenna warned, stepping up next to her mom and hugging me too. Her hug was gentler, surprisingly.

I laughed, and Kyle did too. “She’s stuck with me anyway,” he said, squeezing my hip lightly.

Kenna released me, and Kyle’s dad stepped forward with a grin and an offer of his hand.

“Welcome to the family, Launa.”

His words nearly made my eyes sting. “Thank you.”

“Now, let’s play those board games,” Kenna said, gesturing toward the kitchen. “I already told Todd to find something else to do for a few hours, so I’m free.”

“Kenna,” their mom said, rolling her eyes as she looped her arm through her daughter’s. “They need space for the next few days. You can avoid your wedding stress through board games after they’ve adjusted.”

I shot her a grateful look.

Kyle made a noise of agreement. “Sorry, Squirt. Door’s closed for about a week.”

She huffed, but agreed.

Kyle’s dad smacked him on the shoulder lightly, offering him a congrats as the three of them headed out.

When the door was shut behind them, I breathed a little easier.

“Well, that could’ve been worse,” Kyle said cheerfully.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

He was right; it could’ve beenmuchworse.

Maybe I really would like his family.

He turned me around and kissed me gently. “Now, I’m going to find my phone so I can reset that code. Do you want to get a movie playing in our room, and spend the rest of the day in bed together?”

“That sounds perfect,” I admitted.

His smile widened, and he kissed me again. “Good.”

With that, he grabbed my ass, making me laugh again before he disappeared.

I padded back intoourbedroom with a smile on my face.

Fighting to play onSurvivalwas so, so worth it.

twelve

KYLE

The next fewweeks passed quickly.

By some miracle, my family actually gave us privacy for about a week and a half. After that, Kenna was strung-up so tightly with nerves that they got a little needy.

Thankfully, the need was appeased through strategic board games.

Launa won more often than she didn’t, which made me proud. She would’ve slain those puzzle challenges that kicked my ass.

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