Page 131 of The Convict Gets His Girl

He unbuttoned his jeans and dropped them to the floor. She sucked in a breath, his dick straining in his boxers as he reached behind him and pulled the shirt over his head. He flicked the table lamp off, casting the room into shadow.

He slid into bed beside her, the mattress dipping under his weight. For a moment, they lay in comfortable silence, the only sound the distant hoot of an owl outside. Then, without a word, Chase reached for her, pulling her close against his chest.

Jewel let out a breath and snuggled into his embrace, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek.

Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for now, she allowed herself to be content—to be satisfied in his arms once again with the comfort that only he provided.

It wasn't what she'd wanted—this comfort wasn't enough—but as her hand rested on his chest, she couldn't convince herself to make a bolder move. She hesitated, wanting to slide her hand down but not wanting to give up this comforting peace that settled through her.

As she relaxed in his embrace, a wave of warmth spread throughout her body, easing the tension in her muscles. The gentle rhythm of his heartbeat against her own seemed to synchronize with hers, creating a sense of calm and contentment. Her racing thoughts slowed down, and a soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips, as if the weight of the day had been lifted off her shoulders.

The feeling of being loved and cherished washed over her, filling her with a sense of security and peace. It was as if in that moment, nothing else mattered except the sweet embrace of the man who loved her and whom she loved in return.

Fuck, she loved him.

Her eyes flew open, blinking in the faint light from the window.

The realization struck her like a sudden thunderbolt. Love. She loved Chase. Not just as Destini's father, not just as a comfortable companion, but truly, deeply loved him.

Her heart raced, and she tried to calm her breathing so he wouldn't sense her sudden internal revelation. Chase's arm remained draped around her, his breathing steady and deep. She could feel the rise and fall of his chest, the warmth of his skin against hers.

When had it happened? When had this man who had once been a stranger become so integral to her world? Was it watching him with Destini? Was it the way he looked at her, touched her, supported her?

She didn't know, but she knew it was true.

The moonlight filtered through the bedroom window, casting soft shadows across Chase's face. In sleep, the lines of tension around his eyes smoothed out, making him look younger. As she drifted off, she made plans for their first Thanksgiving as a family. She'd tell him then that she loved him. It'd be the perfect conclusion to the perfect first holiday together.

ChapterForty-Eight

The day of Thanksgiving dawned colder, making Jewel's joints ache as she went down the stairs for breakfast. Chase moved better now, and the stitches had dissolved even though his black eye remained. He'd become more and more tense as the week had worn on, going to the grocery store several times with both her and Raul to get all they needed to host dinner.

Chase was restless that morning, an apron around his waist as he set the last of the bread to rise. Jewel sipped her mushroom coffee and watched him with amusement. He wiped his hands on the dishtowel and ran a pen through a list on the counter.

"It's going to be fine. We divided and conquered, remember? All we're in charge of is bread and turkey," she said.

He shot her a look. "I know, but what if I screw it up?"

Jewel rolled her eyes. "You've cooked two practice turkeys this month already, and both of them were delicious. This one will be too."

Destini wandered in, still in her pajamas, her hair a wild tangle. "What's got you all wound up?"

"First big family holiday," Chase said. "And I want everything to be perfect for you."

Jewel laughed. "It's just Thanksgiving. It's not like we're preparing a state dinner."

Chase ran his hands through his hair, a streak of flour swiping across his temple. "I missed so many years with you both, and I want to make up for lost time."

Her heart softened at his words, and she wanted to wrap him in her arms and help him relax. The tension in his shoulders showed how serious he was about this, not to mention the way his hands kept clenching and unclenching.

Destini gave him a quick, tight hug before stepping to the fridge and scavenging for food.

Jewel ran a hand over his back, trying to soothe him without being too touchy in front of Destini. "We're all together, and that's all that matters. This will be the first big event in the new house though, so I get why you're nervous."

He scowled but Destini chimed in before he could say anything, pulling blueberries out of the fridge. "Who all's coming?"

"All our families," Jewel said.

Chase grunted as he checked the temperature on the oven and the turkey. "Half the town, basically. It's going to be pure chaos and way too loud."

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