Page 61 of Make You Mine

The girls ran to the car while Paige hung back to hug me again. “Have fun,” she whispered in my ear. “Don’t think of anything, no worries, no insecurities, just you, living your best life because you deserve it. Ren is not like the assholes you were with before. I only see good things for you. I love you.”

As Paige hugged me, a whirlwind of emotions swirled in my chest. Nervousness gnawed at me, making my heart race. This was the first time I'd be stepping into Ren's world, and the gravity of it all was just overwhelming. Our relationship had always felt topsy-turvy but tonight was important.

I had never been this deep into anyone’s life before, and the thought of seeing Ren in his element both thrilled and terrified me. Would I fit into his world the same way he had effortlessly woven himself into mine? Or would I feel out of place, like an impostor trying to play a role that wasn't written for me?

Paige's words echoed in my mind, calming some of my fears. I deserved this. I deserved to be happy, to let go of my insecurities, and let myself experience this fully. Ren was different—he wasn’t like the others who had only left bruises on my heart. He was kind, gentle, and unwaveringly supportive, someone who made me want to believe in love again.

With tears shimmering in my eyes, I pulled her in for one more hug. “I love you, too. Thank you for making this a special night. I had fun with you and the girls.”

She pulled back, smiling. “Call me tomorrow. Swear it. I have to know everything.”

“I swear.”

“Good. You will have fun. I demand it.”

As she turned to leave, the sound of Ren’s footsteps on the porch made me catch my breath. He was effortlessly stylish in a tailored suit. The fabric hugged his tall frame perfectly, emphasizing his strong build. The way he carried himself, coupled with the sharp cut of his suit, made him irresistibly sexy. I was halfway tempted to tug him inside and suggest we forget the dinner so I could strip it off him and see what he was hiding.

Paige looked back at me one last time, her face lighting up with a knowing smile. She walked past him, giving him a playful wave. “Take good care of her.”

He nodded, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. “Always,” he replied softly, his voice full of promise.

“You two have fun tonight,” she called as she got into her car.

He waited a beat for Paige and the girls to pull out of the driveway, then his eyes were all over me. “You look stunning.” He moved closer, his eyes hot and filled with admiration. “Are you ready for tonight?”

“I think so. You look amazing, Ren.”

“Thank you.” He extended his hand toward me, and I placed mine in his, feeling reassured by the warmth and strength of his grip. “Shall we?”

We walked hand in hand to his car, then he opened the door for me with a flourish, his manners impeccable as usual. “Your chariot awaits,” he said with a playful grin.

I laughed softly, appreciating his effort to lighten the mood. He could always tell when I was getting nervous.

“Thank you,” I murmured, sliding into the passenger seat.

He joined me in the driver’s side, then leaned over me to fasten my seatbelt for me. “You’re welcome.” His dark gaze trained on me, sending shivers across my skin where he touched me.

“Still playing hero, I see,” I whispered.

“I can’t seem to stop it when you’re around.”

He started the engine and left Honeybrook Hollow. The rugged mountain terrain gradually gave way to pine trees and mist, then transformed into bright lights and tall buildings. The distant hum of the city grew louder, and the sky overhead transitioned from a blanket of stars to the electric illumination of Portland.

Ren’s hand rested lightly on my knee, sending tiny electric shocks of excitement through me. He glanced at me, his eyes filled with the same intense admiration.

“I can’t believe I get to spend tonight with the most beautiful woman in the room.”

My cheeks warmed as I turned to him, catching the mischievous gleam in his eyes. “We’re not even there yet.”

“Doesn’t matter. You’ll always be the most beautiful woman in any room I’m in.”

“Thank you.” I placed my hands on my heated cheeks to cool them. “Can a person die from a blush?”

He chuckled, steering the car smoothly into the parking lot. “I don’t know, but your pink cheeks make you even more gorgeous. Don’t fight it.”

I knew he was being sincere, but rule number four flashed in my brain:Compliments. Despite my better judgment, it got to me.

Knock it off.

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