Page 95 of Pretty Wild

I notice the change in him, and I realize my mistake. He took my silence as a rejection. Reaching out, I pull on his tie and loosen the knot. He seems confused by my actions, but doesn’t say a word as I carefully lift the tie off his neck and reposition the collar on his crisp, white dress shirt.

“There,” I reply with a smile. Still holding the tie in my fingers, I brush my fingers across his smooth jaw. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you freshly shaved like this.”

His eyes burn into mine as he continues to stare at me. “Ellie told me I was looking a little scruffy. It didn’t match the suit.”

I grin widely at the thought of my friend telling him to shave and get a haircut. “But the scruff is you, Marcus, and I’d rather have you beyouthan trying to fit in for me.”

He glances around, his nervousness palpable. “I can leave.”

“Please don’t,” I reply quickly, realizing we’re not on the same page. With my hand cupping his jaw, I state, “I love your scruff and your grumpiness and your dirty ball caps and your grease-stained nails, Marcus. Why? Because loving you means loving all of you. You don’t have to wear a tie to fit into my world. You’re already part of it the way you are.”

His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “What did you say?” The corner of his mouth turns up a tick.

“I love you too.”

His hands move to pull me against his body. “Even when I’m grumpy?”

“Even then,” I confirm.

He moves first, pressing his lips to mine in a firm, promising kiss. “I was terrified you were going to turn me away.”

I run my hand up his cheek and meet his gaze. “Never. Turns out I have a thing for the grumpy, blue-collar type.”

His grin is much wider and reflects his relief. “And it seems I have a thing for the high-maintenance, spoiled type.”

I can’t help but smile as his arms wrap around my waist, drawing me in. I catch a whiff of his cologne and partnered with the feel of his body pressed to mine, it makes my panties a bit damp. “You’re really here.”

“Of course I am. Tonight’s your big night. I’m sorry I missed the first part of your speech. Traffic in LA is definitely not the same as Pine Village,” he says, running his hand through his freshly cut hair.

“Oh my God, no,” I state with a chuckle.

“Pardon the interruption,” a familiar voice says behind me.

I spin around and find both of my parents standing before us. They’re both smiling, their demeanor casual and relaxed.

My dad extends his hand toward Marcus. “Douglas Marcotte.”

“Marcus Wright. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, sir.”

My dad waves his other hand. “Doug, please. I’ve been anxious to meet the man who stole my daughter’s heart.”

Marcus glances my way, a touch of apprehension in his hazel eyes. “Thank you, sir. I mean Doug. Your daughter has come to mean a great deal to me,” he says, sending me a smile.

“And I’m Ryan’s mom, Jade Holmes, and you can call me Jade,” Mom says with a charming grin.

He takes her hand and gives it a polite shake. He doesn’t bring it to his mouth to kiss like Vaughn used to always do or you see so much in this town. “Pleasure to meet you as well.”

“Well, we’ll let you two catch up. We just wanted to say hello before you two slipped away,” Dad says with a jovial, knowing grin. I almost groan at the innuendo, but I also suspect it’s not that far off.

I’m definitely ready to get out of here, now that Marcus has arrived.

“Let’s have dinner soon,” Mom says to the two of us, leaving the invitation open-ended. Considering I have no idea how long he’s in town, I appreciate her not pushing to set something up now.

I nod, and as they turn to walk away, I give my attention back to Marcus. “We probably need to talk about stuff, but I can’t leave yet,” I tell him.

He dances his fingers up my neck, causing goosebumps to pepper my skin. “This is your night, Princess. We don’t have to leave right now. I’m here for you and will proudly stand behind you as you shine like the diamond you are.”

I can’t help but grin and shake my head. “No, I want you beside me. I know it’ll make you uncomfortable—” I start, but he cuts me off.

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