Page 27 of Small Town Prince Charming

“Sure, thank you.” Ryan held Tracey’s hand. “A picnic sounds wonderful.”

“I’ll get Maisey,” Tracey said. “Be right back.”

He watched her walk away and admired the slight jiggle of her ass. God, he was lucky to have her. Tracey made his motor run and his life better.

“You hit the jackpot,” Keelan said. “Hold tight to her. She’s a keeper.”

“You bet she is.” He’d found the one woman he’d been waiting for all along and the missing piece in his life. Tracey proved love was possible and his family could be complete. With Tracey, he had everything.

SIX MONTHS LATER...

Tracey carried the last box up to the apartment and placed the toys in the living room. She stretched out her back, needing the break. In the last six months, she’d put in triple the hours. Between running the shop, her art, the theatre and helping Ryan with Maisey, she realized just how tired one could be. Yet, she regretted nothing. Maisey flourished at dance and Ryan seemed more relaxed. She kicked out of her sneakers. She’d relaxed, too. Being with Ryan proved she’d made the right decision in coming back to Blakes Creek. The city was nice, but she needed the slower pace of her hometown. Mostly, she needed Ryan.

Once the theatre season ended, she made her case for reorganization of the board. Derek left to become the head of the Georgetown Theatre group in southern Ohio and Katie left to pursue other avenues. With Donnah and Keelan’s help, she and Ryan managed to get the board back on track and the theatre season sorted out for the next year. They’d even increased the amount of planned performances, while giving the various groups time to perform each weekend. Life had evened out for the best.

Ryan closed the door and reached for her. “That should be the last of the toys. Maisey doesn’t have much when you look at her room, but too much when you have to help move it.”

“It’s all right.” She collapsed on the couch and propped her feet on the coffee table. “I still can’t believe Katie rented your apartment out from under you.”

“She did say I’d pay.” He shrugged. “At least we’re all together. This is better anyway.”

“I agree, but let’s not move again for a while.” She didn’t want to drag stuff up and down the stairs again. “How long until you have to pick Maisey up from school? I don’t know where I put my watch, and I can’t see the clock.”

“Two hours. It’s the longer day.” Ryan strolled across the room to the couch. “Which means we have two hours for other things.”

She shivered. She might be sweaty and a little dirty, but she couldn’t wait to strip down and get dirtier with him.

He helped her to her feet. “We need a shower.”

“We do.” She followed him to the bathroom, by way of the bedroom. Once in the master bedroom, she shucked her dirty T-shirt and shorts, then removed her bra, panties and socks.

Ryan turned on the water. He kept his back to her as he wrestled free of his shirt. The muscles in his back flexed as he moved, and she loved the sight. He unzipped and shoved his jeans, as well as his boxer briefs, down his legs.

“Did I ever tell you I like how you look with ink?” she asked and stepped into the shower. Now that she’d seen every one of his tattoos, she realized she liked him covered in the art.

He kicked his clothes aside. “I used to think the sleeve was too much, but now...you’ve got the ultimate verdict.”

“I love them.” She tugged him into the stall. The way the water sluiced over his body sent shivers through her. He reminded her of a model—all sinewy muscle and sexy perfection. She slid her hands over his chest. “I’m told there was a bet going around as to whether or not you had your nipples pierced.”

“I thought about it, but never made the final decision.” He threaded his arms around her waist. “Should I?”

“I like them either way.” She didn’t care. She stood under the spray with him, and the hot water soothed her tired muscles. “You’ve always been sexy to me.”

He let go of her and soaped the washcloth. “I used to wonder what it’d be like to be with you. I dreamed about you, holding you and feeling you in my arms.”

“I’m right here for you to love. It makes me shivery and hot when you touch me.” She whimpered as he caressed her body with the soapy cloth.

“I love you.” He stopped washing her.

She stared at him. “Ryan?” She must’ve heard him wrong. She knew he cared about her and living together was a huge step, but to say he loved her...damn.

“I do. I love you, Trace. I planned on telling you later tonight—Maisey was going to help—but the words tumbled out now.” He caressed her ass. “I regret nothing, but we’re going to have to act shocked when Maisey gives you the card.”

“I will.” Hell, he’d dumbfounded her. He’d been serious, and she wasn’t sure what to think.

“I know. It’s fast, and even though we’re living together, it doesn’t mean I’d have to fall in love with you, but I did.” He resumed washing her. “You don’t have to reply.”

“Ryan.” She stilled his hands. “We live together, like you said, and Maisey is integral to my life. She’s the most important thing in yours. You can’t say the word love and expect me not to reply.”

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