Page 77 of Holiday Hook Up

He reached for her hands and pulled her in. “You have always looked after me, LB. I know that now.” He grinned. “I can’t believe you bought all those pizzas for me when we were kids.”

Wait. He knew about that? “How long have you known?”

“Only very recently. Why did you do it?”

“I don’t know. I had heard that your parents were having some trouble and that was why you hung out at Ralph’s. I thought maybe it would give you something to look forward to.”

“I love you, Bethany Wilson.”

Oh my God.“Really?” she asked, her heart overflowing with hope.

“Yes, really.” He lowered his head until their lips found each other again for the third in hopefully many more kisses.

When they finally broke apart, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you, too, Adam Reed.”

They hugged for a few minutes when she realized she had big news to share. Maybe not as big as admitting she loved him, but it was definitely a close second, and his encouragement and yes, maybe calling her out for being scared, had something to do with it.

“Come on. I have something to show you.” She reached for his hand, threading it through hers and leading him to a spot directly in front of the vacant office. “I rented this today.”

“You did? No way. For your photography studio?”

“Yes. It’s mine to do as I please.” She grew even more excited with that admission.

“That’s so great. Congratulations.” He gave her a gentle squeeze. “I’m so proud of you.”

She was feeling pretty darn proud of herself. All her dreams were finally coming true. “You know. I’m going to need someone to help me rip up the floor and install lighting.”

“When can I start?”

She turned around and tugged at his coat. “And I’ll definitely need a male model who likes cats.”

He chuckled. “Done, but only if I get to be on the cover. I’m tired of Brandon’s abs getting all the attention around town.”

She couldn’t help but laugh with him. “So, this life is really happening?” she asked, holding her breath for his answer.

“That all depends,” he said, while stepping back and shoving his hands in his pockets.

She might have been worried, but his playful smile gave him away. “Will you, Bethany Wilson, split a sausage and mushroom pizza with me? By my calculation, I owe you one hundred and four.”

She picked up the wig and tucked it underneath her arm, smoothing her dress that she knew in her heart she’d wear again one day. “Then we better get started.”

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