Page 118 of When the Stars Fall
She considered that for a moment. “Fine. When you lose....” She tapped her index finger against her lips, thinking. “You have to be my date for Sophie’s wedding.”
Her date. That sounded promising. Why the change of heart, I wondered, but didn’t ask. I’d take what I could get. “Done.”
“Prepare to eat my dust, Devil Dog.”
“In your dreams, Rebel.”
“First one to reach my front porch is the winner.”
“I have everything to gain and nothing to lose,” I said. “Either way, I’m a winner.”
I thought I heard her say “Same here” but I couldn’t be sure because she’d already taken off. I took a moment to appreciate the view of her sexy little ass, before I chased after her. And just like that, my day was looking better.
To show my appreciation, I tackled her on the front lawn where I was waiting for her.
“Why do you insist on racing me? I could beat you with a one-hundred-fifty-pound pack on my back.”
“Still so cocky,” she murmured as my lips met hers and her arms wrapped around my neck.
Leaning my head down, I licked the seam of her lips then grabbed the bottom lip between my teeth and bit down. That’s all it took for her to let me in. Our tongues danced around and I couldn’t get enough. I didn’t want it to end. Too soon, she pulled away and I groaned.
“I have to take a shower.” She stood up and I followed. I’d always follow.
Adjusting myself in my shorts, I pulled her into my chest. “I could help you with that. I’d make sure you’re good and clean. I’d soap every inch of your body and—”
She shoved my chest—still so physical—before she sauntered away. “Bye Jude.”
“You owe me a date,” I called after her.
She paused in the doorway and looked over her shoulder. “You owe me an entire galaxy. I’m still waiting for you to put the stars back in the sky.”
Well, damn. I guess I had my work cut out for me. Was there a chance she could still love my broken, fucked-up self? The man who had lost part of his soul to a war and his entire heart to a girl?
I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt this hopeful. Or this happy.
Chapter Forty-One
Lila
“Areyou sure it’s okay? I should take Noah home and make sure—”
“Honey. He’s fine.” Kate put her hands on my shoulders and turned me toward the window. Noah was eating a bowl of ice cream on the back porch, talking a mile a minute to Patrick. And it struck me once again how blessed I’ve been to have the McCallisters in my life. They’d all been there for me when I’d needed them. At different times in my life. In their own special ways, they’d filled my life with love and laughter and showed me what it was like to be part of a big, happy, rowdy family.
“He’s a happy little boy. And you know why?”
“Why?”
“Because he’s being raised with love. You’re a good mother.” Over the years, she’d had to reassure me more times than I’d care to admit. “Your mom would be so proud of you, sweetie.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so. Now go on home and get ready for your hot date.”
I laughed. “It’s not a hot date. This is your son we’re talking about.”
Kate laughed. “You two don’t have to worry about sneaking up the trellis anymore.”
Oh my God. I could feel myself blushing.
