Page 85 of Silent Count
I can’t hear what she says because something is happening with Noelle and Casey, and then Charlie is yelling at Casey aboutnot ruining her plans, and it’s all too much for me to follow because all I want to see is her.
“Holy shit, is he proposing?” Ace whispers loudly and pulls out his phone.
“Shut up, dumbass.” Aston elbows him.
“Ow, asshole. I’m telling Mom.” Ace shoves back.
“Would you both shut the fuck up?” Silas glares at them.
Brooke looks over at Silas and smiles.
I look back toward the kitchen to look for Chelsea and see she’s standing near Casey and Noelle, her hands covering her mouth, and it looks like her eyes are a little glassy. She looks over at me, and I can see her smile behind her hands.
If I didn’t want to ruin Casey’s moment, I would run over and grab my girl, but I’m polite. I’ll wait another few seconds for them to wrap this up.
Between the chatter from the twins and Charlie’s friends, I can barely hear what Casey is saying, but then they’re both kneeling, then kissing, so I’m gonna go with my gut and say we have a newly engaged couple in the house.
Everyone stands and cheers, running over to congratulate the couple.
Charlie is going on about Casey ruining her plans, but then they all start laughing, and Charlie announces that we’re having birthday cake before dinner.
Chelsea is still looking at me, and when I stand and she sees my PJs, she smiles softly at me.
I walk toward her and stop close enough that she can hear me over everyone singing happy birthday to Noelle.
“Hi.” I reach out and loop her pinkie with mine.
“Hi.” She tugs my hand toward her body. “I like your PJs.” She nods toward my shirt.
“Thanks. I like yours.” I tilt my head toward the direction of my room. “Can we talk?”
She nods and lets me lead her down the hall. I release her hand just so I can close the door. When I turn back to her, she’s sitting on my bed.
“When you said we had matching PJs, I was picturing yours also sayingeverything, but this is much better.” She tugs at the hem of my shirt. “I Have Everything I Need.”
“It’s true.” I kneel down in front of her, and she opens her legs so I can fit between them. “You’re everything to me.”
She puts her hands on my face, then pushes them through my hair. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve been here, waiting. You didn’t have to miss me.” I take hold of her wrists. “But I missed you too.”
“I know.” Her thumbs brush over my cheeks. “I’m sorry, Bo. There were a lot of feelings rolling around, and it was … uncomfortable to me because it scared me. And I know we have a lot to talk about, but I’m here. And I’m ready to give you everything.”
I drop my head and let out a rush of air. “Thank fuck.”
“Can you kiss me now?” She cups my face and traces my bottom lip with her thumb. “I really missed these lips.”
“They’re yours.”
We lean in at the same time, and our mouths crash together. I slide my hands under her shirt just so I can feel her skin.
We break apart, panting.
“Tell me you’re staying tonight?” I rest my forehead against hers.
“Yes. Besides, I imagine Casey and Noelle will want some privacy tonight, right?” She laughs.
“Yeah, I’m sure they do. He’s probably ready to throw her over his shoulder by now.” I stand and hold my hand out for her to take.
