Page 133 of Faking All the Way
“Just admiring the view,” I tell her, coming closer. My voice coming out rougher than I intended. “You look good in my colors.”
She smiles, setting her jeans aside. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I run my hands down her sides, feeling the jersey under my palms. The fabric soft and smooth, her body warm underneath. “But you know what I really can’t wait for?”
“What?” She’s looking up at me now, her green eyes bright.
“To see you wearing our last name on your back someday.”
Her breath catches. I watch her process what I just said, the implication settling in. I essentially just told her I plan to marryher. That this isn’t just dating or a relationship, but something permanent.
Instead of panicking or backing away, I double down, pulling her into my arms as I gaze down at her. “Does that scare you?”
She looks up at me, biting her lip. Then she says quietly, “No. It doesn’t.”
“Good.” I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “Because you’re the one thing in my life I’ll always be certain of.”
I kiss her again, loving the little sound she makes against my lips, the needy noise going straight to my cock. My hands roam over her perfect curves, finding the hem of her jersey as I start to ease it upward.
“You look so fucking good in this jersey, baby,” I murmur with a wicked smile. “But you’ll look even better out of it.”
Epilogue
Kat
Six months later, I’m settled into life in Denver. Working at the art station Asher set up for me by the wide windows of our new condo, bent over my desk as I add final touches to an illustration for the children’s book series.
The project has been amazing so far. Everyone involved loves children’s stories and art as much as I do, and it’s been so fun collaborating with the author and publisher. We’re working on the second book now, and the first one comes out in a few months.
My phone buzzes with a text from my mom.
MOM: Saw the article in the Maplewood Gazette about your book deal! Dad and I are so proud. We’re framing it for the den.
I smile as I read it, then call her back instead of texting.
“Hi, sweetheart!” she answers. “Did you see the article?”
“I did. Thank you for sending it.”
We chat for a bit about the article, about the book, about how the illustrations are coming along. My parents have beenso much more supportive lately. Less worried about me having a “real job,” more interested in my actual work. They even commissioned me for a watercolor anniversary gift last month, which meant the world to me. It makes me feel less like a black sheep, more like I’ve found my place in the world.
“We need to finalize your plans for the visit,” my mom reminds me. “You’re coming back to Maplewood soon, right?”
“Yeah, we’re still planning on it. I’ll confirm the dates with Asher tonight.”
“Edward and Audrey are so excited to see you both,” she says warmly.
I grin at that. I love that Edward and Audrey are together now. They’re really good for each other, and I like that they’ve become friends with my parents too. The four of them do dinner together once a week now, playing cards and just hanging out. Asher told me the whole story about what happened between his parents, about his mom’s affairs and the custody battle. I know he worried about his dad being alone for so long. But Edward’s not alone anymore. He’s building a true community in Maplewood, something solid.
“Oh, and I know you’ve put Daniel behind you entirely,” my mom adds, her tone shifting. “And I’m glad about that. But you might be interested to know that Daniel and Maya’s engagement exploded publicly at the grocery store a week ago.”
“What?” I can’t help the laugh that escapes.
“Apparently Maya was seen beating him with a head of lettuce. Right there in the produce section. Made quite the scene.”
I wince. “What happened?”
“I don’t know all the details, but it sounds like Daniel had a wandering eye.”
