Page 128 of Seven Year Itch
“I didn’t know you thought that, and your opinion is the only one I care about these days.” His brows furrow as he looks at me like he’s seeing me for the first time. “I thought you hated me.”
My face twists as emotion swells inside of me. It’s easier to hate him. I’m familiar with hating him. What I feel for him right now as I look into his green eyes that stare back at me with so much hope and adoration... is terrifying.
“I’m trying really hard to hate you,” I croak, my voice wobbly and uncertain.
The corner of his mouth tugs up. “How’s that going?”
“Not good!” I squeeze my hands into fists as my mind swims with the memories of the first time we met, right here at Max’s house. “I forgot you called me Blondie.”
“Ace suits you better.”
“It’s better than Karen.”
He chuckles softly as he steps closer to me, reaching his hands out to grab mine. I let him because I miss the way his rough, calloused hands feel in mine, how warm they are, how every time I see him in a flannel shirt I want to cuddle into him like he’s my own heated blanket.
“I’m taking that Denver-store deal, by the way.”
“You are?” I gasp.
He nods and gets a sheepish look on his face. “I had a big talkwith my brothers, and we’re going to bring on more guys to give me time to pursue the design thing. I’ll still be a part of the family business but not working near the hours I have been. I’m negotiating contract terms with the store next week.”
My lips turn down as I fight away the proud smile threatening to spread across my face. “Calder, that’s incredible.”
“Thanks,” he murmurs, looking shy. He stares down at our hands, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles and sending shocks of longing through me. “I think my dad would have loved you.”
My throat tightens as tears fill my eyes. “I think your dad would have thought I was crazy.”
“Probably.” His chuckle is soft and feels like a hug to my heart. “I have one more truth to tell you.”
I close my eyes and breathe deeply out my nose, preparing for the worst. “Okay...”
“I’m in love with you.”
I open my eyes, and the sweet, soft expression on his face takes my breath away. “You are?”
“Obviously, Ace.” He smiles and looks away, giving me a profile view of his beard and jawline. “I don’t tell just any ol’ girl I shit my pants.”
I shove him with our clasped hands. “Please be serious.”
“I am,” he says, turning back to look at me as he steps in closer. He releases my hands to cup my face, and my whole body tingles as his thumbs glide softly over my cheeks. “The guy who kept that truth from you seven years ago is not the man standing in front of you right now. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Randal, but I’m not sorry you married him because it put us right here, right now, and made it possible for me to say I love you, baby. As it turns out, true love is my kink. And I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you.”
My body trembles as I grip his flannel shirt in my hands. “I love you too, you infuriating asshole.”
His face lights up as he leans in and kisses me so utterly perfectly, I think my whole body could melt into the ground. I wrapmy arms around his neck and accept his apology, his love, his truth, and his kiss with all the confidence in my body. And, it turns out, there’s plenty.
I break away for air, my heart thundering in my chest, my eyes seeing stars as Calder pulls me in close, his hands sliding down to my bottom as his lips brush against my neck.
“You know your entire family have their noses pressed to the glass and are watching us make out right now, right?” I murmur into his shoulder and feel his body shake with laugher.
“I guess you’re not the only voyeur in the family.”
Chapter 44
Two Favorite Pussies
Calder
I wake early the next day and reach over to find the other side of Dakota’s bed empty. Frowning, I look at the clock to see it’s only seven. Where the hell is she? I get up to go look for her, my cock shamelessly poking through my boxer briefs as I walk into the bathroom and see the light on in the closet.
