Page 131 of Holding You
How do I know this? None of them have yet to punch Declan in the face—or well, mention it to me.
I take the long route to the house, pausing to check on one of my flowerpots as I round the table so I can walk behind Declan’s chair and run my hand across his shoulders.
It’s reckless. I just can’t seem to keep my hands to myself anymore.
I take another step, but Declan’s voice stops me.
“Hey, babe, will you grab me another beer when you go in?” he asks from across the patio.
“Yep,” I say, as I’m already heading into the house.
I take one more step, then pause. I’m staring straight ahead atnothing, but silence fills the backyard, and I sense every set of eyes on me as I reach for the door handle.
Shit.
Shit.
Did he … and then I …
I should drop my hand from the handle and go back to what I was doing, but I’ve already responded, so no matter what choice I make from here, there will be an interrogation. I’m part of the Asher family, and all of them are watching me.
I clear my throat, hold my head high, and open the door without looking back at anyone. I move for the fridge, running through the questions they’ll ask.
Why did he call you babe?
Why did you respond?
No, why did you respond so naturally?
Why does it sound like he calls you that often?
Are you two dating?
Suddenly, the sliding door opens, startling me from my thoughts.
“What are you doing?” I ask as Declan rushes toward me.
“Checking on you.” He rubs the back of his neck. “That sort of just slipped out. I couldn’t handle the silence out there, and I didn’t want to say anything without talking to you first. However we handle this is entirely up to you.”
He’s so freaking adorable and sweet, and his sexiness only increases when he says things like that.
This is entirely up to you.
It’s my choice.
“I …I’m not sure.”
“And that’s perfectly fine. If you’re not ready to say anything, we won’t.”
He slides a hand around my waist and tugs me toward him, placing the sweetest kiss on my lips.
“And you’re okay with that?” It’s almost a whisper.
“Baby, all I need is you. So, if you don’t want to tell them, I’ll be fine.” He kisses me again.
“But you want them to know?”
“The day you give me the go-ahead, I’m going to make sure everyone knows that I’m yours.”
