Page 85 of One Pucking Surprise
When I reach him, he grins and pulls me into a hug.
The MC laughs, wagging a finger at us. “Hey, hey! No touching until the date officially begins!”
Everyone laughs, and Zach shoots the MC a mock glare. “What about Wyatt and Chloe? They got away with it!”
“They’re getting married,” the MC teases. “They don’t count!”
The crowd laughs. Zach shrugs, not willing to argue but thoroughly enjoying the moment.
As we step down from the stage, the applause fades, and we’re left with the buzz of laughter and chatter around us.
I look up at Zach grinning from ear to ear.
He leans in, his voice low and teasing. “A hundred grand, huh?” He says shaking his head. “So that’s what you had planned for the money? You were that eager to keep me for yourself.”
I laugh softly, nudging his shoulder. “Let’s just say it’s for a good cause. Don’t let it go to your head, though.”
Before he can respond, I step closer, dropping my voice so only he can hear. “I thought this was the best way to tell you. I’m moving in.”
For a moment, he just stares at me, and I wonder if I’ve said too much. Then, without warning, he grabs me by the waist and lifts me off the ground, spinning me in a circle.
“Yes!” he shouts, his voice booming over the noise of the crowd. “She’s moving in with me!”
The applause swells, but all I can focus on is the way he’s looking at me—like I’m the only thing in the room that matters. When he finally sets me down, his arms stay around me, his body warm and steady against mine.
I barely have time to process the moment before his lips are on mine, kissing me deep and slow. The world blurs around us, the noise fading into a distant hum. For a second, I let myself sink into it, let myself feel the weight of his excitement and affection.
Whenwe finally pull apart, my cheeks are burning. “Zach, don’t,” I whisper, glancing around. “People are watching us.”
He grins, brushing his thumb along my jaw. “You’re so fucking adorable.”
I shake my head, but I can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. Typical Zach—always pushing boundaries, always stealing the moment.
Wyatt, Chloe, and Janelle find us moments later, their excitement infectious. Chloe squeals, throwing her arms around me, while Wyatt claps Zach on the back.
“About time,” Wyatt says, grinning. “Congrats, man.”
Janelle hugs me next, her smile wide. “Finally!” she whispers, her voice full of warmth.
As dinner is announced, we all move to a larger table, pushing chairs together to create one big group. The laughter and chatter flow easily, and I can’t help but steal glances at Zach. He’s seated beside me, his presence grounding me, his attention unwavering.
By the time dinner ends and the band begins to play, I feel like I’m floating.
Zach stands. “Dance with me?” he asks, his voice soft.
When he offers me his hand for a dance, I hesitate, but his challenging eyebrow raise pulls me in.
On the dance floor, he holds me close, his hand resting low on my back, and the intimacy of it all sends my heart racing. As we sway to the music, I can feel the lines between us fading.
As the song ends, he tilts my chin up, his gaze locking onto mine. “Baby, maybe this doesn’t have to be an act anymore,” he murmurs, his voice full of meaning.
My breath catches and tears spring to my eyes. I laugh softly. “Gosh, tears again. This pregnancy has me so emotional.”
He presses a kiss to my forehead, then to my lips. “Baby, don’t cry. Are you that excited about dating me for real now?”
I laugh, shaking my head as my cheeks flush. “Of course, you just had to ruin the moment.”
He grins, unrepentant. “It’s part of the package. Come on, let’s get out of here.”
