Page 82 of A Very Merry Mistake

“Sailing—check. Golf—check. The overwhelming need to be perfect—check.”

“I see what you mean. Yeah, guess I have. But being here is inspiring me to change my ways.”

“I hope you do. Oh, tomorrow my friends are getting together at a local bar. Moonshiners. You wanna go?”

“Do you want to go?”

“You can’t answer my question with a question.”

She takes a bite of the flaky crust. “But I did. So?”

“I think it would be fun. I’d love for you to meet my brothers and cousins, too. They’ll all be there.”

“Then I’d love to. What’s the dress code?”

“I’d say casual. A lot of locals go there after work.”

“Hm. I think I’ve got the perfect outfit.” Her eyes flash, and I see something behind them.

“If it’s too sexy, we ain’t leavin’. I’m gonna keep ya all to myself.”

“Speaking of…” She sets her fork down and wipes her mouth.

I give her every ounce of focus I have.

“I’d love a repeat of last night.” Fire dances in her eyes as a cute little grin plays on her lips.

“I think I can help make that happen.”

When I’m with her, the world around me disappears. She’s the escape I need to pull me away, and I’m so damn grateful I was persistent about her getting in my truck.

CHAPTER 21

CLAIRE

When I was a teenager, I’d dreamed about being successful.

Finding love was never on my life list. Sure, I wanted someone to share special moments with, but over the years, I’ve realized my relationships were transactional and without depth.

My father has fucked around with random women since my mother died and hasn’t found anyone to fill that void. Money and power aren’t enough; he’s proof. Sex isn’t, either. He’s constantly searching for the wrong things in the wrong people, and that’s why he’ll never be in another healthy marriage.

Some people aren’t replaceable. My mother wasn’t.

I put on my pearl earrings as Jake slides a belt into his slacks, and I realize he’s not, either. This man is one of a kind.

I smile at him, and he smiles back. Happiness spreads over me like a warm blanket.

“Almost ready?” He walks up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, and kisses my neck. “You smell so damn good.”

I turn and brush my lips across his, humming against his mouth. “You do, too.”

He takes a step back, his eyes sliding down to my red lips, my breasts, and back up again. The sweater dress I’m wearing hugs me like a second skin. “Those boots again.”

“I was anticipating you mentioning them.”

He pulls me into his embrace. The scruff on his face tickles, and goose bumps trail up and down my body. “You’re gonna be the center of attention tonight.”

“Everyone will know I’m yours,” I confirm as his heated gaze meets mine.

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