“Only the best for you,” I say, grabbing my wineglass and holding it up in the air. A pink hue covers her cheeks as she tucks a piece of hair behind her ear shyly before matching my movements.
“What should we cheer to?” she asks.
“Cheers, to us. To new beginnings with old friends. And to finding out if dreams really can come true.”
Payton stares at me for a moment, and I wink. I mean every word. I can’t wait to see where this road will lead us and help her see her worth and all that she deserves.
This woman across from me is gorgeous, and it’s just so crazy to me how she doesn’t even realize it. That almost makes her even more attractive.
Eventually, she blinks and clinks her glass with mine. Even though I bring the wineglass to my lips, I never take my eyes off her. From bringing the glass to her lips to swallowing, I closely watch every movement she makes, including the liquid’s movement and her neck’s motion.
Leaning back in my chair, I outstretch my legs under the table and continue watching her. It doesn’t take long to realize what I’m doing—waiting for her stamp of approval on my food.
Time feels as though it’s slowed to a snail’s pace as I watch her twirl a piece around her fork before stabbing a piece of pancetta on the end and bringing the fork to her lips.
I love that she wants to experience the entire flavor palate all at once.
Her eyes close as soon as the food hits her tongue, and she lets out a moan that matches the sounds she made earlier. I have no clue if it was an intentional sound to slip from her lips, but holy fuck, it went straight to my dick.
“So, what do you think?” There I go again, seeking validation.
“Rhy, this is the most delicious thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”
I press my lips together to suppress a smart-ass comment ofWell, clearly, you haven’t put my dick in your mouth. She giggles as she must have either read my thoughts or realized what she said.
“This is so good. I can’t believe you could just whip this up. I could never do anything like this.”
“Thank you.” I finally take a bite, and damn, I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but fucking beep beep. “And yes, you can. I’ll gladly show you some things. It was honestly quite simple, really.”
Just as we’re finishing our meals, Payton’s phone buzzes. “I’m so sorry. I know it’s so rude to have your phone out, but I wanted to keep it close by, just in case.”
“You don’t need to explain yourself, babe. It’s fine.” I nod toward her phone, telling her to get it while I stand. I grab our empty plates and walk them over to the dishwashing station.
When I come back to refill the last of the wine in her glass, Payton’s focus is on her phone, laughing with the biggest smile on her face. I’ll take that as everything is okay.
“Come here, look at this.” She waves me over.
I circle around and lean on the back of her chair. Looking down at the phone, I watch her scroll through the images Hollie just sent. The photos range from a selfie of the three of them to Ollie flying Gabby as if she were Supergirl and another withHollie feeding her a bottle. When Payton presses Play on the last one, a video, I can’t hold back my laughter. The video shows Ollie holding Gabby just above him, making a whooshing sound.Uh-oh,I sure hope the video and Hollie feeding had a safe time frame between them. My heart warms at the way Ollie looks at Gabby.
I can’t wait for the day my best friend announces they’re having a kid. Could our kids be friends? Will they grow up as cousins and best friends? The thought of Payton pregnant withourbaby should freak me out, yet it doesn’t. Does she even want more kids?Whoa, buddy, slow the fuck down.I focus back on the video and at the perfect timing, too.
“Oh no,” Payton shrieks as Gabby spits up on her uncle, and he instantly freaks out. “It’s in my mouth, Holls.” He gags. The video abruptly cuts off. I’m sure Hollie rushed to save their niece before he lost it. I have no idea how he’s going to handle all the smells that come out of a baby.
When Payton exits the video, wiping tears from her eyes, she reads the reassuring bottom text that arrived afterwards.
Hollie:Sorry about that, but couldn’t NOT share it. All is well here in the Mosby house. I cleaned up Gabby while Ollie showered.
Payton assists me with cleaning up the kitchen, even though I try to argue with her that I could handle it.My damn stubborn girl.
“So, what’s next?” Propping her hip on the side of the counter, Payton looks up at me through hooded lashes.
I match her stance before the corners of my lips twitch upward. “The possibilities are endless.”
Chapter 23
Rhyland
“Thank you for tonight,” Payton says as we walk up to the front door, hand in hand.
