“I love you, too, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you in so long, the lines blurred and I thought you’d never feel the same way.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong.”
I round the island. “And you’re right, taking is slow is for pussies.”
She laughs, and I love the sound. “I couldn’t agree more.”
We’ve agreed I won’t sleep over until Deaton is used to us being together as a couple. I think our earlier PDA had him heading for the hills. But when Chelsea pulls me into her room long after Deaton has gone to bed, I don’t object.
We kiss and canoodle, talking and laughing, just like we always do, but now we do it naked. When she slides a leg over my hips, our hands clinging to one another, I’m finally understanding what it means to fall hopelessly in love. Having this woman right here with me, looking down at me with love and adoration. It’s too much.
When she slides down on my dick, I bite down on my lip so I don’t cry out and wake Deaton. He sleeps hard, thankfully, but I still don’t want to risk it.
Being like this; so close to her, it’s like we’ve always known. Every single beat of my heart threatens to burst out of my chest when we’re joined. It isn’t just about sex, or about being this close. It’s about how much we love one another, and have for a very long time. It’s about the way she looks at me with so much sincerity and trust. With her and Deaton, I want it all. A life. One where we’re a family.
“Ride me,” I grunt. “That’s it, Baby Girl. You know you can take it.”
“You fill me so full,” she breathes.
I grip her ass, helping her bounce up and down. “And now you have to learn to come quietly.”
“I’ll get you back for this.” She tips her head back and her body shudders when she comes hard. I follow behind, stilling as I empty myself inside her.
This will never get old. Exploring her body. Making sure she knows she’s loved.
I’ve just come to realize: it’s all I’ve ever wanted.
Chapter Twenty-Four
CHELSEA
Two weeks later
I’m well aware that I’m hanging on for dear life as I wring my hands while I pace; the hole I’m wearing in the floor is a dead giveaway.
“Can you stop that pacing, honey, you’re starting to make me nervous.” My dad looks over the newspaper pointedly. They’ve certainly had a lot to catch up on since they got back from their vacation the week after Mason and Bobby’s party.
Mom didn’t seem overly surprised about my bombshell news; Brad and I being an item — but she sure was over the moon. Dad has always liked Brad, but he’s still the protective father I’ve known and loved since I was born. So he’s airing on the side of caution, and hopefully won’t give Brad too much of a hard time when he sees him.
“I can’t help it, it’s nerve-wracking,” I say, running my hands up and down my arms like I’m trying to soothe myself, but it’s not doing any good.
“You’re going to be fine,” Mom says matter-of-factly. “If anyone is going to snag this deal, it’s you and Bradley Lucas.”
“I’m with your mom on that one,” Dad says, going back to his paper.
Brad and I have gone over things for the past two weeks. The budget being the main thing, and everything else in between. Deaton had another sleepover when my parents got back, insisting he slept in the Mickey Mouse ears they got him, and I ventured to Brad’s place in Beverly Hills. His house is nothing short of spectacular. I vividly remember looking up at his renovated mid-century modern home perched high above the Sunset Strip in complete awe. It sure is a world away from my humble little bakery and small apartment. The exterior of his house is a mixture of Balau wood and crosscut travertine with expansive glass everywhere. The interior, a mixture of walnut and greystone accents, stands out with its state-of-the-art appliances and the huge skylight in the massive living room. His master-suit is more like a hotel suite, and the pool deck with cabana, a built-in barbecue and entertainment area, is more like a dream.
But Brad took it all in his stride, and I know he’s worked hard for what he’s got.
We sure christened a few rooms that night and plan to do many more soon. We’ve been trying to grab any time we can in between both of our busy schedules, but it’s been tricky to say the least.
Brad’s still the talk of the town after the whole soccer uniforms thing, so he’s quite the celebrity now at Deaton’s school. I think showing up in the Porsche was also a talking point.
I’m still kinda reveling in the buddy day at school, where Brad really showed up for Deaton. My dad was also very impressed when he heard about it. I think it earned him some more brownie points. Deaton was over the moon about it, and still hasn’t stopped talking about it.
The thought makes me smile and distracts me for a moment while I head to my parents’ spare bathroom to refresh my makeup and slap my cheeks to pep talk myself up a little. Staying here while the auction is on crosses my mind again, but I’m not missing out on an opportunity to spend some more time with Brad, even if the future of my livelihood and my living arrangements for me and my son hangs in the balance.
When we get to the auction, I immediately see Brad, who’s turned up with both his brothers, as well as his dad, and we all get acquainted in the lobby before we sign in and make our way to our seats.
