“You’re too serious.” She links her arm in mine.
“Am I?”
“Having second thoughts.”
“Fuck no. I’m taking it all in and enjoying every moment. The team is warming up to you.”
“You noticed?”
“I notice everything about you because I’m a man in love.”
She leans in and kisses me. “Same here.”
“Good because it’d suck if one of us wasn’t all-in.”
“But we are.”
We stand in comfortable silence for a while as we survey the room full of guests. I hope this’ll be the first party of many.
“Gardenia just told me some good news?” She cocks her head and smiles up at me.
“And that is?” Damn, I love this woman. I’d gladly stand here all night and hang with her because there’s nowhere else, I’d rather be.
“They charged her stepmother with murder.”
“Good. I’m happy to hear it.” I really am. Things are looking up for all of us. The team is playing lights out, or as many of the media claim above our abilities. Whatever. They aren’t ruining my good mood.
“Aria. Good to see you. Love your new house. You’ll make beautiful memories here.” Kirby rejoins us, and Aria gives him a quick hug. Her eyes are suspiciously moist. I pull her close to my side, loving the feel of her next to me.
Addison enters the room. She was working late and had finally shown up. She’s flanked by a woman none of us know. She strides straight to Aria and me, congratulates us, and turns to the stranger with her.
“Aria, Drakos, Kirby, this is Shelby’s sister, Eloise. She’s in town to find her sister.”
We exchange pleasantries. All but Kirby. He’s staring at her as if he’s seen a ghost. She glances in his direction but doesn’t have the extreme reaction he does. It’s weird, but Kirby is weird, so I don’t give it another thought. It’s probably a vibe thing. He’s big on that stuff.
“Aria, I’ve been meaning to talk to you. We have a position open on our media team. It’s yours if you want it.”
Aria smiles and shakes her head. I know her answer. She’s going to work for Gone Missing. She loves investigating more than she loves reporting.
“I really appreciate the offer, but I have other plans. Thank you, though.”
“I guess I should’ve caught up with you earlier. My loss but their gain.” Addison moves on with Eloise to introduce her to others in the group.
Kirby wanders off but I note he’s keeping his distance from the newcomers while keeping an eye on them. Aria watches him quizzically before looking at me. I shrug it off. I never know what Kirby’s thinking. Besides, he can handle himself.
“Let’s get some air.” I take Aria’s hand and lead her out onto the deck. The kids shriek with laughter on the lawn below us as they chase each other. It’s the sweetest sound.
Aria leans against me, and I put my arm around her waist. She feels so good, so right, so perfect for me. I kiss her forehead.
“I never thought I’d find someone like you. Not that I realized what I was missing, but now I understand my constant partying and hooking up with random women was a cry for help disguised as having a good time. I guess I did have fun, but there was always this emptiness the next morning, this feeling that I can’t describe. Now I have you, and I can’t imagine life without you.” I stare into that stunning face and soak in all the changes in my life in such a short time. It’s hard to believe a few short months ago, Aria and I were mortal enemies. It seems so long ago. Maybe even back then I realized she was special, I just didn’t acknowledge it.
Now I know, and I’m here to stay.
Noah barrels up the deck steps and hugs each of us. “Dad, can I have a dog now? Rowen and Ryder have a dog. We have a big yard. We have room. Can I? Please? Can I?”
Love for this kid spreads through me and warms every corner of my soul. I’ll never tire of hearing him call me dad. I want my boy to have everything. Hell, I’ll buy him a pony if he asks. I look to Aria because we’re partners now, and we make decisions together. She nods slightly.
“I think we can manage that,” I say.
