He laughs at that, his breath warm against my ear.
“Amelia, don’t scare our guest away,” Mom scolds from across the room.“I’m sure you’ll have beginner’s luck, Adrian.”
“Ah, yes, you’ll need beginner’s luck if you stand any chance of winning,” I tease innocently.
She just shakes her head, taking her spot as the banker.I watch her for a moment, my heart squeezing as I take in the way she looks tonight.Sitting up, rosy cheeks, the exhaustion of the past weeks nowhere to be seen.Seeing her like this, truly happy and healthy, means the world to me.
The game starts off light-heartedly, but it doesn’t take long before the competitive streak in everyone, especially Adrian, kicks in.He moves forward, eyes narrowing every time someone lands on his property.It’s hilarious seeing him so into it, considering a few hours ago, he didn’t even know what he was signing up for.
Mom disappears after a while, taking Felix to bed.When she’s gone, I glance at Adrian, smiling.“Looks like you’re officially part of the family now.”
He leans in, and his lips brush my ear before kissing my temple softly.“I’m honored to be.”
I shiver, biting back a grin.
As the night stretches on, more of my siblings drop off, tapping out of the game and heading to bed.Eventually, Adrian glances at the clock and sighs.“It’s getting late.I should head out.”
I try not to let my disappointment show, but I feel it in my stomach.“I don’t want you to go.I missed being in the same room as you.”
His gaze softens.“It’s the weekend.Can I see you tomorrow?”
“I’d love that.”
“Good.I want to take you on a real date.”
A real date.The words send a thrill through me.My heart thumps wildly, my pulse loud in my ears.
“More than okay,” I whisper.
He nods.“I’ll let you know what time I’ll pick you up.”
I melt at the thought of him going to that much effort for me.
Anticipation bubbles in my stomach as I walk him to the door.When we reach the porch, he cups my face and kisses me.
I grab his head softly, pulling him closer.He groans as his hands slide around my waist, bringing me against him, and for a moment, it’s just us lost in a moment.My body presses flush against his, our tongues tangling.I hold on to him tighter, and a whimper leaves my lips when his teeth drag over my bottom lip as we break apart.I’m breathless, and my heart races.It’s more than a kiss; it’s a promise of everything.He steps back, his eyes lingering on mine as he flashes a lopsided grin that makes butterflies swarm my stomach.
I lean against the doorway, watching him walk toward his car, jeans hanging just right, the dim porch light casting soft shadows across his face.He pauses before getting in, blowing me a kiss.
I catch it, grinning as I blow one back.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he calls.
I wave as he gets in, watching until his taillights disappear down the street.
With a sigh, I close the door, my cheeks aching from smiling so much.I move to start cleaning up, but before I can, Mom reappears.
“He’s taking me on a date tomorrow night,” I tell her, failing to contain my excitement.
Her smile widens.“I’m so happy for you, love.He’s a good man.”
He is, and it’ll be nice to spend some more time with him.Because after all the secrets and uncertainty, this finally feels right.
Chapter 33
Amelia
I’vechangedoutfitsatleast three times.A dress, then a skirt, then linen pants, but none of them are what I’m aiming for.I want to look effortless, not like I’m trying too hard.Elegant, but not over the top.Finally, Mom suggests dark jeans and black knee-high boots, and I slip into a pair with a sigh of relief.It’s the perfect balance of casual and put-together.
