Without responding, he pulls me close and continues to sway to the music. By the time the next song starts, I begin to relax and enjoy the feeling of Hayden’s arms wrapped aroundme. If he isn’t panicking, I’m not going to. It’s too late to worry now if my mom already knows.
Looking around, I see it’s mostly just couples left mingling and getting close on the dance floor. Instead of the typical feeling of sadness upon seeing other couples, I’m content to spend these stolen moments wrapped in strong arms that make me feel safe. Joy and Tate haven’t left each other’s arms either, and a smile tugs at my lips as I watch them.
“Hey!”
Hayden and I whip around at the sound of a woman’s shout. An old woman with silver hair and weathered brown skin is holding a broom, swinging it at—Patches? First of all, I have no idea where in the hell she would have found a broom, and second, why is Patches covered in mud? It hasn’t rained in nearly a week. The woman adjusts her silver braids and swings the broom, doing her best to get rid of the dog.
“Aunt Sophia!” Joy shouts as she rushes over. “Patches! Patches, get out of here! Auntie, where the hell did you find a broom?”
I stare open-mouthed at the scene until I eventually start cackling. Patches comes barreling through the crowd, and all I can do is laugh when he jumps right at me, leaving paw prints on my chest and down my dress. Guests shriek and run in every direction, trying to get away from the muddy menace.
“Goddammit, dog!” Wilber Crawley emerges from the shadows and grips Patches by the collar.
The tent is nearly empty since most of the guests have run outside to avoid the mud-covered dog, but there’s still a mess inside. Chairs and tables are toppled over, and the ones upright have mud splattered across them.
I look at Hayden, who is also covered in mud, and all we can do is laugh. The longer I laugh, the funnier it gets, and it isn’t long before I’m swiping at tears. I begin picking up items, and other guests quickly jump in as well. Fortunately, Joy and Tate also seem to find the whole thing funny and laugh as everyone pitches in to help.
It doesn’t take long to get the tent cleaned up with everyone’s help, and I make sure to find Joy before I head out. She managed to escape unscathed, so I’m careful when I hug her goodbye. I don’t make it far before Hayden catches up and grabs my hand.
“Not so fast,” he says, once I turn to face him. “Come over tonight.”
I didn’t answer him the first time he asked. My initial instinct is to turn him down, but as I look into his dark eyes, there’s nothing I want more than to fall asleep in his arms. Even if we just go to his place to sleep. I know with every fiber of my being that with him is the only place I’m supposed to be.
Chapter 35
Hayden
Steam fills my bathroom as I stare at the woman across from me. Miranda may be covered in mud, but she’s still the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Her hair falls along her shoulders and down her back when she removes her hair tie, releasing it from the messy bun. She was worried about her mother figuring out something is going on between us, but I honestly don’t care who knows. I’ve wasted enough time worrying about other people.
“May I?” I gesture at her dress.
With a shy smile, she nods her head and a slight blush stains her cheeks pink. I’ve seen her naked, but for some reason this feels new. Maybe it’s the possibility of our relationship becoming public. Or it could be leftover feelings after being part of Tate and Joy’s wedding. Whatever the cause, I’m liking the way this feels.
Sliding the thin straps off her shoulders and down her arms, I watch as the fabric pools at her feet, leaving her in nothingbut a simple white thong.Jesus.I’m not sure we would have made it all the way back here had I known this was all she was wearing beneath her dress. I slip my fingers into the lace and slide her panties down, cursing under my breath at the sight of her standing in front of me completely bare.
Without taking my eyes off her, I stand to my full height and begin unbuttoning my shirt. She casts her eyes downward, but I crave this connection. I allow my shirt to drop to the floor before placing two fingers beneath her chin to tilt her face, so she’ll look at me. We both take a sharp breath when her eyes finally meet mine. This. This is what I crave.
After making quick work of my belt, I remove the rest of my clothing and lead Miranda into the shower. The shower is separate from my bathtub and has two large, rain-style shower heads, both of which I’ve turned on. She groans in pleasure when I snap open my body wash and begin washing her, taking care to massage her muscles as I do.
“That feels amazing,” she breathes when I turn her to face away from me so I can focus on her back. “Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me. I’d do this every day if you let me.”
Her body stiffens, but I don’t question her. She still doesn’t understand the depth of my feelings. I’m a patient man, so as long as she doesn’t push me away, I’ll continue proving to her that I’m done running from my feelings.
My eyes greedily take her in when she tips her head back to rinse the conditioner from her hair. Her wet body shimmers in the light as the water runs over it, and I finally lose the battle over my hardening cock. We are here to shower, and I told myself I would be a gentleman and not maul her just because we have a night alone. I’m interested in her for more than just sex—but goddamn.
“My turn,” she says as she pours some bodywash into her palm.
Her hands feel amazing on me, and I let out a low groan. I’ve given up on hiding my arousal, but I still work hard to maintain my control while she lathers me up. Her fingers on my scalp feel like heaven when she massages shampoo into my hair.Shit.If I had access to this experience every day, I’d never get anything done and likely have zero regrets about it.
“Okay, all done,” she says in a quiet voice.
Facing the shower spray, I lean forward and rinse my hair first, and then my body, clearing any remaining soap from my eyes before I turn back around and take in a surprised breath. The last thing I expect to see is Miranda on her knees, looking up at me. Waiting.
“Miranda…”
“Can I?” She places her hands on my thighs, waitingfor my response.
