“I’m ready for all of the big steps,” I tell her.
She bites her bottom lip, her eyes lighting up even more. “Me too,” she says.
The inner me bangs his fists against his chest in caveman celebration. I kiss her shoulder again and go up her neck. She shivers, and I smile against her skin.
“I’m really happy to hear you say that, Juliana Fair.” I plant kisses back to her shoulder and lift my head. “Are you still good to meet up in a few hours?”
“Yes,” she says, her voice and eyes soft and melty. “I have a few errands to run, but two o’clock still works for me.”
“Perfect.”
I have a couple of errands to run too, but I keep that to myself. I take a quick shower, and when I get out, Juju and Kevin are still having their lovefest.
“Do you have time for breakfast?” I ask.
“Always,” she says, hopping up. “I’ll take the fastest shower and be right up.”
“Hey, Juju.”
She turns and looks at me.
“I love you.”
She grins. “I’ll never get tired of hearing you say that. I love you too.”
As soon as I leave Juju, I shift gears straight into worker beast mode.
Ever since the resort opened, I’ve had Noah working on a side project with me. My brother’s the best there is when it comes to bringing design plans to life, and it’s been great to spend this time with him. We’ve both been too busy to hang like this, just the two of us, for a long time. I’ve spent every spare hour between leaving Juju and heading into my shift at the restaurant out here—sawing, hammering, and revisiting my construction skills.
Now, we’re putting on the final touches.
Noah steps back first, brushing sawdust off his jeans, and gives me a satisfied grin. “She’s gonna love this.”
I run my hand along the smooth wood and get strangely sentimental. That’s been happening a lot lately. “I hope you’re right.”
“You know I am.” He slings an arm around my shoulders and yanks me in for one of those classic older-brother hug-slash-chokeholds. I laugh, half gasping, and make him work to get out of my own hold on him.
While he’s nailing in the last trim piece, Marilyn and Virginia pull up. It’s about half an hour before I’ve got to pick up Juju.
“We’ve got it from here, boss,” Virginia says, hauling food out of the truck.
“You’re the best,” I tell them. “Thank you. You’re getting bonuses for this.”
“Not necessary,” Virginia says. “We’re suckers for love. Now, go get your girl.” She blows a kiss and waves.
I take off, buzzing with adrenaline and nerves. I jog to the door when I get to Juju’s. Ralph doesn’t pay any attention until Juju steps out, and then he comes trucking toward her.
“I don’t think so, buddy,” I say, stomping my foot when he gets close.
He halts and throws his head back. “Ra-ra-ra-raooo!” he yells.
“Ra-ra your ass back into that coop, stat,” I tell him.
Juju’s laugh rings out, and I grin at her when Ralph scuttles away.
“Well done,” she says, still laughing when she gets in the SUV.
When we pull onto Wildbriar Lane, she looks over, eyebrows raised. “Where are we going?”
