Harper nods. “I also want to know the answer to that.”
“Exactly what it sounds like; when the party has wound down, he wants to sit my parents down and tell them about our relationship.” Their eyes widen at my words. “He said he’s done spending the night without me and hiding us.” My words are met with squeals from all three of them.
I’ll keep the marrying part to myself for now.
***
I’ve danced with nearly everyone here at some point tonight; twirling until my feet hurt. There is one person that I haven’t danced with, though.
My man.
He’s watched me constantly, eyes narrowed whenever another man has led me around the dance floor, no matter the age. A smirk would grace his lips when the girls and I let loose — which we have… a lot.
But now I want him. Unfortunately, I’m currently dancing with a neighbor’s son, someone I’ve known a long time and to be honest, never particularly liked. There’s always something a little off about him, and he is definitely holding me closer than I would like right now.
“Relax, Bella. We’re just dancing, you need to let loose, baby.”
Oh no, he fucking didn’t.
“I am not your ‘baby’,” I seethe and begin to pull away from him.
“I’m cutting in.” A dark rumble comes from behind me. Reed’s hands slide around my waist pulling me back into him and out of the idiot’s arms.
“Hey, the song’s not finished.”
Does this guy have a death wish?Take a hint.
“Maybe not, but you are.” Reed’s tone is possessive and demanding, brooking no room for argument. The fool takes the not so subtlehint and backs away, and Reed turns me in his arms and holds me close.
“I didn’t like how he was holding you.” His hands tighten around my waist.
“It’s you holding me now, that’s all that matters.” I smile up at him, his devastatingly handsome face focused solely on me.
“I love you, Bella,” he breathes the words. They’re quiet, whispered words that are just for the two of us.
My eyes widen at his admission and my heart rate picks up.
I’m in shock — this incredibly handsome, experienced, loyal, kind and successful man is in love with me?
Me?
A girl who is fresh out of college? Has a job because of who her father is and is totally inexperienced? That’s the girl this playboy has decided to fall in love with?
My silence is not intentional, but it’s enough for Reed to start to worry.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to say it back. I’m aware I’m moving quickly in this relationship, and I’ll wait as long as it takes for you to feel—” I cut him off, my pointer finger pressing against his lips.
“I love you too, Reed.” His teeth nip my finger that’s still against his mouth and I draw it back on a gasp.
“I shouldn’t have said this now.” His eyes close and he draws a deep breath in through his nose as if in pain. “Fuck, I need to hold you — kiss you — and I can’t. What the fuck was I thinking?” He looks around him wildly, his gaze shoots back to mine. “Go into the house and up to your room. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
“Reed, we can’t—” I start to say.
“Now, Bella, or I will claim you here foreveryone to see.”
I quickly pull out of his arms and make my way off the dance floor and towards the house. My heart is pounding, my core already sopping wet. I don’t care if we shouldn’t be doing this. I want to.
I glance back to see his eyes following my every move, his gaze showing he’s as desperate as me.
