“Ten years of hoping.” I shift us carefully onto our sides, still joined, her leg draped over my hip. “I never let myself believe it would actually happen. But I planned anyway. Just in case.”
“Lucas Price.” She traces a finger along my jaw. “Always prepared.”
“It’s a character flaw.”
“It’s one of my favorite things about you.”
I kiss her. Slow and sweet this time, savoring the taste of her, the feel of her wrapped around me in every way.
Through the thin walls, I can hear Theo humming in the kitchen. Something upbeat. Probably some terrible pop song he’d never admit to knowing all the words to.
“He’s happy,” Cara murmurs against my lips.
“He’s not the only one.”
She smiles, and my chest aches with how much I love her.
We still have to deal with Nate. Still have to break through his walls, convince him that this is real, that she’s staying, that it’s safe to let himself want her.
But that’s tomorrow’s problem.
Tonight, I have Cara in my arms and my knot inside her and everything I’ve wanted for a decade finally within reach.
Tonight, that’s more than enough.
Chapter 17
Cara
Iwake up smiling.
It’s becoming a habit, these past few days. Even here, in my childhood bedroom at Grandma Eileen’s, surrounded by faded cheerleading trophies and old photos, I can’t stop grinning like an idiot.
Two days since the cottage. Two days since Lucas knotted me on Theo’s bed while Theo hummed in the kitchen. Two days of stolen moments and shared meals and falling asleep with my phone pressed to my ear, listening to Theo’s voice until I drifted off.
I stretch under the covers, letting the morning sunlight warm my face. Today’s the day. I’m driving back to LA with Theo to pack up my apartment and get Mr. Darcy. A few days of road trip, then back to Honeyridge Falls for good.
Back to them.
Two down. One to go.
The thought makes my smile falter. Nate still won’t look at me. Still won’t talk to me beyond clipped, professional responses. Still locks his scent down so tight that I can barely smell him, even when we’re in the same room.
But I’m not giving up. I’ve spent ten years running from this—from them—and I’m done. I’m staying. I’m fighting. And eventually, Nate Thorn is going to have to deal with the fact that I love him just as much as I love the other two.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand. A text from Theo.
Theo:Morning beautiful. Ready for our adventure?
I grin and type back.
Cara:Born ready. Pick me up in an hour?
Theo:Can’t wait.
I toss the covers off and head for the shower.
An hour later,I’m at The Honey Crumb grabbing road trip snacks when my phone buzzes.
