In a lot of ways, Selena is like the daughter Mom never had. At least, she was until Faye showed up. Kyler’s wife came to live with us when she was seventeen, and Mom is crazy about her. They are very close. More so than Mom is with her other daughters-in-law even though I know she loves all the girls with her whole heart.
“I see what you mean,” Selena says as we walk into the sunroom. She steps close to the window, staring at the grounds outside. The wide windows offer a perfect view over the sweeping landscape with expansive manicured lawns, a rose garden, tennis and basketball courts, putting green, outdoor pool and pool house, and the thick woods at the very rear of the garden. “This place is magical.”
I come up behind her, about to open my mouth and ask before I remember the new rules. I’m still cautious as I wrap my arms around her from behind, but she doesn’t flinch or give any indication she’s uncomfortable, sinking into my embrace with a contented sigh. I rest my chin on her shoulder, momentarily closing my eyes as I enjoy the feel of her in my arms. “I love you, Sel.”
She’s smiling as she turns her head slightly to look up at me. “You just told me in the car.”
I rub my nose against hers. “Is there a limit to how often I can tell you I love you?”
“Nope.” She rubs her nose against mine. “No limit. I will never tire of hearing you say that, because I worried my actions had lost you to me forever. I will never take your love for granted.”
My gaze lowers to her mouth before darting to her eyes, seeking permission even though I know she said we had to build up to this. If I don’t kiss her soon, I think I’ll combust.
“Keanu,” she whispers, licking her lips as her eyes latch onto my mouth. “You make my heart beat so fast.” Her eyes rise to mine, and I see the same desire reflected in her gaze. Her pupils are darker, burning with heat, and we move toward one another at the same time.
“Am I interrupting?”
We jerk apart at my dad’s words, and Selena blushes.
“Awesome timing, Dad,” I deadpan.
“Anytime, son,” he teases, grinning madly as he places a tray with coffee and homemade cookies on the table in front of the wicker couch.
I guide Selena to the couch, sitting beside her as Dad takes the seat opposite us.
“Alex tells me you beat off some stiff competition to win the Miranda Fanning campaign,” Dad says, mid-slurp. “Congratulations, Selena. That’s an amazing achievement.”
“Thank you.” She blows on the top of the mug, and visions of her blowing across the tip of my cock surface out of nowhere.
Fucking hell. I have it so bad.
I dismiss the visual before I turn to stone in my pants.
“And congratulations to you and Alex. She was so happy when she told me you two were back together,” Selena says, leaning back in the couch. I sling my arm around her shoulders, keeping her close.
“Life is good, Selena.” Dad exudes happiness in spades. Both my parents do. My brothers and I are overjoyed they are giving their marriage another try. “I have the love of my life back in my arms. It doesn’t get much better than this.”
“Amen to that,” I say, without hesitation, staring into Selena’s gorgeous eyes.
“If Kent was here, he’d give both of us so much shit for that statement.” Dad crosses one leg over his knee, grinning. “How is he doing?”
“He’s good,” I say, breaking a cookie in half and handing a piece to Selena.
Sel is naturally slender, and she doesn’t have to watch what she eats like a lot of the models I work with. I’ve seen a lot of shit in the industry, and I’m glad Sel has stayed wholesome. That she doesn’t snort coke like it’s going out of fashion purely to curb her appetite and stay reed thin. That she doesn’t purge after eating or refuse to eat at all. There is a lot I hate about the industry, and when I set up my own business, if I choose to set up a modeling agency, I plan to do things differently. “And he’s agreed to stop throwing parties while Selena is staying with us so that can only be a good thing.”
“All we need now is to find him a good woman.” Dad waggles his brows.
“Find who a good woman?” Mom asks, joining us.
“Kent,” Dad says, pulling her down onto his lap.
I beam at my parents, loving how readily they pack on the PDAs these days. Some might hate their parents pawing at one another, but I love seeing it. As long as I don’t seetoo much, because that shit would be gross as fuck.
“It’s going to take a brave, strong woman to tame my Kent,” Mom says. “But I’ve no doubt the right woman is out there somewhere.”
“He could have already met her,” I say, draining the last of my coffee.
“Please, don’t go there.” Mom groans. “Whitney isn’t right for Kent. They are not right for one another.”
