“You and Iris come to dinner with the rest of the gang.”
My brow furrows. “What?”
Kyle chuckles, clapping me on the shoulder. “Violet’s been talking about you two nonstop. Wants you to meet our neighbors and friends.” He leans in closer, speaking conspiratorially. “And if you’re worried they might judge you for being with a younger woman, don’t be. We’re all in the same club.”
My eyebrows shoot up. There aremoreof them? The thought sends a strange sense of relief trickling through me. As much as I know Iris is the woman for me, some tiny, nagging part still worries about her age. Or rather,myage. That I’m too old for her.
But as I take in the kind smile on Kyle’s face, that part eases a little. Maybe there’s a place for us in this world after all.
I take his hand in a hearty handshake. “You’ve got a deal,” I say, and his face splits in a warm smile.
“Great.” He glances at the women talking excitedly. “If you’re happy to lock up, we’ll leave you two to talk.” Then he gives me his card, wandering over to his wife. Violet sends me a grin and a little wave before they exit, leaving me alone with Iris.
I release a slow, steadying breath as I walk toward her.
Toward my future.
“We’ve got our first client,” she says, beaming. “They loved the lighthouse.”
“Of course they did,” I murmur, gaze roaming thoughtfully over the space. “I think this would make a great home, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she breathes. “I’ddieto live somewhere like this.”
I bite back my smile. “I can also see it as a hybrid home and small office.” I glance at her, and she nods, deep in thought. “What do you think, baby?”
Her gaze returns to mine. “Absolutely.”
“Would you like that?”
Confusion flickers across her brow. “Like what?”
I turn to her squarely, taking her hands in mine. My gaze rests steadily on hers as I smile, and understanding dawns in her eyes.
“Wait,” she says breathlessly. “You mean…”
“Yes.” I squeeze her hands. “I think this would make the perfect office space for us. The perfecthomefor us.”
Her eyes widen. “Are you serious?”
“I am. If that’s what you want.”
A squeal escapes her as she launches herself into my arms. “Yes. Oh my God, Aidan,yes.”
My arms circle her waist, spinning her on the worn wooden floor as she giggles. When she draws back, her lips find mine, kissing me eagerly.
“I want to live here with you,” she whispers between kisses. “Work here with you. I can’t imagineanythingbetter.”
Fuck.
She wants it. She wants this life with me. I’m the luckiest fucking guy on the planet.
My heart beats wildly as I slant my mouth over hers, walking her back against the brick wall. “That’s where we’ll put the kitchen,” I say, voice roughening as I motion vaguely to one side of the room. “The bathroom can go over there.” I grip her hips, dragging my mouth over her neck, up to her ear. “And the bed can go right here.”
“Yes,” she rasps, as I press my already stiff cock to the heat of her. She’s in a soft floral dress today, one I haven’t seen before, and I push my hand under it, up her warm thigh. “God, Aidan, I want you.”
My fingers brush her panties, making her quiver. “You want me, Cupcake?” I shove the lace aside to find her clit and stroke. “You need to ask properly.”
Her breath stutters, hips rocking against my hand. “Please, Daddy.”
