She reached for me. "I need you inside me."
I had other plans for her, taking my time, tasting her, but I couldn't resist her sweet plea.
I positioned myself at her entrance and slipped inside. She arched up to meet me, our bodies moving in sync. I kissed her as I moved, driving us ever higher, and when we crested, we did it together. I'd never felt more for another person.
I dropped to the bed, rolling her so that she was sprawled on top of me. Her weight was a welcome anchor. We were together. We loved each other. No one could ever come between us.
EPILOGUE
ANGELA
Ever since the town hall meeting, Hudson and I were solid. He'd vowed to stand by my side, and he did. For the first time in my life, I felt loved and supported by a partner.
No matter what happened with the store, I'd be okay. I'd find a new space or go all in on the online one. That idea was attractive because I could work around Ayla's schedule.
Hudson spent most nights at our house, which was nice. He was becoming a bigger part of our lives, and I was learning how to depend on him without giving up my independence.
Tonight was the grand opening of Belle's Bookshop. She'd decided to have a party for the opening after Christmas and another when the patio was done.
The work at my shop was complete, but I hadn't heard anything from Eve about the lease. The funny part was that I'd let the pressure go. I'd be okay no matter what happened. Because at the end of the day, Hudson loved Ayla and me, and he'd be with us every step of the way.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my bedroom, admiring the dress I'd put on, a short black number with a metallic tint that caught the light when I turned.
"You look gorgeous."
I turned my head to find Hudson leaning a shoulder against the doorjamb as if he'd been admiring me for a while.
He pushed off the frame, moving toward me. He was dressed in a navy suit over a crisp white shirt with the top button open. He paused in front of me.
"You look handsome." And he smelled even better. It must have been his aftershave, because he didn't wear cologne. He didn't need it.
He kissed me softly, then pulled back, his hands on my hips. "I don't want to go anywhere."
I raised a brow. "But Ayla's waiting for us downstairs. She's so excited."
He dropped his forehead to mine. "I know."
"We have to support Belle. She's done so much for me." She'd had me restock the store with Valentine's Day heart panties. She was even more excited to pair those with the blind books.
"This is for you too."
"I know." This was my chance to go out in public and hold my head high. I wouldn't let Bill take me down.
His brow furrowed. "Have you heard from Eve about the lease?"
I pulled away, sliding my feet into black heels. "No. But I'm not worried about it."
He held his hand out to me. "That's because you have me."
I placed my hand in his. "I have you."
"I have a feeling tonight's going to be great." We headed down the stairs.
There was something about getting ready together, as if Hudson officially lived with us. It made me feel like we were a family. I'd never felt that way with Gus. It was Ayla and me, then him.
Ayla waited for us at the bottom of the stairs, her hands on her hips. "Can we go now?"
"Yes," I said, amused by her excitement.
