“I don’t want to have kids soon, I just… eventually.”
“We have time. We have to train our dog first.” He smirks.
I’m still hesitant, but I’m about to burst. “You won’t get bored with me?”
“Not a chance.” He yanks me forward by my middle. “Though maybe let’s avoid any parties, clubs, or suggestions that Charlotte and Brent might give us too.”
This time I chuckle. “Couldn’t agree more.”
“I can’t say sorry about the last few weeks. I wish I didn’t have to give us the distance, but I owed it to us to ensure we are the long game.”
“I get it. I was patiently waiting on the offside.” I know he loves when I make hockey references.
“I love you, Violet. I thought hockey was my life, and I got thrown into a void when I retired, but it turns out, real fulfillment is you.”
His words take me by surprise. I always kind of assumed that I would be the first to say it. The feeling has been bubbling inside of me, but it feels safe to admit the truth. “I love you too.”
“Good, we’ve established that. Now let me kiss you,” he nearly growls.
Our mouths slam together for a deep and passionate kiss. He steals my breath and saves me when I lose my balance, because this man’s swoon has swept me off my feet.
He hoists me up, and I wrap my legs around his waist, instantly feeling his hard length.
“I brought pillows,” he mumbles.
I glance down. “Oh, you want to do this here?” I kiss him again.
“I thought it would be special.”
“For sure. We can get a splinter in my ass, and the squirrels can watch us too.” I love being playful with this man.
He squeezes my behind. “Your ass might be in the air.”
My head falls back in a laugh, and his mouth lands on my throat to spread the warmth of his breath across my skin. “I don’t care how we do this, I just need you.”
“It’s been too long,” he whispers against my skin.
“I’m sure we will make up for that,” I husk right before he walks me to the wall of the treehouse to keep me trapped between his body and the wood.
Turns out, christening the treehouse isnearlyas amazing as hearing him tell me that our future is together.
27
DECLAN
Violet’s eyes are cloudy with lust as she leans her head against the headrest while she stares at me, with our fingers interlaced on the seat between us. We’re in the back of the car while a driver is up front.
“You never get nervous, so I won’t even ask.” She smirks.
Feathering my hair with my fingers, I think I’m set in my suit. Violet looks stunning in a deep blue satin dress that plunges in the front, just a shade above scandalous.
“It’ll be a good night. You left some clothes at my place, right?” I ask with a mischievous grin.
Since a few weeks ago when we decided to go all in, I’m not afraid to take steps. One of them is that Violet needs to keep stuff at my place, as it makes logistics easier. Besides, give it a month or two and she’ll be moving into my lake house.
“Yes, sir. Toothbrush and all.” I want to kiss her coy smile off her face. I lean in to capture her mouth before retreating.
“Just stay close tonight, okay?” I request.
