THIRTY-TWO
Colt
WE LIE IN BED, my head in Addie’s lap, the morning sun pouring into the room through huge windows. I can’t fucking believe this is real. That I’m not dreaming. That my life could be flipped upside down in two short weeks.
And it’s just the beginning.
It’s Saturday. Normally, I’d be on the go by now, chasing work. And if I were still moping over Addie, I’d be making plans for the evening with friends or trying to drag one of my brothers away from their families for a few beers.
Now, all I want is to stay in bed with Addie.
I finally understand why my brothers rarely go out without their wives. Why they spend their weekends on the couch instead of partying like we used to. Why the group chat has changed so much and why theSausage Festis nowhere near as lively as it used to be.
They’re happy. Truly, genuinely happy. They don’t need the thrill of late-night drinking in a club. A family get-together and catching up with everyone is more important than downing ten Coronas.
And now I understand because, looking into Addie’s eyes, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.
She’s enough.
She’s everything.
“This can be just for us,” I say, seeing the look crossing her face as she plays with my hair. “We don’t have to tell anyone until you’re ready.”
“It’s crazy,” she says quietly, but there’s awe in her voice. “It’s so fast, so completely unreasonable. Unexplainable... like us. Two weeks, Colt,” she chuckles, riffling my hair some more. “That’s all it took. If you don’t believe in fate, now’s the time to start.”
I sit up, grip her waist, and flip her over so I’m on top, devouring her sweet mouth. I’ve not stopped kissing her since she showed up last night.
“No regrets?” I ask, skimming my nose up her cheek. “You can tell me if something’s bothering you.”
“No regrets.” She lifts her head off the pillow to stamp a kiss on my forehead. “It feels right, don’t you think? I never imagined it would but... it does, and I love it. I loveyou.”
“I love you more. I’ll make you happy, Addie. I swear. You’ll always be my priority. Until we have kids... then you’ll have to share the pedestal.”
She smacks my head gently. “Not so fast, Mister. You said you’ll wait. I need to finish school first, and—”
“I know,” I cut in before she works herself up. “We have time. Now you’re mine, I can wait. Whenever you’re ready.”
I roll off her, a huge grin stretching my face. “I can’t wait to see the look on your mother’s face when she finds out we’re back together.” I sit up, an idea popping into my head. “We should hold our engagement party on the yacht. I’d like to invite Grant. I don’t think your dad will mind.”
Addie chuckles, smacking my face with a pillow. “You’re a cruel, cruel man. My mom might need therapy when she finds out, but it’syourfamily I’m worried about. Your brothers were rude yesterday. I don’t think they’ll be pleased.”
“You don’t know them well enough, but I promise they’ll be thrilled. Remember Theo’s message on the first day of the cruise?”
“The one about betting? Yes.” She pulls me back down, toying with my hair. “Is this when you tell me what they were betting on?”
“Us,” I say. “More specifically, how long it’ll take before fake dating becomes real dating. You think you’re ready to tell them which one’s winning a hundred bucks?”
“Your phone, please.” She beams at me, holding her hand out and I’m having an out-of-body experience, my chest constricting, heart swelling.
How did I fall so hard so fucking fast?
“Picture?”
I shake my head. “I have a better idea.”
“Oh?” She traces the outline of my lips, then brushes her fingers across my jaw. “Do tell.”
“Give me your phone, baby.”
