Joshua cups my face and kisses me softly, but no less claiming. When he pulls back he murmurs, “Good. You’ll need your energy.” Then he glances at Clay. “Behave. At least until they’re gone.”
Clay’s grin turns wicked. “No promises.”
They both look at me like I’m dessert, like the rest of the night is already mapped out in filthy detail.
And God help me—I can’t wait for the goodbyes.
The living room suddenly erupts in laughter and off-key cheering. I peek around Joshua and see Sophia and Howie at the karaoke machine, Sophia holding the mic, Howie looking equal parts mortified and delighted. The opening notes of “At Last” by Etta James spill out.
“C’mere,” Joshua murmurs, reaching for my hand and tugging me to him. “Dance with me, my Carolina.”
“Here?” I laugh, softly. “Now?”
“Here. Now.” He’s already moving, guiding me into the open space between the island and the refrigerator. His free hand settles on my waist, thumb brushing the silk of my dress. “You’ve been on your feet all day in those ridiculous heels. Kick ’em off.”
I don’t argue, stepping out of the black stilettos. The cool tile feels like heaven against my aching soles and I can’t help the sigh of relief that escapes my lips.
Joshua smiles. “Now stand on my feet.”
I raise a brow. “I’m not five.”
“You’re exhausted, and I want to hold you. Humor me.”
I roll my eyes but do it anyway, rising onto my toes and settling the balls of my feet on top of his shoes. One arm bands around my waist, the other cradles the back of my neck, and then he starts to sway like the music is just for us.
Sophia’s voice cracks on the high note, and Howie jumps in to save her, both of them laughing through the lyrics. The room is warm, golden, full of people who love me—but right now it’s just Joshua’s heartbeat under my cheek, his cinnamon scent, and the gentle rock of his body carrying mine.
“You were incredible today,” he whispers into my hair. “I’ve never been prouder.”
I tilt my head back to look at him. “You say that every time I breathe.”
“Still true.” He brushes his nose against mine. “Always true.”
After a few minutes of swaying, Clay leans against the refrigerator, arms crossed, smirking his damn smirk. “You guys done soon?”
Joshua doesn’t even look at him. “Jealous you didn’t think of it first?”
“Please.” Clay snorts. “I’d have her bent over the island by the second chorus.”
I hide my grin against Joshua’s chest when he turns us, and big hands slide under my arms. I’m lifted out of Joshua’s arms and set on the counter right next to the half-demolished chocolate cake.
“Hey—” I start, but Xander’s already crowding between my knees, hands braced on either side of my hips.
“You already have some?” he asks, nodding at the cake.
I lick my lips, still tasting Clay’s earlier kiss. “Yeah. Chocolate.”
Xander hums thoughtfully as he reaches past me, and scoops a generous dollop of pumpkin cream pie from the smaller plate. He brings it to my mouth and orders, “Open.”
Without hesitation, I part my lips, and he slides the fork in slowly, letting me taste the cinnamon and nutmeg, the cool cream melting on my tongue.
I can’t help the smug glance I shoot Clay over the fork. “See?” I say around the bite. “Xander knows how to use utensils. Very civilized. Not an animal at all.”
Clay snorts. “Give it five seconds.”
Before I can even close my mouth to savor the taste, Xander leans in and kisses me deeply, tongue sweeping in to steal the leftover sugar right from me. The fork clatters to the counter as my hands fist his black shirt, a soft sound slipping out of me before I can stop it.
He pulls back just enough to murmur against my lips, “Fork was just a courtesy, pumpkin.” Then he dips his thumb into the pie and drags it across my lower lip. “Don’t get it twisted.”
