“I haven’t washed my clothes yet.” It’s a flimsy excuse and I’m not even sure why I’m giving him one.
“My washer is broken.” His gaze dips before bouncing back up again. His eyes are dark, the pupils blown wide, and his nostrils flare. With a shake of his head, he murmurs, “You’re going to be the death of me.”
He can talk. He had me breathless and boneless last night, and if I’m not mistaken, I’m going to be the same way again sooner than later.
We stare at each other for so long I wonder if he’s having second thoughts about being with me again, and it takes every ounce of strength I have not to cross my arms. Cover myself.
“Whatever just went through your head, get rid of it.”
“What?”
“The look on your face. The fear that flashed in your eyes. Forget it.” His hands palm my face and tip it up, and he lowers his head until his lips hover over mine. “I’m going to turn the shower on and we’re going to get cleaned up; then I’m going to push you against the wall and fuck you until you’re screaming my name and forgetting your own.”
I know he intends to follow through on his words, but I want something else. He got to taste me last night and I’m eager to do the same. Reaching for his hand, I step back and pull him with me. “Only if I can suck your cock first.”
“Fuck! You really are going to be the death of me.”
12
DEVON
Facing Lizzi as the sun sinks over the mountains, the last rays of light sparkling on the ripples of the lake, I have the urge to shout in victory.
It’s been four days since she walked into my bar.
Four days since she ran out on her wedding to another man.
Four days of hiding out in my dilapidated house.
Four days of falling. Hard.
Tessa, our celebrant, is speaking but I’m not paying attention. My focus is solely on the woman in front of me.
Elizabeth Foxworth soon to be Boyd.
Her smile is radiant. Her eyes bright with happiness.
I love seeing her like this.
The simple dress she has on molds to her torso, flares at her hips before dropping in loose folds to brush the tops of her bare feet.
It’s nothing like her first wedding dress.
Then again, this wedding is nothing like her first.
I know this because she hasn’t stopped talking about how perfect this dress is. How this spot at the water’s edge is exactly how she pictured it. Her dream wedding.
Pride fills me. I gave her this. I gave her the dream. And she has no idea she’s giving me mine.
Tessa’s voice is a low hum in my ear until she says, “Devon Rodney Boyd, do you take Elizabeth to be your lawful wife?”
“I do.” I can’t wipe the grin off my face as I push the simple gold band onto her finger.
“Elizabeth Louise Foxworth, do you take Devon to be your lawful husband?”
“I do.” Her smile widens, lights up her eyes the way I’ve grown to crave, and she slides a matching band on my ring finger. Nothing makes me happier than Lizzi being happy.
“With the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife.”
