Page 46 of Claiming Becca

He runs his hand through my hair again. “I notice everything about you. But you’re right. We probably should have had that conversation. I know you’re it for me. Whether you get pregnant now or five years from now doesn’t make any difference to me.”

“You make me feel so special,” I admit.

He looks at me with adoration. It’s like a sucker punch to the gut. “You are special, Shortcake. Everyone sees it, especially me. You need to see it, too.” He puts his fingers under my chin and guides my mouth to his. He kisses me slowly and sweetly. His tongue meets mine, and I want him again.

He pulls back slowly. “I have to get ready,” he murmurs against my lips. “I’m showing Julian and Bailey some places around town for his office.” I roll off him.

He pushes the blankets off and climbs out of bed. I sit up and put my chin on my knees as I watch him walk around. His muscles move under his skin, and I bite my lip.

“I thought about inviting them over this weekend. I’ll grill, then we can tell them about us.” He leans over to grab something off the floor, and I admire his ass. He’s so hot. He stands and turns to me, arching an eyebrow as my eyes trace his tattoo.

I chuckle and shrug. “Yeah. I like that idea. I haven’t told anyone yet. I can make my cheesecake.”

He walks to the edge of the bed and leans over, kissing me. “That’s perfect. Want to invite everyone?”

I nod. “Yeah. It might be the last one before Caroline has the baby.”

“Perfect. I’m going to take a shower. Want to join me?” he asks.

I tilt my head at him. “I thought you didn’t want to be late.” He snatches the blankets off me, pulls me to him, and carries me to the bathroom. I tilt my head back, laughing.

“Julian would understand. I’m sure.” I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss his jaw. Dreams really do come true.

I don’t know why I’m so nervous. They’re all my friends. They’ll all be happy for us. I stare at myself in the mirror as I pull the straightener through my hair, making a mental note to make an appointment to get my color done again. The pink is beginning to fade a little.

I made my cheesecake last night, so it’ll be nice and cold today. I made an extra one for Bass and Caroline to take home. I made it every other week when I lived with Connor and Bass. That and keeping their apartment clean was my way of giving back until I could get a job and help with other things.

Four Years Ago

“Something smells good,” Connor says as he walks into the kitchen. I turn and give him a small smile.

“I made cheesecake. It needs to cool, but I’m sure you’ll like it.” Bass walks in behind him, leaning against the counter.

“Can we have some now?” Bass asks.

“No. It needs to cool,” I say, laughing. Connor grabs me around the waist, picking me up and pulling me away from where I was standing in front of the cheesecake.

“Bass, quick.” Connor lets me go, and Bass tries to grab me. We’re all laughing, but I can get out of their grasp. When Bass tries to grab me again, I make the move they taught me and pull him over my shoulder. He lands flat on his back, surprise evident in his eyes.

“Holy shit!” Connor says, a fork with cheesecake on it halfway to his mouth. I scowl at him, jumping over Bass to grab him, but he quickly puts the fork in his mouth and runs out the side of the kitchen. I chase after him, but when I come around the corner, I almost smack into his back. He turns and slowly pulls the fork out of his mouth.

“Holy shit!” he exclaims again.

I smack his chest. “I can’t believe you. You could have waited a little bit longer.”

“Damn, Bec,” Bass says behind me. I turn to see him pulling a fork out of his mouth. I stomp my foot as I look back and forth between them.

“I’m not sorry.” Connor chuckles. “This is my new favorite dessert, and seeing you kick Bass’ ass is the cherry on top.”

Sighing, I see I’m not going to win this. “Well, I wanted to thank you for all you two have done for me.”

Connor wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me into his side. “Awww, Shortcake, you don’t have to thank us.”

Bass nods in agreement, stepping over and kissing me on top of the head before walking back into the kitchen. “I’m getting a slice of this cheesecake. I’m not waiting for it to cool!” he yells over his shoulder. I smile slightly and shake my head as Connor pulls me back into the kitchen.

Even when I got a job, it was working for Bass, so I’ve always felt like I owed them. They’re always quick to tell me I don’t, but when two guys who didn’t know me went out of their way to ensure I was safe, it’s not something I’ll ever forget.

There’s a knock on the open bedroom door. Turning, I see Bailey looking gorgeous as ever in a long skirt and tank top.

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