Page 113 of The Heart Stealer

She laughs. “I’m making you all a carb-heavy breakfast. I’m guessing the guys still have plenty of liquor sloshing around in their systems, and they need the starch to soak it all up. I’ve got muffins and scones, and this mixture here is for cinnamon rolls.”

“You are an angel.” I kiss the curve of her neck, running my hands down her body, pressing my semi into her back so she knows how much I want her.

She peeks over her shoulder, her eyes dancing with amusement, and I’m tempted to scoop her into my arms, princess-style, and carry her back upstairs. But then a timer starts ringing and she’s back into baker mode.

The delicious smells draw everyone out of their rooms, and we’re soon piled around the table, munching on the best food in the world. Like seriously. The best.

Conversation flits from the game to the party. Ethan asks me how I’m doing, and the guys all look genuinely interested in my answer. I keep it light, not wanting to drag the mood down. I do actually feel better.

Mama hugged me before I left the service, thanking me for what I said. Things are gonna be okay between us, and I don’t have to worry about Dad showing up drunk anymore. The relief is huge, although it carries a weight of sadness too. It’s gonna take time for old wounds to heal, but we’ll get there. Somehow, we’ll all get there.

Mikayla’s phone starts ringing, and Casey leans back in his chair, snatching it off the counter before she can even rise from her spot on Ethan’s knee.

“Mickey Mouse’s phone, how can I help you?” Casey puts on a Mickey Mouse voice that cracks Asher and me up.

Ethan’s dying, trying to contain his laughter, while Mick lunges across the table, snatching the phone off a laughing Casey.

“Hello? Sorry about that. I live with a bunch of morons.” She wiggles on Ethan’s knee, jabbing him with her elbow when he tries to tickle her. “Yes… uh-huh…” Her eyes dart to Rachel, her face lighting with excitement. “Really? Thank you so much… Yes.” She laughs. “I know, right? That is so awesome. Thank you. Thank you!” Hanging up, she drops the phone with a whoop, then points across the table at Ray. “We got the place!”

Her little arms punch into the air while Rachel’s smile grows wide. “Aw, yay.”

The rest of the guys slump back in their seats with frowns of varying degrees.

Mikayla’s oblivious as she chatters on. “We need to pop into the office tomorrow morning to sign the paperwork, and now that I know just how loaded my dad is, I didn’t have a problem asking him to cover the first and last rent, plus utilities.” She laughs. “It also helps that Asher’s incredibly amazing uncle is giving us the deal of a lifetime! Seriously.” She shines Asher a grateful smile, and he beams back like he somehow orchestrated this whole thing. “Oh, and we can move in next weekend.”

Ethan’s mouth falls open as Rachel’s eyes go wide. “That fast?”

“Yeah, they’re keen to get tenants in ASAP. They’ll give it a final clean, and then we’re free to start moving in on Saturday.”

“That’s amazing.” Rachel blinks like she can’t quite believe it while my heart starts burning up in my stomach acid.

Next weekend.

That’s so soon.

She glances at me, resting her hand on my leg. “It’s only five houses down.”

How does she read my mind like that?

Dammit, I love this girl so fucking much.

Standing with a little growl, I pluck her out of her chair and start walking for the stairs.

“What are you doing?” She grins, her legs swinging back and forth as I carry her just the way I wanted to.

“You’re leaving soon. There’s no time to waste.”

Her head tips back with a laugh and I look down at her beautiful face, love pulsing through me in waves so thick I can barely contain it.

She stays in my arms as I flop back on the mattress. We bounce together, laughing into each other’s mouths as we kiss and tease. She leaves my jersey on as she rides me with sexy little moans that make me come at speed.

I hold her and kiss her lips, drinking her in as I recover, then stripping her naked and teasing all her sensitive spots until she’s coming again, then begging me to take her. With her legs wrapped around my hips and her heels digging into my ass, I give her all the pleasure I can, filling her until she’s screaming my name. Our flesh slaps together, a heady, fast rhythm that careens us over the edge.

“Oh fuck,” I groan in her ear. “Fuck, you’re sensational.”

With a few quick jerks, I come deep, letting out my own cries of pleasure before my muscles go lax and I flop onto her.

She lets out a little “Oof,” and I quickly take my own weight, my body trembling as it tries to revive after that mind-blowing orgasm.

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