Page 74 of Catching Feeling

His mom and sister laugh as his dad lets go, and I nod. “I guess that’s me. I’m so glad to meet you both. Thank you so much for having me.”

“Oh, we’re so glad you’re here, Vivienne. I’m Sera.”

His mom is around my height, with deep auburn hair and striking green eyes. It’s not lost on me that both of her children are the mirrored image of her husband. Even Rosie has Nate’s same dark hair, with a slightly lighter shade of brown irises.

“And obviously, no introduction needed.” Rosie beams, stepping in to hug me tightly. My eyes drift down to her dress. It’s a soft, shimmery gold that makes her look like she belongs on a throne somewhere.

They’re all so stunning and elegant, and even though I’m anxious and feeling a little overwhelmed, to be honest, I’m still excited to be here.

I just hope they don’t notice my clammy palms. “The decorations are gorgeous. Truly,” I say. “It’s obvious how much time went into planning this.”

Sera’s eyes twinkle. “Thank you. It’s… a labor of love, to say the least. But all proceeds of the auction will go to charity, so that makes it worth it. Plus, I get to spend time with these two, and that is few and far between these days.” She lifts on her toes and puts an arm around both of them, pulling them against her.

It’s obvious even just from these first interactions that their family is very close, and it makes my chest ache a little. It makes me miss having my family all together.

Reese laughs, affection evident on his handsome face. “I’m gonna go grab us some drinks. Viv, want anything?”

“Uh, maybe just water for now?”

“Yes, while my brother gets drinks, you and I can dance,” Rosie interrupts before looping her arm in mine. “Laissez les bons temps rouler, baby. Let’s get this party started!”

When Reese walks off to get drinks and his parents excuse themselves to meet with their friends, Rosie and I head straight for the dance floor.

We dance until we’re breathless, both of us laughing as she tries to do the sprinkler but just looks like she’s twitching instead. We’re in desperate need of water when Reese appears on the dance floor with our drinks in hand.

“Jellybean, Mom’s looking for you,” he says to Rosie, who nods.

“Be right back,” she adds breathlessly over her shoulder, leaving us alone on the dance floor for the first time tonight.

A slow song begins playing through the speakers, and the crowd starts to thin at the perfect time.

We stand there for a moment, his eyes raking down my body. “Finally, I get you all to myself, Sweet Tart,” he murmurs with a smirk, pulling me to him and anchoring me tightly to his front with his palm against the small of my back. The lights dim, and we sway to the slow, sensual beat. “You look so fucking beautiful, I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you all night.”

I slide my arms around his neck and clasp them at his nape, dragging my fingers through his hair. “Thank you for inviting me here tonight. And for this dress, and for making me feel… like I belong here. With you and your family.”

His brow pulls together. “That’s because you do belong here, baby. I know you were… apprehensive about tonight, but you still agreed to come with me, and that’s what you do. You put everyone before yourself. No matter if you’re scared or anxious. I see you. I see you, Vivienne. I wanted to bring you here tonight so you got to be the one being taken care of for once. So you could wear this dress that makes me fucking ache, and so you could maybe let go of all the shit you’ve been carrying around for a little while and just breathe.”

I’m willing myself not to cry for the second time tonight as I sway in his arms, soaking in the feeling of… him.

I’m in deep, and I don’t know how to stop it.

How is it so hard for me to be vulnerable with everyone else yet so easy with him?

“Tonight has already been perfect,” I whisper.

He reaches up, cupping my jaw in his hand and dragging his thumb over my cheek as he stares down at me. “That’s all I wanted. I don’t want you to worry about anything. I want tonight to be about you.”

His head dips and captures my lips softly, my eyes fluttering shut. I melt into him as the room fades out around us. My only sensations are the security of his arms wrapped around me, the feel of his mouth taking mine.

I don’t even know if the music is still playing or if we’re standing out here alone, I’m so lost in Reese Landry.

Everything about him.

He kisses me like I’m the answer he’s been searching for, holding me as if I’m precious to him, until he tilts my head, sweeping his tongue into my mouth, the kiss turning hungry in an instant. He groans against my lips, and his hand tightens on my jaw.

I’m panting when I pull back, Reese's eyes molten as he holds mine. And when he licks his lips, I feel my resolve beginning to fade.

It’s impossible not to want to fuck this man every minute of the day.

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