Page 160 of Lace 'em Up

It’s right.

It’s fucking perfect.

Just like Rory is—my beautiful princess, who’s singing softly in the kitchen, hips swaying to the music, the pup we’re fostering sprawled out near her feet.

I lean back against the opening, cross my ankles, and watch her move.

My dick twitches—like it always does when I see her.

Fucking gorgeous, especially as she slowly spins in my direction, lips parting on a gasp when she spots me.

A gasp that becomes a sweet smile the moment she realizes it’s me.

A smile that melts when I take her in my arms, when I hold her close as we slowly rock to the music.

“How was practice?” she asks as the song winds down.

I press a kiss to her forehead. “Not terrible.”

She grins, touches my cheek. “Considering Pat, I think not terrible is a victory.”

I snort. “Exactly.”

“Your mom is walking Zeus,” she says. “And, as usual, he’s abandoned me for the allure of Mama Bang. Though”—a nod to our foster, Gunner, who’s barely bothered to open his eyes, the pup beyond lazy—“our guy there couldn’t be tempted from his nap to join them.”

“I’d prefer you didn’t pair the words tempted and allure with my mom’s moniker, princess.”

“Why?” she asks, feigning innocence as she scratches Gunner between his ears. “Your mom is a full-blooded woman with needs and?—”

I shudder. “Princess.”

“Don’t you mean Cactus Queen?”

God, she’s fucking adorable.

And proud of herself for her sass.

And—

I draw her up against me, kiss her until we’re both breathing heavy. “I fucking love you.”

Soft eyes.

Her body melting against mine.

I take her hand, lift her arm so that I can clip on the newest charm I bought her—or rather two charms that form the number I wear for the Eagles.

One. Nine. Nineteen.

“King,” she whispers, touching a finger to the crystal-studded numbers. “I’m going to run out of room.”

“Then you’ll need another bracelet for all the happy we make. And when that’s full…” I brush my lips over hers. “I’ll get you another.” Another brush, this time over the diamond ring that’s still sitting on her finger. “And another.” Her forehead. Each cheek. The tip of her nose. “And another.”

She sighs, melting against me. “God, I love you.”

I waggle my brows. “Interested in showing me exactly how much?”

She giggles then gasps when I shift my hips and she realizes that I’m serious.

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