Page 25 of Make Me Unwind

“I’d like to say I practiced that speech, but it’s just a bunch of word vomit that flew out of me when I saw how worried you looked.”

She wraps her arms around me. “Your charm is legendary.’

“I’m always at your service.” The humor edges out of me as I contemplate the future. I pull back and rub my thumbs along her cheekbones. “I just accepted a job in a different state.”

“Oh….” She straightens and swallows.

“A man who was one of my commanders in the SEALs has started a security firm, and one of my friends is working for him. He called the other day, and the idea intrigued me. The first thing that’s intrigued me, besides you, since the accident.”

“I’m glad.” She smiles, putting on what I now recognize as her brave face.

“I would like to keep seeing you after you return home.” I frown. “Where exactly is home?”

“My brother plays on the professional football team in Kansas City. And right now, I still live with them and my mom. We used to live in our own place when Weston and Charlotte got married, but when they built their new house and had Roe and Gavin, we moved in.”

I close my eyes and shake my head. Fate does have a way of giving you exactly what you need when the time is right.

Piper places a hand on my chest. “Are you okay?’

“More than okay.” I open my eyes to meet hers. “Truman Security is located in Kansas City.”

“Oh, my God.” Her eyes are wide as her mouth drops open.

“I’m glad this is good news to you.”

“Very.” She stands on her tiptoes and offers her mouth to me.

I take what she offers and relish every second of her softness in my arms. Her lips under mine. The way she whimpers when I stroke her tongue. Undoubtedly, she was put in front of me when I needed her. To show me that life is worth living. To make me unwind. To show me life could still be beautiful.

And I’m going to show her every day how thankful I am that she gave me a snotty look that shouted I was an asshole.

I trail my lips along her jawline. “Do you want to eat first or wait until I’ve devoured you?”

“I think that might be one of those dumb questions despite people saying there are no dumb questions.”

“Right.” I swing her into my arms, walk to the kitchen, and shut off the stove. “We can eat later. Much later.”

Chapter Fifteen

Piper

As he lays me down on the bed, I relax into the comforter. His room is plain. More of a spare bedroom rather than a personal space that he’s laid claim to. Where will he live? Does he have a lot of stuff? Will Weston like him? Will his family grow to like me?

He crawls on top of me, bracing his hands on either side of my head. “What’re you thinking about?”

I blink and meet his gaze. “Sorry. I was worrying about the future.”

He arches an eyebrow. “About?”

Heat covers my cheeks. “Whether my brother will ever like you. Where you’re going to live. How this is going to work out. If your parents will like me.”

“Truman is searching for a condo for me. I’ll make sure you approve before signing on the dotted line.” His eyes are serious. “I don’t expect you to move in with me in two weeks, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that I hope you eventually do. I realize this is fast, and I don’t want to scare you off–”

“You won’t.” I shift my leg to the side to allow his lower body to press into mine. “I would like that.” A smile curves up my cheeks. “Soon.”

“Good.” He lowers his head and kisses my lips. “And as far as your brother, I can be charming despite what you’ve seen.”

“Oh.” I run my hands under his T-shirt and caress his flexing back. “I don’t have any doubt you can be charming. I am in your bed right now, aren’t I?”

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