Page 65 of Full House

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Victoria fingered her necklace all the way back to Nate’s house. She supposed she should call it home, seeing as she was practically moved in even if technically the condo was still hers. They hadn’t really talked about making it a permanent situation since the night Nate proposed, but the way Nate acted, it was a done deal. She could read the signs. The little things, as when he referred to his house as theirs and called her place thecondo, and the big things, like her stuff invading half his closet and drawers, her toothbrush next to his on the counter, and her shampoo taking up space in the shower.

“You’re quiet over there,” Nate said, downshifting into third as they approached a red traffic light.

“I was just thinking, it’s been over a week since I’ve been home.”

“To the condo?”

Victoria internally smiled. “Yeah.”

“Babe, my house is your home.”

“I know I’m there more times than not, but we’ve barely talked about making it permanent.”

“Didn’t think we needed to. We’re engaged. Engaged people live together.”

“Hmm.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

His hackles were rising, and she bit the side of her cheek to keep from laughing. “I was just pondering what to do with it.”

“Rent it. Sell it. I don’t give a fuck what you do with it so long as you don’t live in it.”

She lost the battle with her mirth, a few chuckles escaping from her lips.

“Are you fucking with me?” He glanced her way before turning his eyes back to the road and accelerating into fourth gear.

“Maybe a little.” She punctuated with a few lingering chuckles.

“Do you know what happens to little girls who tease little boys like me?”

“They get pinched on the playground? Is that what you plan on doing?”

He cut his eyes her direction and smirked. “Metaphorically speaking, yes.”

She squeezed her thighs together and squirmed in her seat, blasting Nate a dirty look when his chuckles filled the car.

A few minutes later, they pulled up in front of the house. Nate jumped out of the car and jogged around to her side to open her door. Grasping her hand, he pulled her out and into his chest in one smooth move.

“Now that I’ve got my hands on you, anything else you want to say?” he asked with a raised brow.

She put a finger to her chin, tapping it. “Hum…” Then she pinched his upper arm, pulling from his hold when he was unprepared and ran away, calling over her shoulder, “Tag, you’re it!”

She heard Nate’s laughter and knew he would give her a few second head start. He loved the chase as much as she loved being pursued.

She stopped short when she reached the steps. A package about the size of a shoebox sat on the top stair wrapped in happy birthday paper. She looked over her shoulder. Nate had slowed to a walk at her abrupt stop. “Another present?” she asked her lips quirking.

He shook his head, a frown forming between his brows.

Confusion replaced her amusement. “Well, someone did.”

She started up the steps, but Nate’s booming voice stopped her. “Wait.”

She halted. Nate came to her side, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Let me take a look at it first.”

She stayed put as he took the few steps up, bending at the knees to look it over before picking it up.

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