Page 98 of Vegas Baby!

“As long as you meant it,” said Bryce. “That’s the important part.”

“Definitely meant it. Just wasn’t expecting to say it quite this soon.”

“I can’t even tease you about it because I’ve already said it to her,” said Luke.

“When the hell was this?” Micah asked.

Luke shrugged. “A while ago.”

The second I heard the vehicle hit our driveway, I flung the door open and ran outside in just my socks. Her brother turned away as I swept open her door and bent down so I could get her mouth on mine. Praline sweetness rocked me down to my toes. I drank down the taste of her lips until her brother loudly cleared his throat.

I pulled back, helping her out of her seatbelt and to her feet. She melted right into my arms and I anchored myself with the warmth of her body against mine.

“I get it,” Nathan drawled, “you like her. Can we go inside now?”

Ava stuck her tongue out at him.

“You can go inside after a more friendly introduction than you gave us before,” I stated. “You’re welcome as family, but you have to respect everyone in this household.”

Nathan examined me carefully before extending his hand with a nod. “Nathan.”

I put my hand in his to shake it. “Jesse. Can we get you something to drink?”

“Nah. I’m planning on kidnapping Luke after I say hi to the others.”

I frowned, but if Luke wanted to go with him, that was certainly his choice. Nathan took a moment to greet Bryce and Micah before tilting his head toward the car.

“Where are we going?” Luke asked.

“It’s your city. You tell me where we should go.”

“I’ll pick on the way.” He slid into the passenger seat and Nathan joined him.

“Bring each other back in one piece,” Ava yelled as they rolled back out.

When it was just the four of us standing there, Ava looked up at me. “You made me feel really special today. Thank you.”

“Because of my poorly timed I love you?”

“It was perfectly timed,” she defended. “And I have no brother to eyeball his displeasure now if you wanted to kiss me again.”

“Let me at least take you inside. Our neighbors don’t need a show.” I scooped her up bridal style and marched her back inside, Micah closing the door behind all of us.

I deposited both of us on the couch in the living room with her on my lap and went right back to sampling her perfect mouth. Ava’s fingers curled into my shirt, a soft moan muffled against my lips.

“You really love me?” she asked between quick, delectable kisses.

“How could I not? You’re sweet, fierce, open.” I punctuated each word with my own kisses. “Brave as hell taking a chance on all of us after everything you’ve been through.”

“I’m really trying.” She got quiet, a burnt edge tainting her scent.

“What’s wrong?”

“I feel like I should tell everyone when Luke is back. It’s kind of big.”

“We can wait, if you’d like,” I offered even though I was dying to know.

“I should probably tell Nathan too.” She sighed. “Everything is really fucked up and I don’t know how to fix it.”

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