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“Fuck,” he murmurs. “That’s… a surprise alright.”

I slowly saunter towards him, wearing low cut flannel pajama shorts riding just under my hip bones. But he’s not looking there. He’s looking at the hint of my breasts showing from underneath my Teal Tigers crop top. His expression changes as I get closer, his eyes filling with the most intense look of desire.

“Where did you get that? How?” His expression is still stunned, but the hunger in his eyes is intense as his teeth tug on his lower lip.

“It’s not the same one, but I’ve always liked sleeping in these shirts. I’ve had them for years and they’re so worn and soft,’ I say, climbing onto his lap and draping my arms around his neck. “But I cropped this one, just for you.”

His eyes run up and down me, savoring every bit of my body. I swear, I don’t think I could ever get tired of being looked at like this by him. So much desire, so much longing.

“You’re something, Ronni,” he says, before leaning forward to kiss me, his fingertips tracing my skin just under my breasts, as if he wants to tease himself a bit longer.

To my surprise, he brings us both down onto the couch, now spooning me. He props his head up behind mine on his hand. His other hand cupping my breast under my crop top, my hard bud pressing into his callused palm. His finger tips run slowly over the skin of my other breast. I can feel that he’s hard against my ass, but he’s not acting on it.

I almost feel let down that he’s not furiously trying to undress me and fuck me. That is until I feel his chest relax as he exhales, starting to say something behind me.

“You know, I’ve wantedeverythingwith you, Ronni. Sleeping with you, dates with you, kissing, all of it. But with all the nights I’ve spent alone on this couch, I haven’t dreamt of anything more than spending a night out with you and falling asleep here with you in my arms.”

God damnit. Even when he’s trying to be sweet and gentle, it’s almost too much. Just when I think I can’t love him more, he does something like this, so wholesome. My heart feels like it’s going to explode.

I can feel a tear starting to form in one of my eyes before he leans forward, his lips gently leaving a kiss on the top of my head.

“I love you, Ronni,” he says soft but low. “Thank you for the surprise. It’s perfect, just like you.”

Chapter 38

Veronica

Grandma’s Boy

Iguess it’s my turn to be nervous about seeing someone I’ve known my whole life. Ugh. Well played, Tanner. I now know exactly how he felt. Why is it so different tonight? It’s just Sunday dinner with the Chapmans.

I finish getting ready with Lizzy at our condo, trying to look nice but not over do it for a Sunday family dinner with my boyfriend’s grandparents. Geez. That still feels weird to say, but in a good way. Like what’s even the right level of looking good for this?

“Damn,” Lizzy says, shaking her head, one side of her mouth pulled tight and up. “Haven’t you known these people since you were like… old enough to walk? I thought they already love you guys like their own kids?”

I glare at her while she’s sharing the vanity with me, fixing her own hair. Lizzy has been oddly optimistic and supportive of me being with Tanner. Even last night, the four of us had dinner at Tanner’s cabin and she joked about how I already looked athome in his kitchen making dinner. She even told me how she could picture me living with him out here. I mean that sounds amazing, but hold your horses cowgirl.

“Yes, but I was also never dating their oldest, ok let’s be real, favorite, grandson before.”

She rests a hand on my shoulder. “It’s going to be fine, V. If anything, they’ll be thrilled about how happy you both are.”

???

It’s funny, I’ve walked up the stairs outside of our condo to the Chapman’s unit hundreds of times. But today it just feels different, heading up with Collin and Lizzy to myboyfriend’sfamily’s place for dinner.

Before I can knock on the door, Grandma Chapman pulls it open.

“Oh my goodness,” her sweet voice practically sings. “Come here, Veronica. It’s been too long.”

In an instant I’m sucked into a deep hug that feels like home, like my own Grandma’s, before I can even react. God, do all the Chapmans give the biggest, most heartwarming bear hugs like this? Shit. Maybe Tanner really could take down Little Bitch Bear.

“It’s good to see you too, Nan,” I say, patting her back. “It has been way too long.”

“Come on in everyone,” she says, waving Collin and Lizzy into their unit, still holding me in her arms for what feels like an eternal hug. “Tanner’s at the table with Samuel. Dinner is almost ready.”

“Oh girl, shereallyloves you now.” I look back at Collin, rolling my eyes at the smug look on his face. He’s enjoying all of this way too much.

“Jealous you’re not the favorite Perry twin anymore,big bro?” I taunt, sticking my tongue out at him.

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