Page 40 of The Bourbon Bargain

“I can’t wear just any old tux in the closet to get married to you again.”

“And all the other stuff?”

“Some are presents for you, others you’ll see eventually.”

“Girl, you better take this man home and open up your presents. I know I would.” Angela pulls me into a warm hug, which I return.

“Thank you for everything. You made this so easy, and I have exactly what I imagined.”

“I’m the one who should be thanking you for everything. Since you’ve been shopping here, business has been booming.” Her demure pink lips spread wide in a smile, and I know she is thrilled with this turn of events. It’s the least I could hope for given how kind she’s been to me.

I smile back. “I’m glad people are recognizing the talent and artistry you put into every dress. I guess that’s the one good thing being on the Haute List has brought.” I shake my head thinking about that site.

“Have fun this week and don’t let your mama get you down. Do what feels right and fight for your happiness,” Angela says, waving from the shop door. Not only did Angela work literal magic on the dresses, but she also was a wonderful sounding board for the mess Mama has made and gave me plenty of advice along with listening to my woeful tales.

“Are you hungry?” Hayes asks when I settle into the passenger seat.

“Starving. I could eat an entire pizza right now.”

“How about I order ahead at Napoletana and we can take it home for a quiet evening?”

“You read my mind, that sounds absolutely delicious.”

Hayes taps the dash and dials, placing our pizza order and asking for the chocolate cake for dessert on top of it.

I smile and curl my legs under me as I turn a bit in my seat to stare at his dignified profile. He got a haircut, I realize.

“Your hair is shorter!” I reach over and run my hand along the velvety smooth buzz on the back of his head and scratch my nails against his scalp. Thankfully, the top is still long enough to push back and even flop rakishly over his eyes when he’s above me if I’m lucky.

“Fuck, that feels good,” he rumbles, pressing his head into my hand.

“And you shaved!” I run the backs of my fingers against his cheeks, feeling the soft suppleness of his skin without a hint of stubble. “You had a spa day without me? How dare you,” I joke, taking his chin in my hand when the car comes to a complete stop at an intersection. I pull his face toward me as I lean over the center console so I can rub my face against his and nuzzle my nose along his jaw. He feels so good. I want to rub my entire body along his. I gravitate toward his mouth like a magnet finding its match and kiss him slowly.

A horn honks and I jump away, startled, as Hayes chuckles and continues our drive to Napoletana.

“I’m really glad we ordered to go. If you’re going to pet and kiss me like that, I would prefer to be home with you where I can really do something about it.”

“Don’t tempt me with a good time.”

“You don’t know what you’re asking for, angel. I’m feeling extra depraved right now.” His words are silk over gravel, and I feel my whole body flush in response. Knowing he wants these depraved things withmemakes up for not knowing exactly what that means.

“Why not enlighten me, then?” I reach over and slide my hand up his thigh, feeling him warm and solid. He’s not kidding, he is majorly turned on.

“Do you really want me to elaborate, or would you rather find out when I get you home?”

I pull my lip in with my teeth and think that through. “I definitely want to hear you say it out loud, first.” I squeeze him then and get a hiss that is far from pain and all excitement.

“When I get you home, I’m sending you up to the bedroom, alone,” he begins, rolling his hips under my hand.

“Why alone?”

“I want you to strip down to your panties and wait on the bed for me.”

“That makes me nervous.”

“You should be. I have plans for you, my love.”

I feel a thrill hearing him call me that in his sexy growl and suddenly the nerves are all eager anticipation. “What will you be doing?”

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