Page 36 of Broken Promises

I’m still wrapped in his arms, my brain switching between total shut down and complete overload.

“Say yes,” he whispers in my ear.

“Yes,” I say so quietly I’m not sure he heard me. The smile that breaks out on his face tells me he did.

He swings me up into his arms. “Let’s go to bed. It’s late.”

I look at the clock as he carries me to the bedroom. “It’s only nine.”

He ignores me.

“Dec,” I say and laugh when he tosses me on the bed.

“Get ready for bed, Princess.”

I head to the bathroom and quickly change and brush my teeth.

“Are we really going to bed?” I ask, making my way to my side even though I’m protesting. I’m actually exhausted and an earlybedtime sounds wonderful. “Dec?” I look up to find him staring at me. The look in his eyes sets my body on fire.

“You look fucking perfect in my shirt, Princess.” His voice is low and sexy as hell. He gets in on his side, never taking his eyes off me. “Come here.” He lifts the covers, and I quickly scramble under them.

“Good night.” My voice is wobbly either from the nerves or how turned on I am.

Declan pulls me into him. My head is on his shoulder and my hand lands on his chest. He pulls my leg over his thigh before nuzzling the top of my head. “I missed you so much. I just need to hold you.”

His hold tightens around me, like he’s scared I’ll say no and leave. “I missed you too.” His body relaxes with my words, and he’s sound asleep within seconds.

I watch the rise and fall of his chest while I come to terms with what just happened. I agreed to date my best friend. To date Declan. And I’m not absolutely terrified like I thought I would be anytime I dared to imagine this situation over the years. Instead, I feel content, happy. I smile and snuggle deeper into Declan’s chest, his arm tightening around me automatically, even in sleep.

I don’t overthink it. I just let myself fall asleep to the sound of Declan’s breathing and the memories of nights dancing under the stars.

EIGHTEEN

declan

I groanand roll over to silence my alarm, then snuggle back into Willa.

“Why,” she grumbles, her voice thick with sleep.

“I have a morning skate and then PT.” I kiss her neck and then her shoulder.

“It’s Thanksgiving,” she mumbles into her pillow.

“That’s why I only have one practice.” I unwillingly get out of bed. “Where are we going today, anyway?”

“Cal’s?”

“Are you asking me?” I laugh as I get dressed. She’s still so sleepy.

“No. Pretty sure it’s Cal’s. Stop asking me questions this early in the morning.”

“It’s almost nine.” Practice is at ten this morning. Coach wanted to let the guys with kids have the morning with them.

Willa’s eyes fly open. “Shit. I told Harlow I’d be there early to help.”

“You’re cooking?” I ask, not even trying to keep the shock from my voice. I dodge the pillow she chucks at my head and laugh.

“No. I’m hanging out with Cora and probably setting the table. That’s all I’m allowed to do.”

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