Page 130 of Just Like That

I pulled Abel in for another hug, finally letting go.

When we separated, Abel swiped under his nose and cleared his throat. “Now get out of my truck.”

I chuckled and climbed out, waving to him as he left.

The sun was climbing above the horizon, but the air was calm. Songbirds chirped a happy tune, and I looked around my property.

We could make this a happy home.

I’d never once considered making changes to my place for the sake of a family, but she’d changed everything.

They both had.

I couldn’t wait another second to talk to her. Using my fingers, I pried open the skoolie door. I climbed the steps and startled Hazel, who was making herself a cup of coffee from the machine on the counter.

Coffee splashed over the rim and she clutched her chest. “Jesus!”

I pointed at the door. “I told you to lock that.”

She shot me an annoyed look. “Itwaslocked. I couldn’t sleep so I went for an early walk.” She lifted a piece of paper between her fingers. “Got your note. You okay?”

I rushed forward, then took her coffee from her and placed it on the counter. I scooped her into my arms, breathing her in to settle my nerves. “No. Not really. He’s gone—dead.”

She clung to me, offering support even when she had no idea what I needed.

But all I needed was her.

I grunted to clear my throat. “I don’t like you sleeping out here.”

Hazel pulled back and rolled her eyes at me.

“I’m serious,” I said. “I don’t like sleeping away from you, and I don’t want to do it again. So, if you feel likeglampingor whatever this is, let me know and I’ll sleep out here too.”

“You’re ridiculous,” she shot back, but there was humor dancing at her lips.

“I know.” I pressed my forehead to hers.

Hazel sighed. “I don’t have the answers, JP. I know I can be wild and reckless, and half the time I don’t even know what the hell I’m doing, but I?—”

I shut her up with a fierce kiss. I poured every ounce of myself into it as I moved my tongue over hers.

Hazel moaned as I deepened it before leaning back. “Hazel?”

“Mmm?”

“Stop talking.” She smiled and held on to me. “I know exactly who you are, and I love you for it.”

Her gaze shot to mine, questions written all over her pretty face.

“Yeah.” I nodded and laughed. “Fucking nuts over you. It’s a real problem for a man like me.”

Her eyes bounced between mine as her lips rolled in.

I stroked the strawberry blond hair away from her face. “I love you, Hazel Adams. I love Teddy too. I know that things are complicated and are going to take a bit of time to figure out, but I know we can do it. I want him.” I brushed my thumb across her cheekbone. “You too. Forever.”

“It’s not complicated!” Teddy’s voice burst from the back of the skoolie as he came barreling out of his bed and threw himself into us.

Hazel laughed and my arm reached around to include him in our embrace.

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