Page 9 of CJ

“I-I interviewed here, CJ. I’m going to be on the legal team here. They invited me to stay for the wedding. Insisted, really. How are you related to these people?”

“Those are my parents,” he said, pointing to his mom and dad. “Milo and Lia Abbott. My father was a SEAL, which is what led him here. I grew up here, went to school here, with the bride, by the way.”

“I can’t believe this,” she laughed. “I’ve been thinking about you the last few days, wondering how I was going to tell you that I’m moving to Louisiana.”

“Well, no need to worry any longer,” he said, kissing the back of her hand. “This is where I’ll be in a few short weeks as well.”

Jill couldn’t believe it. She kept shaking her head, wondering how this could possibly be happening. She didn’t have this kind of luck. Not ever. Her luck sided more on the bad-to-horror side of the street. Not the happily-ever-after side.

When the wedding was done, CJ led her toward the massive tent where the Belle Fleur parties, weddings, and celebrations always took place. He noticed that improvements had been made, including heating for the tent, chandeliers, and more comfortable seating.

He led Jill through the buffet line, showing her all the delicious dishes and those that were his favorites. When they were done, he held her close on the dance floor for hours.

“If I didn’t tell you, you look fucking beautiful, Jill.”

“CJ,” she said, shaking her head, “you know I’m going to cry. Besides, you look like the poster boy for the SEALs. Although I have to say, everyone here looks like they could be on a poster of some sort. And I mean the good kind of poster, not a wanted poster or anything.” CJ laughed, shaking his head.

“How do you know us? I mean, about us?” he asked.

“Ham,” she smiled. “Ham and I are old friends. I met him at the end of his career and the beginning of mine. He asked me to help out with something about a month ago, and I met Georgie. She started saying that they needed extra help here, and before I could blink, I had an offer for an interview in my inbox.”

“Ham,” he nodded. “Great man.”

“It seems you guys have that in spades,” she said, looking around. “I’ve been around long enough to know about some of the famous people in this room. It’s truly remarkable, CJ, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

“Well, I won’t lie, I’m fucking stoked that you’ll be here. Close.” She tilted her head, staring up at him.

“You know, it’s not many men that I have to look up to when I’m wearing heels,” she smiled. “This is kind of nice.”

“Come with me,” he said, taking her hand.

He passed by their table, grabbed her wrap, and then removed his own jacket, placing it around her shoulders. He walked toward the maze, the fountains tinkling with their water in the distance.

“Oh, wow,” she whispered. “This is like a fairytale. I can smell all the flowers and herbs. Gosh, what is that smell?” She inhaled deeply, and CJ smiled down at her. When she opened her eyes, she was met with his smiling face.

“You’re enjoying this,” he grinned.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this at peace.”

“Jill, I told you before that I wanted to get to know you, and I didn’t want to push you.” She nodded. “I lied. I want to push you. I want to push you down on my mattress and make sweet love to you until we both have to leave on Monday. I want to make you mine. Mine, Jill. I’ve never in my life felt the kind of attraction, admiration, and adoration I feel for you. The instant connection was overwhelming, and I’m not about to let that go.”

“CJ,” she whispered.

“Please, let me finish. I’m not the guy who dated every woman who ever approached me. I was very particular about who I dated, and lots of guys thought I was weird for that. I learned great lessons from my father, great-grandfather, and all the men and women here. I knew the moment I touched your hand that you were the woman for me.

“You’re smart, you’re beautiful, you’re kind, and I fucking love that you’re tall, and this body sets me on fire.” Jill laughed, shaking her head.

“Can I speak now?”

“Yes,” he said hesitantly.

“CJ, when we met, I was in the worst place of my life, or at least one of the worst. Or so I thought. You reminded me in an instant that I was conforming to what I thought the world wanted from me. Not what I wanted for my own life.

“I feel the same about you, CJ. I melt when I see you. I feel your heartbeat beneath my hand, and I know it’s me making that happen.

“You are the man I want in my life, CJ. All of this, being here in this place, has made me realize that it was meant to be. I couldn’t wait to get home to tell you about all of this and to beg you to come and visit me.”

“Baby, there will be no begging. Except maybe in the bedroom,” he growled, kissing down her neck. His hands slid up the back of her dress, feeling the bare flesh.

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