Page 126 of Suck My Puck

And without a doubt, every single thing I feel for Bella is real. Nothing’s ever felt more real, more right in my entire life than being with her.

She smiles at me and rests her hand on my cheek. “You look a little dazed. Are you okay?”

I kiss her, my heart pounding my chest at just how much I love her. “I’m perfect.”

Chapter 43

Bella

“Don’t be nervous. My mom is going to love you.”

Braden gives my hand a gentle squeeze as we walk up the driveway of his mom’s house on the outskirts of Victoria. It’s a beautiful sprawling modern farmhouse-style home with vertical white siding. It must have cost a fortune.

“You really think so?” I say, nerves cracking in my stomach.

We stop at the front door, and he turns to look at me. He smiles, then gently touches my face before dropping a soft kiss to my lips.

“I know so,” he says.

I can feel my nerves dying down a bit. His voice is so calm and reassuring.

I take in the warm look in his eyes. My stomach dips.

I think back to last night with Braden. That was the hottest sex we’ve ever had, hands-down.

It also felt different. More passionate, more emotional. More meaningful.

I remember the way he looked at me. There was thisfiery, intense look in his eyes the whole time. Like maybe it felt different for him too.

It didn’t feel like just sex. It felt more like…making love.

Just thinking about that makes my heart beat faster. Because how crazy would it be for me to be in love with Braden after just a couple of months of knowing him?

But that’s exactly how I feel.

He’s the most amazing guy I’ve ever met. So kind and thoughtful and generous and protective of me. He always pays attention to how I feel and goes out of his way to make sure I’m comfortable.

He’s so proud of all the work I’m doing with my coffee business. I’ve never felt so supported. He’s my biggest cheerleader.

I think about how I initially wrote him off as a jerkoff hockey player. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Because Braden is my dream guy. Everything I ever wanted in a partner, he’s it.

I gaze up at him, emotion bubbling up in my chest thinking about my feelings for him. I almost told Braden that I loved him last night while we cuddled in bed, but I held off. It’s too soon. If I had said the “L” word, I bet he would have freaked out.

So I decided to keep it to myself and wait a little bit longer before I tell him.

He flashes that sexy smile at me and drops another quick kiss to my mouth. “Come on.”

He opens the door and steps inside. “Mom, we’re here.”

I hold his hand and follow him as we walk through the entryway of the house. I set down the small gift bag I brought on the nearby table.

I’m instantly hit with the aroma of roasting meat. I inhale and my mouth starts to water.

Braden’s mom appears, big smile on her face.

“Braden, honey! Oh, it’s so good to see you!”

I let go of his hand so he can give her a hug. She has sandy blonde hair like his and the same soft blue eyes. She’s taller than me by a couple of inches, but she’s still swallowed up by Braden’s tall, broad frame.

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