Page 81 of Tangled in Vows

I just made out with Holden right next to her. Should I feel weird about that? Do dogsknowwhat’s going on? And why am I suddenly thinking about all of this?

“Hurricane.”

My gaze snaps to Holden’s.

He studies me, biting the corner of his mouth. “Gorgeous, you need to get off me so I can get up.”

“Oh, oops, yes, sorry. Of course.” I scramble off him, almost sitting down on Stormy’s paw. “Sorry, girl.”

Holden stretches to his full height, adjusting himself. He felt big underneath me, but staring at the bulge in his pants, he appears even more impressive.

“Stop staring at me, or I won’t be able to leave you, and Jax will have to come to us.”

I lick my lips. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I like your eyes on me. Just maybe not when I need to have a brief with one of my employees.” He leans down and tilts my chin until I meet his gaze. “But just in case there’s any doubt, we’re far from done here. Do you understand?”

Without thinking, I nod as much as his grip allows me to.

“Good.”

The distance between us disappears, and his mouth lands on mine with a press so gentle, a sharp pang echoes in my chest. Leaving me wanting. Yearning. Needing more of these kinds of kisses too. The ones that should be accompanied by soft touches and light brushes of fingers on skin.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

I nod again. “Okay.”

He walks away, my gaze glued to the spot he just vacated until a wet nose bumps against my hand. That nudge draws me out of my haze, and I stand. “Come on, girl, let’s go outside.”

Stormy perks up immediately, knowing exactly what I’m talking about. She beats me to the patio doors, barely letting me open them before she squeezes through and takes off.

I follow her, stepping onto the covered back patio that’s framed by sturdy wooden beams.

They would be so cute with soft white lights strung to them.

Great, now I’m already redecorating Holden’s place.

For a moment, I just stand there and breathe, letting the fresh air expand my lungs.

The three-person porch swing steals my attention. I walk past the planters filled with winter greenery and sit on the plush cushions, swaying front and back.

It’s the perfect spot to relax while still keeping an eye on Stormy. She zooms around, chasing the birds that have either stayed behind or have returned early and sniffing at every bush, hedge, and inch of grass she comes across.

She’s already in love with this place, and I must admit I’m not far behind. I love my condo and the buzz of the city. Having so much at my fingertips was one of the major appeals and why I moved there.

But the privacy out here is hard to beat. I can take Stormy out anytime I want, sit outside with a cup of coffee, or dip in the pool without worrying about people watching me or taking pictures. It’s priceless and precious. I didn’t realize how much freedom and security would mean to me until we got here.

Plus, Evie lives only minutes away. The closer proximity may allow us to see each other more often than the few odd times a month we’ve been managing with our busy schedules.

Besides, it just feels right. This place. Holden. Many questions are still unanswered, and I know I need to be cautious,but I also just want to feel. I want to allow myself to soak in and explore this newfound curiosity.

I put my hand on my chest and close my eyes.

“Close your eyes, monkey. Do you feel the sunshine on your face? Do you hear the birds chirping in the trees? Do you feel the wind on your skin and in your hair? How does it make you feel in here?” My mom takes my hand and gently places it on my chest, the smile in her voice unmistakable.

I don’t think before I blurt out, “Warm and happy.”

My mom giggles. “Always remember this feeling, monkey. And if you get lost, try to find it again.”

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