Page 92 of All of Me

“You really know how to spoil a girl,” she teases, her voice soft but carrying a playful edge. “Dinner, gifts, flowers... I might get used to this.”

Leaning against the doorway, I cross my arms and take her in—her hair a little tousled from the drive, her dress hugging her curves, making it hard to think about anything else. “Maybe that’s the plan,” I reply, letting my voice drop. “Keep you guessing. Keep you coming back for more.”

Her laughter is light, but there’s a spark in her eyes that makes my heart thud in my chest. “Oh, I think you’ve got me hooked,” she says, her lips curving into a smirk. “But don’t let it go to your head.”

I push off the doorway and walk toward her, my steps deliberate. Her gaze follows me, her tongue wets her lips as I stop in front of her.

“I don’t know,” I murmur, leaning down until our faces are inches apart. “You seemed pretty impressed tonight.”

Her hand drifts up to rest against my chest, her fingers curling into my shirt as she looks up at me, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Maybe I was,” she says, her tone low and teasing. “But I don’t think you’re done yet.”

The challenge in her voice ignites a fire in me. I lower myself onto the couch beside her, my hand sliding to the back of her neck as I tilt her face toward mine. “Not even close,” I murmur before capturing her lips in a slow, deliberate kiss.

She melts into me instantly, her fingers tightening in my shirt as I deepen the kiss, coaxing a soft sound from her that goes straight to my head. She shifts, straddling my lap, and I let out a low groan, my hands holding her hips steady.

“You’re playing a dangerous game,” I murmur against her lips, my fingers sliding along the soft fabric of her dress.

“Good,” she whispers back, her breath warm against my skin. Her hands move to my shoulders, trailing down my arms as she leans in, her lips brushing the corner of my mouth before skimming down to my jaw. “Because I’m not done with you either.”

Her teeth graze my neck, enough to make my breath hitch. I tighten my grip on her hips, guiding her closer. She’s teasing, deliberate, every movement calculated to drive me to the edge without letting me tip over.

“Callie,” I growl, my voice rough with restraint. “You’re going to drive me insane.”

Her laughter is low and sultry, her lips returning to mine in a kiss that’s equal parts tender and demanding. “That’s the idea,” she whispers, her voice filled with wicked amusement.

My hands slide up her back, pulling her flush against me as I kiss her again, this time with more intensity, more purpose. She sighs into my mouth, her fingers tangling in my hair as she presses closer, her body fitting against mine like it was made for it.

When we pull back, her forehead rests against mine, both of us breathing hard. Her smile is lazy, her green eyes hazy with affection and lust.

“You really do know how to spoil a girl,” she says, her fingers brushing against the back of my neck.

“And you really do know how to make it impossible to stop,” I reply, my voice thick as I trail my hands down her sides, savoring the way she leans into my touch.

Her laugh is soft, and she presses a kiss to the corner of my mouth. “Good,” she murmurs, her lips brushing against mine once more. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”

thirty-three

BEAUTIFUL - CHRISTINA AGUILERA

CALLIE - MAY 17, 2014

Now that we’ve decided to get married in July, it is crunch time for me to find a dress in ten weeks. As I exit my shift atBrooked & Brewed,a wild idea strikes me. There’s a small boutique a few towns over that I’ve had my eye on for a while, this is my chance to go check out.

Owen is watching the kids, and Brooke let me leave early since today was slow. She is training a new summertime helper, a young college student named Anna, and we had too many cooks in the kitchen . Not that I could actually take any credit for the amazing baked goods thatBrooked & Brewedhas become well-known for.

I send Owen a quick text to let him know I have errands to run, but don’t tell him exactly what I will be doing. I am sure he will figure it out, considering there’s really only one wedding plan he isn’t allowed to be involved in. He’s perceptive enough to see right through me anyway. My poker face is shit when it comes to that man.

I pull into the boutique’s gravel parking lot, the van’s engine rumbling to a stop, and I park under a shaded tree. My fingers hover over the steering wheel as I glance toward the shop. Its front window is framed with delicate lace curtains, and the nameAdore Meis painted in elegant script on the glass. A small wooden sign hangs from the door, swinging gently in the breeze:Open.

The bell above the door chimes softly when I push it open. The shop smells of lavender and vanilla. It’s a small, cozy boutique with racks of ivory, blush, and champagne gowns lining the walls. They even have a line of black and red dresses that hang along the back wall. As much as I love the idea of a more alternative color for my own wedding dress, I haven’t ruled out the idea of wearing white on my wedding day, even though I’m far from a virginal bride.

The thought makes me chuckle to myself as a woman with black hair and tight, kinky curls looks up from behind the counter. She’s absolutely stunning and exudes a confidence that tells me she owns the place. Her big smile is warm and inviting.

“Hi there! Welcome toAdore Me.I’m Jasmine. Is there something special I can help you with today?”

I shift nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Um, yeah. I’m actually looking for a wedding dress.” The words feel foreign on my tongue, as if saying them makes this whole thing even more real.

Jasmine’s smile brightens. “Congratulations! When’s the big day?”

---