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“Remember, there are children around.”

“I’m well aware, Ms. Hudson.”

I needed to make sure we were good—not just for tonight, but for as long as we could make it last. And I was hoping that would be for a long, long time.

“I’m so sorry,” I said again. “You were right; I realize that now. Our age difference doesn’t matter, and I love how that never bothered you. You were always so secure about us. You never faltered, and I admire your strength more than you know. I want the chance to prove to you that I can be the same way.”

He stroked the side of my neck, and I closed my eyes again, taking it deep within. “I’ll do anything for you, Jillian, but I won’t take anymore shit. I can’t go through that again.”

“I don’t want you to ever have to.”

“And I’m going to love you whenever and wherever I’d like. I’m not going to hold back. If I want to touch you, then I’m going to damn well touch you. The world is going to know you’re mine, and if you have any problems with that, I need to hear it now.”

I shook my head. “No problems.”

He nudged at my chin with his hand, and I raised my lids. “If you’re in, I need you all in. Because I can promise you that I’ll be. I’m going to love you like you’ve never been loved before, Jillian.”

You already have. “Yes, Chase. I’m all in.”

Our lips sealed the deal. This was it. We were in. He held me tightly as I burrowed my face into his neck, inhaling my fill. It’d been way too long. I peeked over his shoulder to see a figure standing near the school entrance, the light illuminating her long blonde hair.

I picked my head up slightly, just enough for her to see me smile. Then I flipped her off. Fuck gracious and mature. There were no others around. It was the perfect time to put that bitch in her place.

She stormed inside. “Chase?” Jitters bounced under my skin. “I know you told me that you weren’t interested in Cassie, but did anything ever happen between you two, even for a night?” God, I’d puke right there if he hooked up with her over this past month.

He pulled back so he could look at me, an amused look on his face. “No. Never.”

“Not even a kiss?”

His lips curved higher. “No.”

I breathed out loudly. “Good, because as much as it pains me to admit it, her face is too pretty to claw up. Even if she does deserve every scratch mark.”

He started to laugh. “You’re jealous.”

Fuck it. “Yes, I am.” If that what’s you called that gnawing feeling inside my gut, then I guess I had to own up to it.

Chase brought me back against him, still chuckling softly. “I have to go in and wrap up a few things, but then I’m taking you home.” He pressed his mouth to my ear and whispered, “I’m going fucking crazy here, Wild Horses. If I don’t get inside you soon….”

“God, yes. Hurry.”

We faced the school together, and just then, Hazel and her grandmother exited. We met them halfway, Linda nodding and sporting the slightest smile and Hazel clapping.

“Is he your boyfriend again?”

I looked at Chase and was overcome with warmth. “Yes, sweetie, he is.”

After more excited clapping, we said our good-byes to them. Chase grasped my hand in his as we prepared to walk into the school as a couple.

“Are you ready for this, Jillian?”

“With eyes wide open.”

Whiteout conditions. Hazardous road travel. Heavy gusts of wind. We were predicted to break snowfall records before the night was over. I peeked out my blinds, taking in the foot-high white blanket covering my yard. It appeared to get thicker by the second. More inches were on their way and bringing friends.

Thank God for Wisconsin winters.

Chase wrapped his arms around my waist, tugging me back against his chest. “It looks like it’ll just be the two of us tonight,” I said. “I can’t imagine Perry and Stephen making the drive.”

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