Page 41 of Holidate Pursuit

The waiter arrives with dessert, giving pause to the conversation. Thank God—it buys time to collect my thoughts and mentally prepare for the final blow.

We each take a bite before talking. Justin hums in approval, while mine is simply tasteless at this point. My stomach is doing somersaults in anticipation of the impending breakup.

Justin finally continues. “Anyway, my initial reaction was to do the job myself… maybe to redeem myself, if you will.”

“If you need time apart to focus on work, just tell me. It’s okay, Justin. I’m a big girl.” I’ll do my best to make it appear that way, anyway.

He shakes his head. “No. What I’m trying to say, and doing a piss-poor job of, is that the only person I need to redeem myself to is you. So, I assigned Sam.” He reaches for my hand across the table, holding it as he gazes at me. Meanwhile, my heart thunders in my chest. “I’ve discovered I like the color you add to my life, and I’ve decided I want more. I love you, Lucy.”

The breath I’d been holding rushes out, and I press a hand to my chest. “Oh my gosh, that is not what I was expecting.”

He looks surprised by my words. “Is that a good or bad thing?”

“Good. So good. Justin, I love you, too.”

His face lights up. “You have no idea how nice it is to hear those words from your lips.” He squeezes my hand.

“Same. It’s a relief to finally say it. I’ve wanted to for a while but was afraid to be the first. I’ve been trying to work up the courage. I was finally going to tell you tonight.”

“How about we take the rest of dessert home, and you can tell me again when we get there. And then again while we’re in bed. And again, as I fill you with my cock. Then you can tell me how much you love both of us.”

My core clenches as my head nods an enthusiastic yes.

Justin

“Thank you again for the flowers—they’re beautiful. I left them at the office so I can look at them all week. I’ll bring them home on Friday,” Lucy says as we walk in the door, and I take her coat.

“I’m glad. Speaking of home, what did you think of my suggestion earlier?” I raise my eyebrow, trying to downplay my anxiousness for her response. To ease the pressure, I head into the kitchen and open a bottle of wine from the fridge. After pouring two glasses, I hand one to Lucy, seated at the breakfast bar, still not answering the question.

“Well?” I ask, taking a sip.

“I’m assuming you’re referring to letting my lease go?”

I nod.

“Are you asking me to move in with you?” she asks shyly.

I nod again.

“Hmm,” is all she says before taking an excruciatingly slow sip of wine.

Remaining silent, I raise my eyebrows impatiently.

“Well… are you ready to accept my decision and let me tell my parents we’re together?”

“That depends. Are you ready to lose not only your trust fund but the relationship with your mom and dad?”

“That depends. Are you ready to let me?” Her petulant tone surfaces, along with a hint of defiance.

“Did you know I love you?” I ask, trying to soften the moment. Her giggle tells me it worked.

“Say it again.” She brings her hands to her mouth in excitement.

“I love you.”

“Again?” Fuck, she’s adorable with her cute little smile.

“Would you like me to show you how much I love you?” I ask seductively, ready to do just that.

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