Page 43 of Headed for Home

“Like what you see?” She spins in a slow circle.

“Fuck my friends. Tell me how to get that thing off you and we’ll have some real fun.”

“It’s complicated,” she purrs.

“I’m not afraid of a challenge, and I’ll sweeten the pot. These are for you.” I reveal the sunflowers from behind my back, which she immediately accepts. “And this is for me.”

She smiles when I cradle her chin between my thumb and forefinger to lock our lips in a chaste peck. “All I had to do was show up? I’ll thank you extra for that.”

My groan slips into her mouth as she opens for me, taking the kiss to an elevated public display of affection. “Damn, beauty. You’re the gift that keeps on giving.”

“Makes sense since it feels like a special occasion whenever you’re around.” She tucks the sunflowers into her purse and then clutches the front of my shirt, tugging me into a tight embrace I never want to leave.

I tremble when her tongue slides along mine. “Did you miss me?”

“Yes,” she freely admits.

“Love hearing that.”

“Yes, yes, yes,” she chants.

My chuckle interrupts our heated exchange. “Careful or you’ll attract a crowd.”

Cassidy drifts her nose along my stubbled jaw, inhaling me on an audible breath. “You do that on your own, trouble. I’m surprised you didn’t announce my arrival to the entire town.”

“Thought about it. I want everyone to assume you’re mine.”

“Afraid someone else will catch my eye?”

“Only every day.”

Her laugh is vibrant as she pats my chest, smoothing the wrinkles she created. “You have nothing to worry about.”

I cinch an arm around her waist, hauling her against me. “Does that mean you’re agreeing to be mine?”

Not that she has to admit it aloud. The truth is that Cassidy has been mine since she kissed me when we were kids. But I’ll let her believe whatever she wants. For now.

She flutters her lashes. “It’s a bit early for labels, hmm?”

“Not according to your children, and I respect their opinions.”

Her grin spreads. “Until they disagree with you.”

I scoff. “That’s not gonna happen. They love me.”

“Oh, yes. What was I thinking? Kids always behave and go along with whatever you say is best.”

“Your sarcasm clashes with my optimism,” I grumble.

“If it makes you feel better, you’ve totally won them over. Charlie and Kenzie haven’t stopped talking about you or your pony rides.”

A pressure I didn’t realize was in my chest suddenly loosens. “The feeling is mutual.”

She hums. “Your texts were cute too.”

“Had to make sure I’m never far from your mind. I almost drove to your house a dozen times this week, but I didn’t want to crowd you.”

Her eyes sparkle. “Since when?”

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