Page 48 of Headed for Home

The amused curve lifting her mouth flips upside down. “You should go without me. I’m not the best company right now.”

“What? No way. You can’t ditch me after our first official fight as a couple. I need to grovel until you agree to makeup sex.”

She snorts. “Good luck with that.”

“It’s going to be an afternoon to remember. I’ll make it worth your while,” I vow. “You agreed to believe in me.”

“Mhmm, and then look what happened.”

“That was a tiny detour, but we’re back on track.”

“It isn’t that simple. I should probably be alone. My feelings are… complicated and conflicted.”

Something sharp stabs my chest. “About me?”

“We’ve moved really fast, and I’ll accept the blame for that. Space might be a good idea. It’s a jumble up there.” Cassidy taps at her temple.

“Is that what you really want?” If it is, I’ll quit pushing. At least until tomorrow.

She sniffs and drops her gaze. “No.”

“You’ll let me fix this? Starting now?”

“That doesn’t seem right.” A deep furrow creases her forehead. “Am I overreacting?”

“Nope, I crossed a line. You’re justified in getting upset. Your feelings are valid. I hear you and I’m sorry.”

“But you didn’t know how much this would hurt me.”

“I do now. I’m listening. It’s a learning curve. We’re communicating and working through it.” I tuck a bent knuckle under her chin. “Don’t give up on me yet.”

Cassidy melts into me. “Not sure I could if I tried.”

“Does that mean you’re still my date for this shindig?”

“Maybe…”

“Don’t make me toss you over my shoulder.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Do you doubt me and my devotion to our relationship?” I squat and lift her off the ground.

Cassidy squeals, wiggling in my grip. “Okay, fine. I’ll go with you.”

“Damn straight.” I lower her feet to the sidewalk and snag her hand. “Stay beside me, beauty. Right where you belong.”

Alarge oak shields us from the worst of the late July heat. I stare across the decorated backyard while we wait for the guests of honor to arrive. Too many names clog my brain, the introductions a blur. My wits are still scattered after Drake’s unfortunate revelation. The sour taste in my mouth further proves Sutherland Homes is toxic.

“Is this too much?” The question in his expression expands wider than the small crowd gathered to celebrate Ridge and Callie.

I shake my head. “It looks perfect. The party planner deserves a raise.”

“Thank you,” Harper chirps as she pauses next to us. “Minimal hiccups except the happy couple is nowhere to be found. There are murmurs about penis candy too.”

I lift my brows at the blonde, one of the only faces I recognize in the bunch. “Penis candy?”

She holds up her palms. “I’m acting oblivious. Just cross your fingers that Sydney doesn’t find them, if they do exist.”

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