Page 50 of Headed for Home

We linger in the shade as she trots off to handle her host duties. Silence finds us again. The pause isn’t awkward. More like a calm between chaos.

A sideways glance finds Drake’s gaze tracing my curves. I take the opportunity to return the favor. Sunshine kisses his hair, the dark strands streaked to glow. The white tee he’s wearing stretches over his muscles. Tattoos and ropey veins on full display thanks to the short sleeves. Faded denim hugs hisass and legs in a relaxed hold. My thighs flex, seconds from launching at him.

“Penis candy,” I mumble.

His brow puckers. “What?”

“I’m in the mood for something sweet.”

“You’re hungry?”

“Okay.”

“Is this too much for you?” he asks again.

I blink from the haze. “Not at all. Quit stressing, trouble.”

And let’s be honest, I’m mostly recovered from the ordeal. Other than the reminder that Sutherland Homes doesn’t give a damn about who or what or where. They’ll devour whatever bait is in front of them like parasites. If I’m off their radar, maybe I can finally relax a little.

“Does that mean you’re agreeing to marrying me someday?”

“Oh, that.” I laugh as his comment to Harper replays. “A tad presumptuous, but barely fazed me. You should hear the wild stories my twins whip together without trying.”

He chuckles. “Mine isn’t pretend.”

I gape at him. “We’ve been on two dates. Maybe three if you’re being generous.”

“And?”

My mouth opens and shuts, speech absent. “A relationship is already a stretch for me to believe. There’s no way marriage is actually on your radar.”

“Swing and a miss,” he rasps. “I’ll improve my game. Add it to the groveling.”

“That’s not necessary,” I croak. “You have nothing to prove, remember?”

The potential of him trying harder unravels me. Heat floods me in a fiery wave and my knees wobble. I probably wouldn’t survive the possibilities.

Drake rubs a bent knuckle along my overheated cheek. “I disagree, if you still doubt me.”

“A man who isn’t afraid of commitment. My imagination is running at a full gallop.”

“Didn’t we already prove I’m real?” He dips to brush his lips over mine. “I want the happily ever after with you and the kids. That’s my dream. You’re the only one who can fulfill it.”

My inhale is sharp. He included my children in the equation. How I’m still standing and not in a puddle at his feet is some sort of superpower. There’s a clench in my lower belly as if my ovaries are about to release every egg in stock.

That’s the moment I decide to ditch the fear and restraint holding me back from this man. No more hiding. Loneliness isn’t my lifelong bestie. Screw Sutherland and their seedy shit.

Something long overdue loosens inside of me. A rusty gate creaks open to release my worries and fears and allow acceptance to flood in. He’s worthy of breaking my heart, but I’m certain that he’d be the last one to ever do so. Fizz tickles my nose as I suckle at my beverage, suddenly parched.

“I think you’re my dream too,” I breathe.

Drake’s broad shoulders sag and he stoops over me. “Thank Cupid and his arrows for that. Now I don’t have to suppress my urges with you. This means you’re finally mine.”

“Oh, my.” I flutter a palm to my chest. “Are you asking me out, Drake Granger?”

“Didn’t I already?”

“Not officially.”

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