Page 4 of You Can Leave Your Hat On

Carly patted her friend’s shoulder. “When you guys first met, you were emaciated, honey. You look healthy now. Your skin glows and your hair is shiny. Being with Shaw, being secure, has done wonders for you and you know it.”

“I do. He’s the best. I love him and he says he loves me, but I never expected tofeelloved, and I do. It’s pretty amazing, really,” the slender woman said, her eyes misting over.

Maisey smoothed Cherilyn’s hair with a soft hand. “He adores you, Cher. Just like Ross adores Carly. His face lights up every time she walks into the room,” Maisey said with a soft smile.

“Nothing like the way Aaron looks at you. Anybody who watches him looking at you knows you’re his whole world,” Carly pointed out.

Maisey shook her head. “Not true. Murielle’s in there too.”

“Yeah, and that’s natural. But he worships the ground you walk on, Maise. He’d do anything for you,” Cherilyn announced.

Maisey’s heart was full, listening to her friends talk about the way Aaron loved her. And he did. There was never a moment when she doubted it. Even when he was angry or irritated with her, he was still clear that he was looking out for her and keeping her best interest in mind. She’d never had that before.

And it felt wonderful.

“Well? Did you get something nice?”

“I’m going to slip it on and let you tell me.” Maisey headed for the bedroom with the dress. She wondered what his reaction would be when she stepped out.

It only took a minute to find out. “Holy shit. What kind of return policy to they have for damaged items? Because I think I’m gonna rip that thing to shreds getting it off you.” Aaron’s face was lit up like the Fourth of July.

“Like it?”

“Like it? Honey, you have no idea how sexy that dress is on you. Crazy sexy. Amazingly sexy. Even barefoot.”

“Oh, I’m getting shoes to match this belt. And a bag, and a hat.”

“Yeah? What kind of hat?”

“Carly and Cherilyn said they think it should be a wide-brimmed one. I dunno. I’m going looking tomorrow between appointments.”

Aaron smiled and reached for her. The heat from his hands through the dress as they wrapped around her waist made herwant to melt into him. “You’ll find something perfect. You’re a beautiful woman, Maisey, and every time I look at you, I can’t believe you’re mine.”

“Oh, I’m yours all right. I don’t have the energy to train another one,” she said and laughed as she ruffled his hair playfully.

“Hey, now! I was already pretty much trained when you got me. Have you ever had to squeal in the night because I left the toilet seat up?”

“Well, not that?”

“No. You have not. I put the toilet seat down. I wash my hands. I take out the trash without having to be asked. I grab the mail as I come in every afternoon. I unload the dishwasher. You have to admit, I’m not a bad catch,” he said with a chuckle.

“No. You’re not. I got lucky when I found you.”

“As I recall,Ifoundyou,” he pointed out.

“Okay. I’ll give ya that one.” Maisey had already rested her forearms on his shoulders, and she threaded her fingers together behind his neck. “I love my life here with you and Murielle.”

“I lovemylife here with you and Murielle too. And hopefully a little Maisey or Aaron. Wouldn’t that be great? A little girl with your beautiful eyes?” Aaron kissed the tip of her nose and smiled.

“Or a little boy with your dazzling smile,” she breathed out and leaned in to find his lips.

The kiss he gave her did more than turn her on. It brought her a level of joy she’d never known before, and she wanted to keep that forever. Even when they were old and tired, she wanted to be right beside him, holding his hand and looking into his eyes, even if they were dim and weary. Being there with him was everything. Nothing else mattered when they were together.

Nothing.

“Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve sat in a hotel bar?” Carly asked.

“I’ve never sat in a hotel bar,” Cherilyn clarified.

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