Page 51 of Choosing You

At the mild threat, Devin chuckled. “I think you know me well enough to know that I don’t mess around where the business is concerned. I take this place very seriously. Always have. So if I’m talking about it, then you know I’m being sincere.”

Part of him wanted to jump up and whoop with pure giddiness, but he also knew he needed to seem at least a little bit professional. “So um…do we uh…shake on it or something?”

An enormous grin crossed Devin’s face as he held out his hand. “Welcome aboard, partner.”

Will didn’t say anything to Sloane until they were back at his place. He’d worked until two, and she and MacKenzie had spent a lot of time doing work of their own. When they got home, he was just about ready to burst.

“Hey, so, um…what do you say we go up to Summit Ridge tonight? We can get dinner, maybe stay overnight, and…celebrate.”

She looked at him curiously. “What are we celebrating?”

“It looks like that partnership I’ve been wanting is going to happen! Devin and I talked about it today while you and Mac were out picking up lunch!”

“Oh my God! That is amazing news!” Sloane said excitedly as she ran over and hugged him. “I know it’s something you’ve been wanting. You must be so happy!”

Holding her tight, he nodded. “You have no idea. And I’m even happier because you’re here to celebrate it with me.”

“Me too.” When she pulled back, she was still smiling. “And this definitely calls for a celebration! I was going to see if you wanted to go over to Hailey and Max’s with me to hang out with my family, but I’d much rather go out just the two of us. And a room at Summit Ridge? Um…yes, please!”

Part of him felt bad for keeping her from spending time with her family, but he deserved to be a little selfish tonight. “Are you sure you don’t mind?

“I’m positive. One thing you should know about the Donovans? We spend way too much time together. I saw everyone last night, and I’ll see them all on Saturday at the festival. When I go home to Florida, I’ll see most of them there. Hailey talks about how much she loves getting together with our cousins all the time, but I don’t see the appeal. I enjoy my freedom and hanging out with people I’m not related to.”

“I don’t have a big family like yours. We get together for the holidays and if there’s a special occasion, but that’s it. Most of my cousins moved away and I wish they lived closer. They’re all very cool to hang out with. I thought your cousins were too.”

“I mean…they are, just not all the time.” She shrugged before moving in close to him and practically humming as she rubbed up against him. “But I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with you, so…that’s my priority right now.”

It was hard to argue with that logic.

His arm banded around her as he gave her a quick but thorough kiss.

“Let me see if I can get us reservations, and then we can pack.”

She gave him another kiss before countering with, “Or…you can go and take a shower, and I’ll make the reservations.”

Being dirty was part of the job, and it never bothered him before. But Sloane was dressed nicely and probably didn’t appreciate him getting her all messed up. “Sounds like a deal. I’ll be out in a bit.”

“Take your time!”

In the bathroom, he turned the hot water on and stripped down before stepping under the spray. It felt freaking awesome, and he made sure he scrubbed a little extra hard to make sure there wasn’t any grease under his fingernails. He had his back to the shower door when he heard the bathroom door open.

“Did they have any open reservations?” he asked, washing his hair.

“They did! I booked us a room for one night, and our dinner reservation is for seven o’clock. This way, we can take our time and maybe hang out in the room for a bit before going to dinner. Will that work?”

Ducking his head under the spray, he nodded. “Sounds perfect! Why don’t you…” His words were cut off when he felt cool air on his back. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Sloane stepping in beside him. Slowly, he turned around and stared appreciatively at her glorious curves. When he met her gaze, he asked, “Is there something I can help you with?”

Her smile was all sweet and sexy. “I was going to ask you the same thing. Maybe I can help you wash your back.” She stepped in close and ran her hands up and down his back before going lower and squeezing his butt.

“Sweetheart, you can do whatever you want,” he told her.

“Mmm…good. I was sitting out there thinking about you in here and I just couldn’t stay away.” She soaped up her hands and then began touching him everywhere.

The moan was out before he could stop it. “I’m glad you didn’t stay away, but…I’m going to want to help you get clean too.” Reaching around, he grabbed the soap dispenser and pumped some of the liquid into his hands.

“But…I’m not dirty,” she said in a husky tone.

Will dropped to his knees in front of her. “You will be in a minute. Trust me.”

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