Page 71 of Heartstrings & Horizons
Miles: Nice. ??
The next two hours are spent curating an entire wardrobe to last me several weeks. Cara talks me into four more figure hugging outfits, a pair of high waisted jeans, two sweaters, and several fitted tees. Honestly, I have never felt more beautiful. We make one last stop at the lingerie store, and with our shopping bags in tow, we head back to Oak Ridge.
Cade
That photo of Paige outside the dressing rooms is going straight into my spank bank. I can see her confidence growing little by little, in the way she defended herself at the bar, and in the growing friendship with Cara. She’s always been stunning in my eyes, and I’m thrilled that she’s seeing it now, too.
I’m working the bar later that evening when Paige and Cara walk in, followed closely by Jemma. I have no idea how these three found each other, but Jemma has always been quick to make new friends so I’m positive sheroped them into some shenanigans today.
Paige approaches the bar then keeps walking until she rounds the corner, steps in front of me and places a hungry kiss on my lips. The bar isn’t full, but there are enough customers hanging around that a burst of laughter and applause snaps us out of our not so private moment.
“Missed you,” I groan, willing my dick to calm down.
“Ok, loverboy,” Jemma interrupts, “give me back my girl and grab us some drinks. Soda for me, I have to work tonight.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I’m tempted to argue that Paige wasmy girlfirst, but I know better than to mess with Jemma. It fills me with so much appreciation to know that everyone is welcoming her with open arms. She fits in like she was always meant to be here.
“So, what trouble did you three cause today?”
Paige’s eyes go wide with excitement as she recounts the day's events.
“AND,” she says, overemphasizing the word, “I picked out my wedding dress!”
“Just wait ‘til you see it. You’re going to lose your mind,” Cara adds. I’m 100% positive my jaw will be on the floor when I finally get to see Paige walk down the aisle, and it has absolutely nothing to do with her dress.
“Are ya’ll planning to stick around until my shift ends? I have about an hour left and then we can head back to the cabin.”
Cara is the first to chime in, “I have to head out, but I’ll text you, Paige!”
“Me too. I have a late shift at the hospital to get to. Cade, you take care of our girl!” Jemma gives Paige a hug and whispers something into her ear before turning to follow Cara outside.
“What was that all about?” I ask. She narrows her eyes at me and shrugs. The corners of my lips lift at the knowledge that my girl is already sharing secrets with them.
The last hour of my shift drags on, anticipating having Paige all to myself again. I gather my coat and take her hand, leading her out the back door to my truck.
“So, you had a good day?”
“The best. Cara’s so sweet and I adore Jemma.”
“Seeing you so at home here makes me so happy. You have no idea.”
“I think I havesomeidea. I’m really happy, Cade. You can stop worrying that I’m going to try to make an escape.” She says the last part with so much sincerity my heart swells.
“If you’re happy, I’m happy. Let’s go home.”
Home.God, I hope that’s how she sees it. I’ve never pictured having another person in my space, but now I can’t imagine not having Paige there. She brought life to my otherwise mundane existence.
Chapter 27
Paige
? Slow Hands - Niall Horan
As I stand amongst the disaster I’ve created in the kitchen, Cade appears with Goose in his arms, the tiny bundle of fur evidently having ambushed his daddy at the door.Daddy, now there’s a thought.
“What’s that smell…”
His words trail off when he sees my flour smudged cheeks and the island that’s covered in baking supplies.
