Page 108 of Nodus Tollens
“My cheeks are not red.” I argued, even though I knew they were beet red at the moment and burning.
“Blue, don’t be embarrassed.” He sighed with a smile. “She knows that I’m in love with you.”
My whole frame froze as my heart galloped.
“She does?” I swallowed, searching his eyes for deceit, but of course, I came up empty.
“Yes.” His eyes softened. “I think she knew I was in love before I knew it myself. From all the conversations I had about you… and there were a lot.” Rubbing the back of his neck, his face went red.
I’m keeping this man.
Forever.
“She just knew.”
I wanted to say it back. I wanted to shout from the rooftops how in love I was with him, but I told myself I was going to wait for the perfect moment. The perfect time, but I had a feeling I wouldn’t be able to wait much longer without him knowing that I loved him just as much or maybe even more.
Seconds passed, and we just stared at one another in silence. Our love was so electric, shifting the air all around us, that I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone else in the house felt it. An energy so intense, unmistakable, and explosive that I couldn’t help but throw myself into his strong, inviting arms and sink into him.
I never wanted to leave this warmth. I never wanted to know what it would feel like to not have this anymore. Being wrapped in his embrace felt natural like I was always meant to be in Hayes Decker’s arms.
“Kinda don’t want to let go of you.” He mumbled against the top of my head. I was too comfortable to agree. Too cozy to leave this spot. “But…. I’ve been looking forward to showing you around the house. Giving you the grand tour.”
Groaning, I cuddled deeper into his chest just as a low rumble of laughter escaped from him.
“Come on, Blue.” He pried my arms off his waist and peered those twinkling green eyes down into mine. “Once I get you in my bed, I’ll hold you all night long until the sun comes up, if that’s what you want.”
I did.
Badly, but I wasn’t going to admit my eagerness.
“Okay, fine.”
I peered off into the distance, just over Hayes’ shoulder, and wondered where his room was. Upstairs, most likely. Hopefully, far away from Mal’s room.
“Where is this grand tour going to start?”
“Kitchen first. I’m saving the best for last.” He grinned as he wiped an invisible substance off his lower lip. My eyes were drawn to the movement and those kissable lips I wanted another taste of.
“And what’s that?” I asked as my skin broke out in a fever.
“My room, of course.” He smirked with a cockiness that I’ve only seen a handful of times. Though he was trying to come off as playful. To me, it was anything but. My throat went dry.
His room.
His childhood room that I would be staying in with him.
In his bed.
Together.
“Of course.” My words cracked on impact, but I quickly tried to cover it up with a cough.
Amused eyes scoured mine. Then, laughing with a megawatt smile, he urged me to follow him with a jerk of his head.
“Or we could skip the tour and head straight to my room?” His brow lifted in question, but I already knew he was teasing me because of the sly grin that spread across his face.
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