Page 101 of More Than Words
“She won’t,” I said quickly.“Because you and me…”
I didn’t finish the thought, but I didn’t need to.
“I still think we need to move slowly,” Delaney said.“Ease her into whatever this…”
“Agreed.”It was exactly what I’d been thinking.“But you and I both know, she’ll have a much different idea of how we should move.”
That made Delaney laugh.“Truth.”
We lay there for another few seconds without talking.Just breathing together in an easy rhythm.
Eventually, Delaney spoke again.“This doesn’t have to be perfect.”
“No,” I agreed.“Just honest.”
“I can do honest.”She rolled onto her side so she faced me fully before she said, “In the spirit of being honest, I didn’t say it before.But in case it’s not evident by now, I’m falling in love with you, too.”
Warmth spread under my rib cage, filling me in the best possible way.“I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear that.But since we’re doing this honest thing,” I said, “I need to admit that I’m not actually falling in love with you, Delaney.”
Her eyes flashed, and I tried not to smile as I continued quickly.“I’m not falling, because I’m already there.”I cupped her cheek, stroking my thumb gently over her soft skin.“I have truly and completely fallen in love with you.”
Her face transformed.“Are you saying that you love me, Ethan Lyons?”
I chuckled and pulled her on top of me.“I am madly and desperately in love with you, Delaney Hart.”
She laughed while I kissed her, but it didn’t take long before that laughter turned into small moans, and then into something quieter—deeper—as we lost ourselves in each other once again.The rest of the world and all our plans could wait.
Because, at least for the night, it was only the two of us.
ChapterTwenty-Six
December 1st
Ethan
“It’s officially Christmas!”Quinn grabbed the end of the gaudiest red and silver garland I’d ever seen and started to run through the brewery with it.
I shook my head and tried to hide my smile.My daughter had been counting down the days until I’d finally let her decorate for the holidays.Despite a tag team effort with her and Delaney, I’d held firm to my December first date.
“It’s not Christmas,” I called after her.“It’s December.”
“Same same,” Delaney said with a wink as she walked past me, carrying a giant wreath.
“Where isthatgoing?”
“Don’t worry about it,” Delaney said.“We’ve got this.”
“Yeah, Dad,” Quinn echoed her.“We’ve got this.”
“Yeah, Ethan,” Preston said with a laugh.“They’ve got this.”I shot him a look, but he only laughed harder.“What do you have on tap that’s festive?”
I knew when I’d been beaten.I moved behind the bar, which was where it was safest for me, and pulled Preston a pint.“It’s not festive, but it’s our best seller these days.”
“Chapter One.”Preston grinned into his glass before taking a big gulp.“It is a winner.”
He spun on his stool to watch the chaos taking place in the brewery.
It looked like all things Christmas had exploded onto every table.At least all things tinsel and over-the-top gaudy Christmas.Where Delaney’s store had a distinct rustic holiday theme with pine boughs, pine cones, and tasteful bows, everything she’d brought over to Peaks & Brews was silver and red and…shiny.
