Page 207 of The Hookup Situation
“T-there’s … the Cozy Coffee float. It’s a giant … cup of coff?—”
I grin against her, continuing my war on her pussy as she tries and fails to finish the thought. Her hips rock, chasing me, her voice pitching higher as the crowd below cheers.
“You wanted this fantasy.” I growl, pleasuring her with my fingers, sucking hard on her swollen clit. “So, give it to me, sweetheart. Let go.”
Her cry rips out of her, muffled when she buries her face against her arm, body convulsing as the orgasm tears through her. Her body shudders, and I don’t stop until she’s nearly collapsing, the blanket slipping off her shoulders.
I press a kiss to her thigh, lingering there, tasting her skin. Then I look up at her, grinning. “List is officially complete.”
Her laugh is breathless. “You’re incredible.”
I slide away from her and stand, picking the blanket up and placing it over her shoulder.
“How was it?”
“Amazing,” she says, squeezing her thighs together as we watch Santa finish the parade.
Julie leads me back inside, and we climb into bed and watch the Macy’s parade on TV. She teases me about which float I’d sponsor.
She grins as the parade marches on.
“Sweetheart, the list may be finished, but I think we should start a new one.”
Her smile widens. “A couples one?”
“Hell yeah. And we’ll check off every damn box together,” I say.
Hours later,we’re walking up the stone steps of my father’s mansion. The air is crisp and full of woodsmoke. Julie’s hand is tucked into mine, her navy coat cinched at the waist, her red hair gleaming in the fading light.
The house glitters like a cathedral behind us, windows glowing with candles and chandeliers, voices leaking out from within. Family. Friends. Everyone of importance who means anything to us is here.
Julie pauses on the porch, taking a moment to look at me. “You seem nervous.”
“I’m not. Not even a little,” I admit, my pulse steady. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”
She smiles, but before she can say anything, I drop to one knee.
Her gasp catches in the cold November air; her white-gloved hand flies to her mouth.
“Julie Loveland,” I say, pulling the ring from my pocket. It’s the one that’s been burning a hole in my pocket since I picked it up from Easton Calloway in New York. “You turned my October upside down. You made me believe in forever again. You are my home, my peace, my true love, and I don’t want to waste anothersecond without you. Will you please make me the happiest man on the planet and spend the rest of your life with me? Will you please marry me, sweetheart?”
Tears slide down her cheeks as she laughs. “Yes. A thousand times, yes.”
The door behind us opens wide, and suddenly, the house erupts with cheers. My mother, stepdad, Asher, Billie, Harper, Brody, Dyson, Miranda, Zane, Autumn, Blaire, Julie’s parents, and even the Fairy Godmothers are here. Every face we love is gathered inside, clapping, and some are already crying.
Julie turns to me, and I slide the orange diamond onto her finger.
She covers her mouth. “Nick … this is too much.”
I chuckle, brushing a kiss to her knuckles. “Never. No limits for you, sweetheart.”
Our mouths crash together on the porch of my stepfather’s mansion, which is close to the ski resort. Everyone we love steps outside to congratulate us. It’s messy, loud, and perfect. The people who matter most to us are sharing in this moment.
Blaire shrieks so loud that downtown Cozy Creek probably hears it. The Fairy Godmothers fan themselves dramatically, declaring it was better than television. Asher claps me hard on the back with a rare, unguarded smile, and even Zane tears up as Autumn squeezes his arm. Billie smiles as Harper and Brody lift their champagne glasses toward us. Everyone who matters is here.
When we finally break apart, Julie presses her forehead to mine, her voice full of joy. “I love you so much, Nick Banks.”
“Love you too, Little Red.”
