Page 174 of Dare to Hold
And that’s when Harper stomps up, cheeks flushed, eyes blazing.
“We’re going to the bar,” she announces, grabbingOlivia’s wrist like a lifeline. “You—” she points at me, half laughing, half fuming—“are going to go dance with your husband again before I never forgive you for that stupid dare.”
I hold up my hands in surrender, grinning. “Yes, ma’am.”
Harper shoots me a look as she drags Olivia away, and I catch the soft grin Olivia gives me over her shoulder—one that says thanks for understanding.
And as the music rises around me again, I head back toward the man waiting for me on the dance floor, my heart full of hope.
Only…when I spot him, my heart isn’t the only thing full—my lungs are full of laughter I’m trying, and failing, to hold in.
Gray stands at the edge of the dance floor, grinning like a kid at a carnival. He’s somehow acquired a neon green glow stick necklace and another glow stick looped around his head like a crown. In his hands? A pretend fishing pole—okay, it’s actually just one of the glow sticks he’s twirling like it’s a rod.
I stop in my tracks, watching as he casts his imaginary line toward me. With exaggerated concentration, he mimes reeling it in, tugging dramatically.
“Got one!” he calls, loud enough for the nearest guests to turn and grin. “It’s a fighter, but she’s mine!”
I play along, staggering forward like I’ve got no choice in the matter, giggling the whole way.
When I reach him, he tosses the glow stick “pole” aside and loops his arms around my waist, pulling me close.
“Caught the best catch of the night,” he says, eyes dancing.
I shake my head, laughing, wrapping my arms around his neck. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And yet, you said I do.”
“Best decision I ever made.”
The night air in New Orleans wraps around us like a warm whisper as we slip away from the celebration. My fingers are laced through Gray’s, my dress catching in the breeze as I kick off my heels and let them dangle from my hand.
I’m still laughing about something Harper said during her toast, but mostly I’m floating—because I can feel the way he’s watching me. Like I’m the only thing in his world.
Like I’m his.
We reach the hotel, the soft hum of the lobby fading as Gray swipes the key card. The door clicks open, but before I can take a step inside, he sweeps me up into his arms.
A surprised laugh bubbles out. “Gray!”
He grins, that smile that always undoes me. “I believe this is tradition.”
My arms loop around his neck as he carries me over the threshold, and suddenly, it’s just us.
Candlelight flickers across the suite, soft and golden. Rose petals are scattered on the bed, like the room’s been dressed in every love song he’s ever played for me.
He sets me down slowly, gently, and my heart races as I look up at him. His eyes find mine and stay there—steady, sure, full of so much love I can barely breathe.
“So what now, husband?” I whisper, my voice trembling with joy.
Gray steps closer, his fingers brushing down my arms until he’s holding my hands. “Now?” His voice dips low, playful, teasing. “Now I get to kiss my wife without a crowd watching.”
My breath catches.
His lips meet mine, soft at first—then deeper, hungrier, until we’re both breathless and clinging to each other like we can’t get close enough.
When he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against mine, his smile soft and sure.
“I hope you know,” he murmurs, “I plan on loving you like this every day for the rest of my life.”
I tilt my head, that teasing spark rising. “Even when I steal the blankets?”
His laugh rumbles low. “Especially then.”
Before I can say another word, he scoops me up again, carrying me toward the bed. My laughter spills out, wrapping around us like a promise.
And just before he kicks the bedroom door shut behind us, he meets my gaze—eyes warm, full of love, and just a little wicked.
“Brace yourself, Mrs. Bennett. The honeymoon starts now.”
