Page 51 of Mistletoe & Magic
“We should talk,” I say finally, my voice low.
She nods, pulling the blanket closer around her. “I know.”
I stare at the ceiling for a long moment before I say it. “I told myself I didn’t need anyone, that it was easier to just focus on Junie and the farm.” I glance at her, my chest tight. “But then you came along. And after tonight…I don’t think I can go back to how things were.”
Her expression softens, and she reaches out, sliding her hand over mine. “You don’t have to go back. I don’t want to, either.”
Relief hits me so hard I almost laugh, except it comes out as a long, shaky breath.
“I’m scared,” I admit. “Scared I’ll screw this up. Scared Junie will get attached and then…”
“She’s already attached,” Ivy says gently. “And I’m attached, too. This isn’t one-sided.”
Those words land like a stone in my chest and then melt into something warm.
“I like you a lot,” I say, because it feels too small for what I feel but it’s the truest thing I can get out. “I have for a very long time. So much.”
She smiles, soft and sweet, and leans in to kiss me. “Good. Because I like you, too. And I think we deserve to be happy.”
Something eases in me then. I pull her closer until her head is on my chest, my hand splayed across her back.
“Go to sleep,” I whisper against her hair. “I’ve got you.”
Her breathing evens out after a few minutes, and I just lie there, staring at the ceiling, holding her. For the first time in a long time, I feel like everything might be okay. Like maybe I get to have this with her, Junie, a home that feels full.
I press one more kiss into her hair before I finally let myself drift, still holding her close.
Chapter 15
Ivy
The sunlight pouring over us wakes me first. It’s warm and soft, slipping through the curtains and spilling across the bed. Remy’s arm is heavy and protective around my waist, pinning me to the mattress, and for a moment I just lie there listening to him breathe. He looks younger like this, softer. Relaxed and not as if he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
When he stirs, his eyes find me instantly, that lazy smile making my stomach flutter. I love that smile. I would do anything for that smile. “Morning,” he says, his voice rough from sleep.
“Morning,” I whisper back, biting my lip to keep from grinning.
He pulls me closer until my back is to his chest, his lips brushing my shoulder. The touch is enough to make me shiver with excitement to his touch. “You okay?” he murmurs.
I nod, turning to face him, and before I can say anything else, he kisses me. Slow and unhurried, a kiss that makes me forget the world outside even exists. The sheets rustle as I presscloser, and just like that we are tangled again, skin on skin, slow and lazy and perfect.
He likes me. I am trying to play it cool, but I am anything but cool. Last night was incredible. Literally the best night of my life. I’ve liked Remy for so long. And now it’sreal.
“Daddy,” Junie calls through the bedroom door. “Where’s Ivy?”
He slides out of bed and picks up his shorts and pulls them on, giving me a slow smirk while he does it. “I’m coming, Junie. Ivy has the morning off.”
“But she’s not in her bed,” she calls through the door sounding sad. “Did she leave us?”
My heart breaks hearing that, and I give Remy a horrified look.
“No, baby, she’s just using my bathroom in here getting ready. I’ll be right out,” he tells her through the door.
“Are you guys smooching like Uncle Finn said you would?” she asks, sounding hopeful.
I cover my mouth as a laugh escapes. “Hi, Junie! I’ll be out in a minute,” I say and give Remy a look like ‘oh my gosh.’
Remy slides on sweatpants that look damn good on him and grins at me, shaking his head. God, I love that smile now that I’ve earned it. And hell, I hope I earn it again later, too. He bends down and kisses me quickly before he leaves.
