Page 74 of Wine and Research
“Nope.”
“Jeremy either,” Faith said. “But I’m sure you’ll soothe away his…uh, issues later.”
Elle glanced at the man who ruled her heart, and as it always did, her pulse jumped. Yeah, he was dealing out a few hard looks to the guys too. He was in his protector mode.
Over the past four weeks, since she’d agreed to stay and moved in with him, things had changed. All good changes. She’d just finished the editing cycle of her book and it was now with the publisher and marketing team. The second book was takingshape, and if she had any technical law enforcement-related questions, she had her very own sergeant on standby.
Jeremy had recently passed his exam and received his promotion, and she couldn’t be prouder of him. They were still in celebration mode, and she looked forward to cooking him dinner tonight and to sharing some dessert with him. Maybe on him.
Yeah, she liked that idea a lot.
“Here you go,” Jenna said, appearing with their drinks. “I made a few extra, in case any of the guys might want one.”
“If not, I’ll be happy to consume the leftovers,” Faith said with a grin.
“Heads up!” someone shouted.
Elle turned to see the ball bounce into the yard, giving her déjà vu. “I’ve got this,” she said, setting her glass down, before grabbing the ball and walking to the fence.
Jeremy was sauntering over, eyes on her, a small smile threatening the corners of his mouth. She held his gaze, trying to keep herself in check when she really wanted to throw herself into his arms.
Full of happiness, more happiness than she’d ever known, she smiled at him while handing over the ball.
“Thanks.” He took it from her and promptly tossed it behind him to the awaiting guys. Then in a swift move, he grabbed the fence, and vaulted over it to join her in Faith’s yard. “Having a good time?” he asked, reaching for her.
“Yes, but it just got better,” she replied when he tugged her close and buried his head against her neck.
“Yeah?” He nuzzled at her ear. “Me, too.”
“Good to know.” She cupped his face and brought his mouth to hers to take one of his amazing kisses.
No amount of catcalling or whistles stopped him, and they enjoyed some amazing slow and thorough kisses in front of their friends.
When he finally drew back, he set his forehead to hers. “Mmm…nice,” he murmured. “You taste hot and of sangria.”
“There’s more,” she said, then felt herself blush as his gaze turned wicked. “I was talking about the sangria. Didn’t mean to distract you from your game.”
Jeremy released her and reached for her hand, bringing it to his lips. She met his gaze and he searched hers for a moment. “You okay?”
She smiled. “More than okay.”
He continued to stare at her with a quiet understanding. “But?”
Exhaling, she closed her eyes. The man could always see what no one else did. “But I’m worried that I’ll eventually drive you crazy with my anxiety. You know it’s going to get worse the closer we get to the fourteenth anniversary of my mother’s death.”
She intended to fight it, to quell it as much as she could, but realistically, Elle knew, some days, she was going to be a basket case.
He nodded and his eyes never flinched, never left her face. “I’ll only love you more.”
Her heart rocked, and she blinked back an unexpected round of tears. “First, there’s no crying in basketball, dammit. And second, and most importantly, I love you so much. You do know that, right?”
“Yes.” He sent her a sexy, lopsided grin. “And there’s no limit on how many times you can tell me.” He waggled his brow. “Or show me.”
She laughed, then sobered. “I’m going to drive you crazy.”
“Going to?” His mouth twitched. “You already do, in the best ways.” He ran a finger over her temple, gently pushing back a strand of hair. “I love coming home to you every night, Elle.”
“I love that too,” she said, truthfully. “But you do know there will be times when I’ll have to go to conventions and book signings, right?”
