Page 157 of A Very Merry Enemy
“No. The opposite, actually.”
“Interesting.” He continues the massage. When his hands slide up to unhook my bra, I lift slightly to help him. “This okay?”
“More than okay.”
The bra comes off, and his hands return to my back, working higher now. His thumbs trace along my ribs, and I have to bite back a moan.
“You’re trying to kill me,” I say, grabbing the comforter, wanting him to touch me all over.
“Nope. Just trying to get you to relax.” But his voice is rougher now. “Is it working?”
“Too well.”
I roll over to face him, and his eyes drop to my bare chest before meeting my gaze again. The heat in his expression makes my breath catch.
“Hi,” he says.
“Hi, yourself.”
“You’re beautiful, you know that?”
“You might’ve mentioned it once or twice.”
“Well, I’m mentioning it again.” He leans down and kisses me. When he pulls back, I’m breathless. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. So much better.” I reach up and trace my fingers along his jaw. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
“Always.” He brushes hair away from my face. He kisses me again, this time with more heat. His hand slides up my side, his thumb brushing just under my breast.
“We don’t have to do this if you’re tired,” he whispers.
“What are you talking about? Ineedyou, Lucas.”
“You’ve got me.” His mouth moves to my neck, and I arch into him. “You’ve always had me.”
His hand finally cups my breast, and I gasp. Everythingabout this feels different. Right now, I’m just here, present, with Lucas making me feel things I only feel with him.
“I love you,” I whisper.
“I love you, too.” He kisses down my throat, across my collarbone. “Tonight, I don’t want you to think about anything other than us.”
“Sweep me away with you,” I whisper, pulling him back to my mouth. “Make me forget everything.”
“Oh, Peaches, I plan on it.”
And for the first time since Dominic arrived at my parents’ house, I feel like everything is going to be okay. Because I have Lucas. And he has me. And that’s what really matters.
CHAPTER 32
LUCAS
Iwake up before my alarm goes off.
Holiday is snuggled against my side with her head on my chest, one arm draped across my stomach. Her breathing is peaceful in a way it hasn’t been in weeks. I don’t move, just lie here watching the early morning light creep through the curtains.
Today’s the day. Everything Holiday and I have been working toward for weeks comes down to the next few hours.
My phone says it’s five thirty. We need to be at the venue by eight to set up our station. The competition starts at ten, and we have three hours to bake, present, and show everyone what we’re made of.
