Page 31 of Say Yes

18

PHILIP

My body had hummedfor hours after its release. Casey had remained blissfully unaware of the chaos reigning inside me as she lay almost on top of me throughout the night, her nose buried in my chest. She continued to amaze me with how much courage ran through her. She faced every challenge head-on, and it was astounding to watch her conquer all of her fears. When she’d grasped my cock, I almost came off the bed. It was a feeling like no other. Neither of us had mentioned the “L” word, but there were nights when I struggled to hold back the words. Instead, I tried to tell her with each kiss, each touch, each embrace.

I’d left after breakfast with the promise to be back and pick her up for dinner. We were heading back to eat at Sully’s. Casey was just finishing curling her hair when I poked my head around her bedroom door.

“Good evening, beautiful.”

Casey turned toward me, her hair billowing out around her.

“Hello, yourself, handsome. Are you ready?” She rose from the vanity chair and slipped on her shoes.

“How did I get so lucky to find a woman who is ready at the same time I am?”

She placed her hand in my outstretched one as I pulled her to me.

“I don’t know, but she sounds like a keeper.” I brushed a kiss across her knuckles.

“Oh, she’s definitely a keeper.” My voice was husky, and I had to force myself not to drag her to bed.

Twenty minutes later, we pulled into Sully’s parking lot. Cool air washed away the sticky humidity clinging to us when we stepped inside. After waving at Sully, who had just stepped out of the kitchen, I led us over to our usual table.

“Look what the cat dragged in. I’m surprised you aren’t embarrassed to show your face in here after the ass-whooping I gave you at the dart board last week. Are you back to try and redeem yourself?” Sully baited me as he straddled a chair next to Casey. He nudged her with his elbow and winked. Fucker was such a flirt.

“You only won because you cheated, you sneaky bastard. If you hadn’t smacked my ass with a towel and distracted me, I would have hit that bullseye.”

I’d jumped in surprise at the sting across my ass, but Sully had held up his empty hands in an innocent gesture. I’d tried to retaliate by fake sneezing as loud as humanly possible, but it hadn’t fazed Sully in the least. His dart had hit the perfect mark.

“All’s fair in love and darts, my friend,” he shrugged. “Now, how about a beer for you and a prosecco for the lovely lady.”

Sully stood and headed off to get our drinks.

“You know he intentionally tries to get your goat, right?” Casey leaned against me, holding my hand in her lap, our fingers laced.

“Oh, I know. Which is why I let him. He’s a pain in my ass sometimes, but he’s been a great friend. He hides some bad shit behind his carefree attitude. We talk about it on occasion, but I know he still keeps a lot of it buried. All I can do is be there if and when he needs me.”

She turned to look at me. “You are an amazing person, Philip Maxwell. Sully is so lucky to have you. And so am I.”

My eyes met hers, and a bright flash shone behind her cerulean eyes. I continued to stare at her, and it was then I knew I had to tell her.

“There is no one in this world luckier than I am.” I paused, licking my lips nervously before swallowing hard. “The day I met you was the best day of my life. You are the strongest woman I’ve ever met. You have overcome so many things in your life, and your courage is boundless. You make me laugh. You bring out everything good inside me. I know this whole adventure between us began because I was your friend. But for me, it’s always been because I love you, Casey Santiago.”

She sat in stunned silence and then threw herself in my arms.

“I love you too, Philip. So much.” Her voice cracked with unshed tears. I held her tightly in my arms, cradling the back of her head, in shock that she felt the same way. It seemed unreal. She pulled back, but only so she could press her lips to mine.

“Lord, will you people give it a rest. This is a family establishment. People don’t need to see you two making out like randy teenagers. Get a room.”

Casey giggled against my lips at Sully’s disgruntled tone. I, however, took a more non-verbal approach and flipped Sully off. Then of course, added my two cents.

“Fuck off Sullivan. You’re just jealous.”

An expression raced across Sully’s face, but it was gone so quickly I must have been mistaken, because now, he was grinning like a fool as he set our drinks on the table. “Jealous? Whatever, man. I got ladies knocking down my door left and right. I have a different one every night.”

I scoffed. “You’re gonna catch something if you’re not careful.”

“Pfft. That’s why you suit up.”

The conversation had apparently suddenly veered to Casey knowing more about Sully than she wanted, because she plugged her ears. “La-la-la-la-la. Not listening. I don’t want to hear about your sexual exploits Sully.”

He just shrugged and gave her an innocent look. “I’m just saying I’m not jealous.”

I nodded. “Got it. Not jealous. Now, stop trying to give my girlfriend nightmares.”

Sully gave a mock salute. “Duly noted. Now that you guys are done making out, you ready to order?”

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