Page 116 of Matchmaking the Rival

When we paused to breathe, I laughed against his lips. He chuckled. Before I knew it, we were both laughing without any restraint. My knees were wet. I bet his were too. The ground was still damp from the early morning dew.

“Leo is probably still waiting outside," Cade said eventually.

"Probably. Is this why you didn't want him to show us the house?"

"Yeah. Didn't want anything between us."

I was so full of happiness.God, is this my life?I could hardly believe it.

We both rose to our feet, looking a bit silly with our wet knees, but I couldn't care less. We walked around the house, not wanting to take any dirt inside.

Leo heard us and looked up from his phone. His eyes were fixed on our knees. "Do I even want to know what happened?"

I held up my hand, pointing to my ring finger.

"Holy shit. I didn't see that coming at all. I take it you liked the house?"

"Yeah, we're making an offer," Cade said.

"Congratulations are in order, then. For the house and the ring."

"Don't sound so stunned," I said.

Leo shrugged. "No offense meant. Just didn't think you were going to be the one to settle down after Jake. Tell me the truth—was it the house that convinced you to say yes?"

"Yeah, dude. That was it," Cade deadpanned.

“I should advertise that. 'Whitley Real Estate will help you find your dream house. Maybe to get a ring too.'”

"Such a romantic," I replied.

"Not my strong suit."

"Hmm... that's what Cade said as well. Do we know who your grandmother has her eye on next?" I had to ask. I still couldn’t believe Jeannie and my mom thought Cade and I, after all these years, would be perfect together.

Leo looked perplexed. "Not me, I hope."

Cade glanced at me, then threw his head back, laughing. "See, that's why I love you. You know just how to shut him up."

"I take this as a cue that you two want to be alone," Leo said, sounding as if he wanted to put as much distance between himself and us as possible. Like falling in love was catching or something.

"You're a smart man," I replied. I liked Leo, but I wanted to be alone with my man right now.

Cade put an arm around my shoulders, kissing the side of my temple after Leo got into his car.

"How are we celebrating this?" I asked.

His eyes flashed. "Let's go to my place, and I'll show you."

I smiled, pulling back a bit, rising on my tiptoes, and bringing my lips close to his. "You don't have to tell me twice. Let's go."

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