Page 66 of Loving You

Though I’d tried to end that depressing admission with on a lighter note, fury sketched over Eric’s face, and his jaw was clenched so tightly I doubted he planned to respond.

I bit my lip. “That’s why I found myself getting completely hammered the night I saw him at the bachelorette party. Kinda like a harmlessfuck you, except the hangover totally wasn’t worth it. Hangovers at this age are rough.”

Eric looked away, rubbing his hand over his face. It was like he wanted to laugh at my attempt at humor but couldn’t bring himself to do it.

“Anyway, it took me a long time to get over the food issues and feel comfortable in my own skin. So,these days,I eat and drink whatever I want, and it’s nice not to think about what’s in it.”

With a short nod, he leaned forward, linking his fingers together like this was a corporate merger and he was about to bring down the hammer. “You know you’re perfect, right? However you look, whatever you eat… you’re absolutely fucking perfect.”

I lifted my shoulders with a smile. “I do, thank you. And I’m proud to say I got there on my own, but I’m still happy to hear you agree.”

Our server’s reappearance brought the conversation to a halt, but I didn’t miss the glint in his eyes or the smile on those full lips that told me he was just as proud of me for that as I was.

When she left us again, satisfied that we were enjoying our meals, Eric leaned in. “Are yousureyou don’t want to know more about those dirty thoughts I was having?”

I tried and failed to hide a smile. “I’m dying to know, but I’m being good.”

At this, he laughed, and the low, throaty sound of it was even more delicious than the meal I’d ordered. “Oh,nowyou’re gonna be good, huh?”

“Yes. I’m turning over a new leaf.”

“Tell that to the miles of black lace hiding under that pretty little dress.”

I flushed, immediately aware of every inch of lace that covered my torso. Yes, I’d become comfortable in my skin on my own, but having a man appreciate my body without an ounce of criticism in his eyes was a powerful thing for me. Intoxicating, really. I couldn’t get enough because I knewIwas enough for him, no matter what I looked like.

He bit his lip, then dove in. “Earlier, I wanted to tell the server to give us the bill for the wine, because we weren’t staying for dinner. I imagined hustling your fine ass out of here and wondered if we’d even make it home or if I’d just take you in the parking lot.”

Heat pooled between my legs, and I squirmed in my seat. “Well, I admire your restraint, Mr. Walker. You wouldn’t have gotten to enjoy the lingerie if you’d done that. And before you tell me you don’t see the point in lingerie since you’re more interested in what’s under it, I’m fully aware of your ruthless efficiency. Which is why I’m wearing the kind of lingerie I know you’ll appreciate.”

“And what kind is that?”

“The kind that offers… special features. Ya know, like regular lingerie, only a little more high tech.”

His brows rose. “Special features? Like what?”

“Like certain ways that allow foreasy access,” I whispered, my body absolutely pulsing with need for him. “That way you can have your cake and eat it, too.”

He held up a hand to signal the server, his dark gaze not leaving mine. “Time to go.”

20

ERIC

If my mother didn’t release April soon, I’d have to pry the woman off her. I could see April’s face turning redder by the second over the shoulder of the woman formerly known as Jenna Walker and currently behaving like a stage-five clinger with my girlfriend.

Girlfrienddidn’t quite cut it for me, but what else could I call her? April was all woman, and I enjoyed every inch of her. I also had no plans to be parted from her in any way. But since I knew sayingI love youhad come early for me, I couldn’t very well drop to one knee and propose within weeks of dating just so I could change the titles we used.

Could I?No. No.Shit.Get it together man.

Having her here in my childhood home, my mom squeezing the stuffing out of her like she was the embodiment of Christmas morning, had unexpectedly thrown my brain in a blender.

“Okay, Mom. That’s enough. Let the woman breathe.”

Mom released her, and April chuckled, smiling widely as I gathered her to my side. “You’re an expert hugger, Mrs. Walker. I’m pretty sure I can actually feel the endorphins rushing through me.”

Mom grinned at April, then scowled at me. “See? It was a proper welcome hug. It’s not every day my beloved son brings his woman to her first Walker family dinner.” With a wink at April she said, “And call me Jenna, honey. No need to be formal.”

“Fair enough,” I admitted.

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