Page 25 of Out in the Country

“Serious talks and slow dances. We should slow dance while we discuss the issue. I think that was nice, don’t you?”

“You want to fight with me while we slow dance?”

“No, I want you pressed against me, all hot and achin’ for me, while you’re mad and we’re hashin’ it out.”

“Who said I’d be the one who’s mad?” He grins and I huff while rolling my eyes because he’s not wrong. I’ve been known to be dramatic on occasion, but I own it every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

“Now let’s get your sexy ass in the car so I can get you home and naked before I need to work in the morning.”

“Sir, yes sir,” I say with a mock salute, but Everett’s eyes are absolutely molten as a salacious grin plays at his kissable lips.

“Yeah, I can work with that.”

Oh dear Lord, what have I started?

12

EVERETT

“Are you ready?” Hayden asks as he steps into the living room where I’m seated on the couch.

Waiting.

For him.

I turn to say something snarky about how he needed additional time to get ready when the words die on my tongue and a laugh barks out of me instead.

“What are you wearin’?” I ask, and I don’t even try to fight the smile.

He looks down then back at me. “Cheyenne made it over at Velvet Threads. I think it looks nice, don’t you?”

Hayden’s hot-pink shirt has crisp white lettering that readsI’m with him.In the few weeks since the wedding, he’s done a lot of little things to show me he’s in this for real, and honestly, it’s something I didn’t know I needed.

I might have surprised him with my feelings and everything, but aside from my lack of finesse in blindsiding him, he’s been nothing but considerate and reassuring.

Everything and nothing changed between us when we got home. He still makes me watch those baking competitions, and I still forget to put my keys in the bowl on the counter instead of next to it because…balance.

Hayden shimmies and I shake my head. “It’s very you.”

“It was either this orMy boyfriend knows how to use a wrench.” He throws in a wink at the end, and I chuckle.

“This is fine.”

“Competence is sexy, Ev.”

“Is that right?” I lay the accent on thick, and it’s his turn to grin as he steps into me and places a lingering kiss on my lips.

“Sure is.” I can feel his smile but just as quick he’s pulling away. “Let’s go, we’re gonna be late.”

“You haven’t told mewherewe’re goin’.”

“There’s a car show like an hour from here.” He smiles. “I thought we could take the truck.”

Thetruck.

“You want to take the truck?” My ears perk up because this isnew.

“I love it because you love it, and I know you want to show it off, and evenIknow that people like that rustic thing it’s got going on.” He waves his hand toward the small garage.

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