Page 86 of The Lake House

She shifts weight from one foot to the other. “Isn’t that Giuliana waiting in the car for you?” She nods toward my car.

I look back and stifle a laugh. “Uh, yeah. I guess it is…”

She doesn’t bother hiding her laughter, but she’s careful not to wake up Lily. “You have yourself a good night, bro.”

I nod. “Yeah, don’t you worry. I will.” Then it hits me. “Hey, if you knew she was in the car waiting for me, why did you ask me if I wanted to stay over?”

She smirks. “Because I wanted to see if you were going to hide it or if you were going to tell me. And from your response, I can tell you’re still really excited about how things are going with her because you’re keeping it all to yourself. Just do me one favor?”

I roll my eyes with a smile. “Yeah? What’s that?”

“Bring her by for Sunday dinner next week so we can meet her.”

“You already know her. She’s been coming to Silver Mist for years,” I respond.

She nods. “Well, yes, that’s true. But we’ve never really met, and we sure as hell have never met her as your girlfriend before.”

“I’ll think about it,” I say, walking away before she can say anything further.

* * *

“So, my family is really looking forward to meeting you. How do you feel about coming to Sunday dinner next week?” I ask as Giuliana lies on my chest.

She looks at me with a huge smile. “I would love to meet your mom and sister next week.”

I kiss her forehead. “I’m happy, babe. You’re going to love them and they’re going to love you… just as much as I do.”

She smiles. “This reminds me. I’m planning Liv’s gender reveal for two weeks from now. Would you like to come with me?”

I nod. “I would be honored to go with you.”

She smiles again. “Cool. I’m still in the beginning stages, but I think I know exactly how it’s going to be announced.”

I place a kiss on her lips.

We spent an incredible night together, making love time and time again, passing out after four in the morning.

“I just wish you didn’t have to go into work today. Do you really have to?” Giuliana coos.

I look at the clock displayed on my nightstand and then turn to face her again. It’s well after ten. I should have been at the office two hours ago, but it’s Sunday and we’re technically closed. That’s what happens when you’re the boss; you even go in on your days off.

I push a strand of hair out of her eyes. It hurts me to have to leave her, but I know I have to get this situated for the next two weeks. “I’m sorry, baby. There’s nothing more I’d rather do than stay right here, just like this, with you. But with Roger gone on his honeymoon for the next two weeks, I have to go in and make sure things are set come tomorrow morning.”

She nods. “I know. I understand. I actually have to be at work within the next two hours, but I was tempted to call out.”

The confirmation makes me bite my lip and makes my dick spring back to life. Would it be so bad if I skipped just one day and spent it in bed with her? I don’t have to pick up Lily until dinner-ish time… the thought is really tempting.

She places a soft kiss on my lips. “I just want to stay with you, naked in bed… you just make me feel so good and safe. I never want this moment to end.”

I suck in a deep breath. “Fuck it.” I place my hands on her waist and position her on top of me.

She moans. “Declan…. Oh…”

I easily push myself inside of her wet entrance. “There’s nothing more I’d rather do, sweetheart, than stay wrapped up inside of you.”

ChapterThirty-One

GIULIANA

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