Page 80 of Smoke Show

Unable to wait after she said the magic words, I scooped her from her chair, carting her to her bedroom. She giggled as I tossed her on the mattress, bouncing gently. I advanced, giving her plenty of time to anticipate my moves. Call me off. My heart unclenched when all I saw in her face was welcome.

Eve wreathed her arms around my neck, pulling me closer.

"I take it this is good news?" she asked, eyes alight.

"The best," I assured, entwining our fingers as I straddled her. “I’ve got everything, Eve. I’ve gotyou.”

Chapter 27

Eve

TellingBradyIlovedhim had been the right decision. Trusting him with my heart came more naturally than I'd feared it would. In the days after Mrs. Masterson’s threat, we'd doubled-down on us. A year ago, I might have tucked my tail and run, but not anymore. I'd found love in Campfire and built a life. I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. No matter what Scott’s sister threw at us, I wasn't giving up or giving in. My fake-it-till-you-make-it strategy had finally paid off.

Brady called the school superintendent himself, taking all the wind out of Mrs. Masterson’s sails. Brady taking control neutralized her threats, making them appear exactly as they were: grasping attempts from a mom to get special treatment for her daughter. To my relief, Brady's boss hadn't been concerned by our relationship. If anything, he'd been pleased. He and I hadn't met at the Winter Warmth Auction, but he knew who I was. Brady looked amused when he mimicked his boss after their call. "Ms. Pendleton is an upstanding member of our community. I don't know what Mrs. Masterson is blabbering about, it's silly. Ms. Pendleton would be welcome to teach in our district."

Smiling over the memory, I tied the fabric bow on my package for Brady.Heh. Sad how Ivan and Zander were rubbing off on me. They'd already made good on their auction packages. Izzy had enjoyed stargazing with Ivan, recounting the entire date to our group around the campfire.

I snorted, thinking of her dreamy expression. Okay, maybe not theentiredate.

Gwen had been more closed-lipped about her date with Zander, simply stating that he’d helped her with a few projects.

Brady's tickets toHamiltonweren't for another couple of weeks. We'd be heading to Spokane's Center for the Arts and staying at the Davenport Grand after the holidays. I was excited for the mini-getaway.

"Ready to go?" Brady asked, stomping his feet on the mat to knock off the snow. "I've got the car scraped and ready to go."

"Yep," I said, popping up from my seat at the coffee table. "My gifts are all wrapped."

"And you're sure you're up for Christmas Eve with my family?" he asked.

"More than up for it, Brady," I said, slipping my arms into the warm jacket he held open for me.

"I know my family can be a lot."

"I love you family," I reassured. "And I loveyou," I added with a quick kiss.

Brady braced his hands on my hips, fingers digging in when I kissed him again, deeper this time. I drew away, and he groaned, letting his forehead drop to mine.

"You make it hard to want to be anywhere but alone with you."

The sincerity and love in his gaze made me want to skip dinner with his family and lead him back to his bedroom instead.

"Good," I said, slapping his butt playfully. "Then you'll be motivated to win tonight's game so we get home at a reasonable hour."

"What if we're not on the same team?" he asked playfully.

I wreathed my arms around his neck, pulling him in for one last kiss.

"We'realwayson each other's team."

“Speaking of our incredible teamwork,” Brady murmured, watching me carefully. “How do you feel about giving me an early Christmas gift, and agreeing to move in with me?”

“You sure you’re ready for that, Handsome?” I asked, considering his suggestion. While I’d been spending most nights at his place, it was a big step. Gazing into his eyes, full of sincerity, my heart softened. Spending more time with Brady was exactly what I needed.

“Oh, yeah,” he murmured, dropping kisses along the sensitive spot on my neck, putting all of his lessons about what I liked into action.

“Then I accept,” I said, smiling against his mouth as he dove in for a deep kiss. “I love you, Brady.”

“I love you, Eve.”

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