Page 92 of Mine to Love

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Reese’s father and Mariah are equally happy and maybe a little surprised about Reese and me as a couple. As soon as the initial greetings are done, all goes back to normal. Well, a new normal with me glued to Reese’s side and my hand either on her waist or her thigh. I can’t help wanting to be near her, wanting to touch her.

It’s like I can’t believe she’s really mine, not in a controlling manner. Although she doesn’t seem to mind when I dominate her in the bedroom. I need to control those thoughts, or I’ll be straining against the fly of my jeans in the most uncomfortable manner.

During dinner, I caress her thigh in between bites of haddock. It isn’t flirtatious or scandalous. Just... nice. Eating a meal with my family, my girlfriend at my side. I don’t miss the raised eyebrows from across the table. Emerson and my sister couldn’t make their interest and amusement anymore obvious.

During dessert, I lean back and drape my arm across the back of her chair and toy with the ends of her hair. It’s a subconscious movement. Subconscious touches until the raised eyebrows remind me that everything about the situation is not the usual. It’ll be the new normal though.

After the dishes are cleaned and put away, Johnny and Mariah get up to leave. He shakes my hand at the door. “I’m happy to see how this all worked out. You’re a good man, Logan. Glad you’re taking care of my girl.”

“Daddy. I don’t need to be taken care of.” Reese kisses his cheek and gives Mariah a hug.

“Your father has old fashioned manners. He still gets in a huff when I hold the door for him.” Mariah gives Logan a hug. “We’d like to have you two over for dinner the next time you’re in town and can squeeze us in. It’s been too long,” she says to Reese.

“Sorry. With work and...” Me keeping her naked and in bed.

“We understand. Trust us.” Mariah laughs again.

When they leave, I rest my hands on Reese’s hips. “I hate leaving you tonight.”

“I hate you leaving every Sunday.” She lifts on her toes and kisses me.

This is a first. Kissing her in my parent’s house. Or rather, a second. We shared a hot and steamy kiss in the hallway on New Year’s Eve. It’s the first kiss where anyone can see us, lights blazing. And it’s nice.

“If you don’t mind, I need to talk to my dad about a few business matters. I’ve been putting it off for a few months. Priorities and all.” I pull her in closer and take the kiss deeper until her breaths become my own.

“Gross. Everywhere I turn. Nick’s my only saving grace this weekend being here solo otherwise I’d lock myself in my room and throw up.” Cami makes gagging noises.

“I’d apologize for my sister if I thought this was a once and done thing. She’s been annoying for twenty-six years, and I don’t see that ending any time soon.”

“Go hang out with your dad.” Reese gives me a playful push. “I’ll keep your baby sister entertained so she stops picking on you.”

Cami reaches for Reese’s wrist and yanks her away. “For the record, I’m going to keep picking on Logan until the day I die.”

“Right back atcha, ugly mutt.” I give her a noogie, which I know she hates, and go find my father.

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