Page 108 of Undeniable

“Wh-wh—” I couldn’t even get the words out, I was so shocked.

He stepped closer until only a few inches remained between us. “Happy birthday early, Goody.”

I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t move for fear that it would shatter this perfect illusion.

“Goody.” He tapped my shoulder, removing his sunglasses. “You okay there?”

It was as if the air came rushing back into my lungs at his touch. My heart finally pumping blood through my system again now that he stood before me. “Oh my god. You’re really here.”

He chuckled. “I am.” He opened his arms. “Are you going to hug me or just continue to stare at me?”

“I don’t know.” I grinned, blatantly checking him out. “It is a pretty nice view.”

“Come ’ere.” He grabbed my wrist, tugging me toward him.

“Hi,” I said, breathing in his scent. Listening to the cadence of his heart.

“Hi.” I could hear the smile in his voice. I was content to let him hold me, his arms a band around me. Our hearts beating as one.

“I missed you so much,” I said, trying my best not to cry. I was so happy to see him, and it was so unexpected. It had been too long.

“I missed you too.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead.

“But how are you here?” I peered up at him. “How is this even possible?”

He caressed my cheek, his gray eyes warm with affection. “I pulled a few strings.”

“And how did you do this?” I asked, taking in all the details. I pressed my lips to his, his clean scent washing over me. “Thisis incredible. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you like it. I was out here all afternoon setting it up.” He smoothed his hands down my back, over my ass. Cupping me. I was tempted to wrap my legs around him and never let go.

Instead, I smiled. “Well, your dedication is appreciated.”

“Are you hungry?” he asked. “I ordered dinner from your favorite pizza place.”

“Gah! You’re the best.” I kissed him again. I couldn’t stop kissing him.

Eventually, he released me and went over to grab the large float. It was almost like a rectangular inflatable kids’ pool, but he’d filled it with pillows and blankets. Transforming it into a floating bed. How utterly…magical.

“Hop in.”

I looked down at the dress I’d worn to work and then back to him. “This looks risky. Shouldn’t I change into my swimsuit?”

He chuckled. “Just trust me, Goody.”

“I do. But did you check the weight limit on that? Can we both get in there plus the pizza and all the pillows and everything.”

He laughed. “Of course I did. And if it sinks, you know I’ll save you.”

“Oh, that’s reassuring,” I joked, stepping closer to the edge. I put one foot on the floating bed, and it wobbled. Oh boy. I was going down.

“You’ve got this,” he said, holding it steady while he encouraged me.

“I’ve got this.” I exhaled and went for it. The water sloshed beneath the bed, and it tipped a little. But once I was seated, it felt secure. Cozy.

“Okay. Now hold on to the side while I grab the pizza.”

He climbed in with a lot more grace than I had and then pushed us away from the wall. He used his phone to start the movie, and we floated around the pool.

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