Page 93 of Eleven of a Kind

“Are you sure you want me to say it?”

“Yes. I need to hear it.”

“Piper Primrose, I love you.”

She stared into my eyes for a moment before a smile crossed her lips.

“Look at that. I’m still here and not freaking out. Dr. Gabriel Kind, I—I love you too. And if you’ll have me for your girlfriend, I’d be more than happy to take on that role.”

The corners of my mouth curved upward as I brought my hands up and held her face.

“Nothing would make me happier.” I leaned in and kissed her lips.

“But I come with issues that I still need to work on,” she said. “I thought you should know that I have a lot of baggage that I need to unpack.”

“And I’ll be here to help you unpack it. Just so you know, I have a teenage daughter that comes with me.” I smirked. “Is that okay with you?”

“Are you kidding? I already love that kid as if she were my own.”

“Then I guess we’re perfect for each other.” I smiled.

I could feel my phone blowing up in my pocket by all the vibrating that was happening.

“What is that noise?” Piper asked.

“My phone. I’m sure Riley ran and told the family you’re here with me, and they want answers.” I sighed.

“Maybe you should check it and find out.”

“Nah, my family can wait.” I swooped down, picked her up, and carried her into the bedroom. “All I want is you right now.” I laid her down on the bed.

* * *

Iheld her tight as her body wrapped around mine. I finally felt like my life was falling into place, and I had never been happier.

“When are you leaving?” I asked her.

“Why?” She lifted her head and looked at me.

“Because I don’t want you to. Stay with me in Seattle, and we’ll leave together. I know I have those damn conferences, but we’ll have the nights together.”

“I was hoping you’d ask me to stay.” She smiled. “I was planning on it anyway. I could go check out some boutiques and maybe get some ideas, book a lovely massage and facial at the spa downstairs, and do a few other things.”

“Well, don’t go sightseeing without me. The conferences end at four o’clock, so we’ll have some time to sightsee together.”

“Sounds like the perfect plan.” She leaned in and kissed me. “Is that your phone again?”

“Sure sounds like it.” I sighed. “My pants are on the floor on your side. Can you grab my phone for me?”

She reached over the side of the bed, took my phone from my pants pocket, and handed it to me. I had six text messages from Grayson and fifteen messages from our group chat.

“I love you, bro, and I’ll call you when I get a chance.”

After I sent a text to my brother, I responded in our group chat.

“Long story short. Piper and I love each other, and we’re together now. I’ll tell you guys everything when I get back to Los Angeles. Until then, I’m spending time alone with my girlfriend. I know you can all understand that. I love you guys. I’ll see you soon.”

“Thank God.”Simon responded.“You have no idea how happy we are to hear that. We love you too. Have fun.”

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