Page 105 of Best Kept Secret
“But you’re the one who has to live there.”
“I hope I won’t be alone for long.”
She scooted closer so their knees were touching. “Hudson…”
“I know it’s too soon, and I have a lot of making up to do, but I love you, Kelsey. I want you to be a part of my future. Mine and Annie’s.”
She reached for his other hand, gripping it so tightly that she accidentally dug her fingernails into his skin. He didn’t mind, though, because she was here, listening and letting him back in.
“You want me to…move in with you?”
“Eventually. When you’re ready. Unless you’d rather do this the old-fashioned way and get married first.”
Her eyes bulged. “Hold on, mister. We’re not even past the groveling stage yet!”
He laughed at her animated expression. “Sorry. One step at a time.”
“I love you too, you know. Just for the record.”
The last thread of doubt flew out the window. “Does this mean I get to kiss you now?”
“Hold on while I check the groveling manual.”
He tipped his head back and belted out a laugh. No matter what, she always made him laugh, and it felt damn good.
She pulled her hands away and pretended to open a book. “Oh, look at that. It says on page ten that kissing is an acceptable part of the groveling process.”
“What does it say on page twenty?” he asked, playing along.
She flipped some pages, pretending to read. Then she looked up at him and batted her eyelashes. “I can’t even tell you what it says here, but I can show you.”
His body heated at the very thought of it. Then she sprang off the couch and crooked her finger at him as she started backing out of the room. He got up and stalked toward her, blood rushing to his head as well as points south.
It had only been a week since he’d kissed her, touched her, and made love to her. He’d worried he’d never have that chance again.
“I don’t deserve you,” he said as they flopped onto his bed.
“Keep talking,” she said as she tugged up his shirt.
“I’m going to spend every minute of every day loving you.”
“And Annie too.”
“Of course.”
She pulled his shirt over his head and then ran her hands over his bare chest.
“What else?” she said as her fingers dipped into the waistband of his jeans.
“I’m going to trust you with everything from now on. No more secrets.”
“As secrets go, Annie was the best-kept secret.”
He cupped her face in his hands and leaned his forehead against hers. “I love you, Kelsey.”
“I love you too.”
“Thank you.”
She pulled back and gazed at him. “What are you thanking me for?”
“For forgiving me.”
“You still have a lot more pages in the manual to cover,” she teased. Then she reached around and started unzipping her dress.
He swallowed hard. “I better get started, then.”
“Let’s not waste another minute,” she breathed.
And so, they didn’t.
The End
