MichaelWaking up with Lilly in my arms is as satisfying as I imagined it would be. Twenty-year-old me would be delighted to know that she does sleep in those tiny shorts, which are somehow better than her being naked. She’s also a very active sleeper, migrating from one side of the bed all the way
“You don’t have to—”I look up at her. Her eyes are uncertain. “What gave you the impression that this is an obligation?” I run my lips over the top of her thigh, and she trembles.“You like it?”“It sounds like I need to prove to you how much I love it.” The need to make this the best she’s ever ha
MichaelJonathan calls while Lilly is getting ready. “Any word on the property?”“No word. Lilly is winning Cataleya over, though.” And I couldn’t be prouder. Everyone likes Lilly.“Good.” Jonathan’s voice is tight.“Why do you sound so grumpy? Besides the usual?”“Because I can’t fucking figure out
“I had George call the hotel before we came. It crossed my mind that this would be the perfect place to surf.” I thought about it, just like I did every time I was near the ocean.When we reach the path down to the water, my arm is aching from carrying the board and my fingers are stiff. Lilly makes
LillyI shiver as I watch Michael paddle out. The air is warm, and I could strip off my dress, but I want the protection. From the heat of his gaze, and from my own feelings. Because being with him makes me feel settled. Like everything is right in the world. Like I’m having the best day ever with m
It is, objectively, the best kiss I’ve ever received. He tastes salty and cool, but his lips heat as he kisses me, and his body does too. His arms are strong, and his damp shoulders are smooth under my fingers. I want to run my hands over him and feel every muscle flex under my hands. I part my lips
It’s the truth. All those college years without a home to go back to, until Michaelbrought us into his family. More than anything, I want a home that feels like mine, that can’t be taken from me.Michael’s mouth is twisted in sympathy. “You lost your parents’ house, right?”“We did. Not long after t
We walk in silence until we get to the gazebo. I make Michael set his board against it. He huffs, but his mood seems to have improved, and he complies.“Just one photo, please.” I want to document this wonderful day, either the best day of my life or the one that will rip my heart out.He sighs but
“Rodrigo and Jade are perfect for one another.” Jule smiled. Tony chuckled. “I think everything we did for them worked out, starting from that text you sent me telling me to encourage the dinner plan. After Rodrigo mentioned where he was going for dinner, I ensured we went to the same restaurant he
“Why?” “It was named ‘Playing by Her Rules’.” He smiled, understanding her hint. “And just like that lioness in that painting, I will always protect you.” Now it was his turn to laugh out loud. And she loved it. She loved seeing him like this, carefree and so much at ease. “You are magnificent,
The horse pushed further into her hand as if in agreement again. She smiled. Xerxes reinforced her belief that he understood what she was saying, always. “I love how you communicate with my horse.” She looked sideways and found Rodrigo leaning against a pillar, watching her, arms crossed. “He’sou
He turned to Kabier and Sameer. “Thank you for your support that day. You guys stood by me when you didn’t need to. You were ready to battle your wives for me, and I appreciate that.” Kabier shrugged. “We all needed closure on your silly and childish squabble with our women.” Sameer nodded. “Besid
Soon after Jade had proposed to him, Rodrigo had whisked her off to Delhi and to his home. He’d finally slept properly again with her in his arms. His insomnia was a thing of the past now. Jade had even returned to work at FF. His woman was brilliant. One day, he was certain, she’d head the FF team
Three months later Delhi The late afternoon sun rays washed over his stud farm, casting a golden light over everything they touched. Summer hadn’t set in yet, and a light cool breeze was blowing, adding to the surreal ambience. The weather was perfect, just as his wedding had been. A few hours ago
Aisha and Jade laughed. Rodrigo felt like his chest would split open with all the happiness he was feeling. Jule and Anthony approached them. “I’m so proud of you, Jade,” Jule said. “You are brave and strong. You battled hard to win him, and now you have.” Anthony patted Rodrigo’s back and hugged
He swallowed through the lump in his throat. “I’m glad you pushed me away. Seeing you with Ayden opened my eyes. I hated it when he touched you. My heart burned when he touched your hair. Seeing you with him made me realize what a colossal fool I’d been. I figured that to get you back, I had to try
“Yes.” “Uh, okay…” He couldn’t for the life of him understand what was going on. She tilted her head to study him. “Once upon a time, there was a girl who fell in love with a prince, and they were happy for a while. But then he rejected her. Again and again.” His muscles tightened. He understood