Reckless Hearts (Oak Harbor #2)(68)
He pulls me back into his arms for another kiss, and this one is so hot and bone-meltingly deep, I can’t help but fall, breathless against him. It still hits me, every time, that he’s mine. I get to kiss this man, and hold him, and know that he’s here to stay. After we got back from New York, we set about making up for lost time with a passionate whirlwind that barely let up to pause for breath, but tonight, Will takes his time, exploring my mouth with slow, deep strokes as his hands caress over my bare skin and slide all the way under—
“Hey!” I laugh, and push him playfully away. “I can’t show up for my big night with sex hair.”
“So I won’t touch your hair.” Will gives me a wicked grin. “I’ll keep my hands everywhere else . . .”
He trails one hand over the lace of my bra to illustrate, and my pulse kicks. Damn, he’s too good to resist.
“Five minutes.” I make him promise, already melting back into his arms. Will chuckles, his mouth already hot against my bare skin.
“I’ll do my best.”
He does—twice. By the time we arrive at the party, there’s already a crowd spilling out of the small office space into the town square.
“Finally!” Lottie grins, coming to meet me through the crowd. “I was wondering when you’d show your face. I told everyone you had car trouble,” she adds with a wink.
“My truck would never break down,” Will protests, and I shush him, laughing.
“Your manly pride can take the hit. Thanks,” I tell Lottie, looking around. There are balloons and streamers drifting in the summer breeze, music playing, and everyone has a drink in their hand and a smile on their face. “It looks amazing. Did you do all this?”
“Me and Sawyer,” she says, smiling. “And Franny and Joe helped with the food . . . Annie and Liv Sullivan brought the flowers . . . Eva and Finn got the music covered. The whole town pitched in.”
“I can’t believe it,” I say, touched.
“We’re all so proud of you,” Lottie says. “Everyone wanted to help celebrate.”
Will squeezes my shoulders. He can tell I’m already tearing up. But this is a big deal to me, and it means the world to share it with my friends and family like this. It’s just a small office, squeezed in between Joe’s pizza place and the local florist, but to me, it’s a kingdom.
Delilah Morgan – Real Estate.
The sign above the door is neat and elegant, my name picked out in gold lettering. I signed the lease and filed for my business license, but it still hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m really doing this: going out on my own for the first time.
“Ready to go meet your adoring public?” Will asks, hugging me from behind.
“Let’s do it.”
Inside, we can barely move for people, crowded in the small front office, snacking on delicious-looking food. Everyone stops to wish me well and offer referrals for future clients.
“My cousin is just out of college, looking for a condo with roommates—”
“Don’t tell Hank, but I’m thinking we need more space.”
“What’s this about a luxury beach-house up the coast?” This one is from Finn, his arm draped around Eva’s shoulders. “We need something permanent for when we’re in town.”
I laugh. “Call me next week. Tonight, I’m off the clock.”
“Liar,” Will murmurs, a sexy whisper in my ear. “You’re already planning the open houses.”
I grin. “You know me too well.” Then I pause. Ron Parsons is nosing around, eying the free champagne. He sees me and comes over.
“Just thought I’d drop by, wish you well,” he says, a fake smile on his face. “Nothing like a little friendly competition in the neighborhood. Although, of course, it’s hardly competition comparing my massive firm with your cute little shop.” He laughs, obnoxious, but I just give him a friendly smile.
“That’s so sweet of you. Me and my cute little shop will keep you in mind, you know, if I have more business than I know what to do with.”
Ron snorts with laughter. “Sure, honey.” Then he catches sight of someone. “Bill?” he asks. The guy biting into one of Franny’s trademark cupcakes freezes with a guilty look. “Bill, man, I thought I was getting an exclusive on your listing.”
Bill gives an apologetic shrug. “Sorry, I think I’ll go with Delilah this time. She’s a local, after all.”
Ron’s smile looks frozen. “Uh, sure. Great.”
“Have fun tonight,” I say, feeling triumphant. Will manages to hold back his laughter long enough to steer me away.
“I wish I had a picture of his face,” Will grins. “He doesn’t know what hit him.”
“He should get used to it,” I beam. “I’m going to run him out of town.”
Will smiles at me. “You’re so hot when you’re being ruthless.” He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear and pauses. “Don’t look now, your parents are here. I think those balloons are bigger than my house!”
I turn.
“Sweetheart!” My mom descends on us, a massive heart-shaped “Congratulations” balloon trailing behind her. It gets stuck in the doorway, and my Dad and Will have to wrestle to get it out.