Chapter 24
Nate
My heart breaks for Olive. I could tell she was strong before today, but hearing what she’s going through with her brother makes me realize just how much.
I wanted to press her more about her family situation, like where their parents are, but I held off.
I didn’t want to upset her even more because it didn’t seem like they were still in the picture.
Besides, we’ll have plenty of time to get into our whole life stories later, considering I don’t plan on ever letting this woman go.
I pick up my phone from where I left it on the counter.
Me: I’m bringing someone to your house today. Don’t make me regret it.
Lori: You should know I cannot promise that, but I’m so excited!
With a sigh, I shove my phone into my pocket. I had a feeling that would be my sister’s answer.
While waiting for Olive to finish her hair and makeup, I pour another cup of coffee. I have a few things I need to look up before we leave. I’m going to soak up every minute I have with Olive before we have to go back on tour, where our time together will be limited.
I’m putting my coffee cup in the dishwasher when Olive joins me in the kitchen.
Looking up, she takes my breath away. My favorite Olive is the version I got this morning—messy hair, morning breath, without a bra and underwear on, and her sexy body pressed against mine, but this one…
This one is just as ravishing. There’s a lightness to her features that I haven’t seen before.
If I do nothing else, I hope to continue that for her.
I would happily take on all her heavy burdens if it means giving her that peace and comfort.
Not being able to resist touching her, I step closer.
My hand goes to her waist, pulling her into me.
Her hands land on my sides as I press my lips to hers.
I love her taste—mint and sweetness. I deepen the kiss, my tongue running along hers, a moan vibrating into my mouth.
Even when we’re apart, the sounds she makes will haunt me in the best way.
Our kisses slow, and I rest my forehead against hers.
“You sure we have to leave?” Olive asks with a teasing lilt, her breath caressing my lips.
I chuckle as I straighten. “I’m currently regretting my choice, but yes. We have very important things to do today.”
Her slow but excited smile burrows deeper into my heart.
Four hours later, we’re driving toward my sister’s house. There are multiple bags of different candies on my truck’s console.
“Nate, you bought way too much,” Olive chastises beside me as she opens one of the bags.
After we stopped by my house so I could change clothes, I took her to my favorite breakfast joint. Then we fought the weekend tourist crowd when I dragged her downtown to a brand-new candy shop.
I steal a glance at her. She looks even more delicious than the candy she’s picking through. I remind myself that we have to go to my sister’s. Well, if Olive agrees anyway.
I put off telling her about going over there at breakfast. Probably because I know it’s weird to have her meet my sisters so soon, but I really want her to meet some of the most important people in my life.
“You said you haven’t been there yet. It was a travesty if you haven’t even been to a candy store in your own city.”
She huffs out a laugh as she pulls a piece of fudge from the bag.
Since we’re stopped at a red light, I snag her wrist lightly.
As I bring her hand to me, her eyes widen, watching my every move.
I open my mouth and close my lips around the piece of fudge and her fingertips, letting them linger in my mouth momentarily as my tongue slicks over her soft skin.
A small whimper hits me right in the balls as the light turns green.
I pull her wrist back, but instead of letting go, I intertwine our fingers and rest our hands on the middle console as I chew the fudge.
All the while wishing I had something else sweet in my mouth.
“Sheesh, that was kind of hot,” she mutters, still staring at me, desire burning bright in her eyes.
Husky laughter rolls out of me.
My gaze shifts back to the road, and I grip her hand, running my thumb over her skin. “I have a question for you.”
She squeezes my hand in response, and I feel her adjust in her seat to face me more. “That sounds ominous.”
“Not ominous.” My smile is tight when I glance over at her. “My sister invited us over to hang out and have dinner. It would be both of my sisters and their families.”
“Us?” Her voice is a little higher than usual.
“Yeah, us.”
“What, uh, did you tell them about me?” Her question drips with uncertainty.
I glance over at her to see she’s gnawing on her bottom lip. It tastes bitter on my tongue, but I omit that Ian has already told Pamela about her. “Just that you’re someone I’m working with on tour. And that we were hanging out today.”
“I don’t know, Nate…”
“I can introduce you as my friend. That way, there’s no pressure or expectations. You’re just a friend coming to dinner at my sister’s. No big deal,” I offer.
My eyes cut to her as she gives me a skeptical look. “A friend.”
This will be the last time I introduce her as a friend if I can help it. “Yep, friends. You and me. And my family. It’ll be super casual.”
She laughs. “I guess if you introduce me as a friend, that would be okay.”
Elation flips my stomach. Pulling her hand to my lips, I kiss the back of it. The sweet scent of her lotion has lust flowing through my veins.
We finish the drive in silence, and when we arrive, I kill the engine and turn toward her.
I tighten my hold on her hand to get her attention.
When her eyes find mine, I say, “My family can be a lot. With Pamela and Joseph and their four kids plus Lori and Brian…things can get loud and obnoxious. If at any point you feel like you are ready to leave, you’ll tell me, okay? ”
Olive’s full lips drop into a small frown. “Nate, I’m not going to make you leave your family.”
My fingers tunnel into her soft hair and gently pull her head toward me. She leans across the console. When my lips meet hers, my heart races. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over kissing this woman. The sense of rightness that washes over me is as exhilarating as it is reassuring.
I slow our kiss and pull back so I can look into her eyes. When hers flutter open, I command, “The second you’re ready to go, you tell me.”
Her sighed breath flirts across my skin. “Fine, I’ll tell you.”
Smiling, I release her and step out. Then, rushing around the front of my truck, I open her side and capture her hand in mine. My thumb drags back and forth across her skin as we walk to the door. Here’s to hoping my sisters behave and don’t scare Olive away.