Epilogue
The spring wind howled outside, keeping Suzy planted on the couch buried under a warm blanket. “I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of all this rain.”
Duke pulled her closer. With his arm draped over her shoulder, he brushed the tips of his fingers along the soft skin of her arm.
“I kind of like it. At least on days like today when I don’t have to work.
Cold enough for the fire blazing in the hearth, and we can cuddle all day and watch movies without guilt. Kind of perfect.”
“Watch movies, huh? Is that what the kids are calling it now?” Her mind drifted back to the way they’d spent their lazy morning in bed. Nothing on a television screen could have tempted her away from Duke and the wicked ways he made her feel.
Her toes curled at the thought of it.
His hoarse chuckle skimmed the back of her neck. “Call it whatever you want as long as we can do it again.”
She slapped playfully at his chest. “Glad to see you plan on taking full advantage of finally having a day from work. You guys have been so busy lately. I feel like I never get to see you, except when you come into the office for a quick hello.”
He frowned. “It’s been good that business is kicking up, but not without its growing pains. There are a couple of things in the works that might help.”
Intrigued, she tucked her feet under her and shifted to face him. “Really? I haven’t heard anything.”
“Lane and I’ve been discussing adding a new security specialist.”
“That would help,” she said. “Any idea who?”
“We talked to Spencer. His leg hasn’t healed the way he needs to clear him at the sheriff’s department, but he could be a real asset for us. He knows everyone in town and is a trained officer. Could be a win, win. He hasn’t given an official answer yet, but I’d be shocked if he says no.”
“That’s great. He’d be perfect.” She wouldn’t admit this, but guilt lingered seeing their friend struggle after his injury.
Her head told her that Spencer getting shot wasn’t her fault, but logic didn’t always win out when your heart told you something different.
Seeing him settled and happy with Rough Ride Security would benefit everyone.
“I think so, too. I wanted to wait to tell you until Spencer took the job, but I think it’s a safe bet.”
“What’s the other thing you have planned? Is it another safe bet?”
“I hope so.” He drew in a deep breath and gathered her hands in his. “Suzy, I want you to move in with me.”
“Really? You don’t think it’s too soon?”
“I would have had you pack a bag and move after the first week, but I didn’t want to scare you.
You’re here most the time anyway, and whenever you leave, I hate it.
I can’t sleep in my bed without you. I want you here with me always, but only if you’re ready.
If not, I won’t be offended. We can take this at your pace. ”
Tingles of excitement erupted on her skin and catapulted her into his arms. She skimmed the pad of her thumb along his bottom lip, eager to taste it.
“We wasted enough time at the beginning of this thing. I don’t want to do that again.
I want you to be the last thing I see every night and the first thing I wake up to every morning. ”
He hooked the side of his mouth into a smirk. “Even when I have morning breath?”
“Yep.”
“And when my hair’s a mess?”
She grinned and rolled her eyes. “When have you ever cared about your hair?”
“Never.” He pressed his lips to hers. “Unless you’re running your fingers through it.”
“I can do that,” she said lifting her fingers to play with the messy strands.
He closed his eyes on moan. “If you don’t stop, we won’t make it to the end of this next movie.”
“That’s okay. I’d rather see my new bedroom.”
Growling, he pinned her to the couch and stared down at her. “Why wait?”
Sighing, she threw back her head and enjoyed the feel of his whiskers on her skin as he kissed the side of her neck. He was right. No more waiting. She planned to take every moment as it came and live it to the fullest.
Because a life with Duke might have been worth the wait, but now was time to savor every last second.
Don’t miss the story of how Spencer struggles with his new role as a security specialist and falls for tough-as-nails Alice Rose in Ride or Die