Chapter 38
THIRTY-EIGHT
Kai
Iswipe my thumb over her cheek as I cup her face. “I have the best partner for this task, and we’ll be the best favor assemblers she’s ever seen.”
I’d do anything Kendall asks as long as it’s with Ava.
“We sure will.” As she gazes over as the light hits her eyes, it makes them sparkle back. I can’t believe she is here with me. It’s still surreal that she’s here by my side.
I clear my throat. “There are still bags on my conference room table.”
“Why haven’t you moved them?”
I interrupt her. “I did. I was just busting on you. They are waiting for my gorgeous designer girlfriend to finish the job.”
She rolls her eyes and giggles. “Girlfriend, huh? And, if someone hadn’t distracted me, then it would be finished.”
I take a step closer to her, our bodies electrifying, sparks ricocheting off each other. “You’re stunning. And I wouldn’t have changed anything about that night.” I lean in to kiss her on the cheek and whisper, “The pillow is in my office…a reminder of you on your knees choking on my cock.”
Her hand lifts, and she presses it against my chest. “I wouldn’t change anything either.”
I lean into her. “Having you near me…It’s everything.”
Her starry eyes flicker at me with her lip tugging up. “I’m excited we’re here helping these two; it feels like we are part of the family.”
As Ava is assembling favors, I see her face shift into sadness.
It stops me in my tracks. I stand up and round the table, holding out my hand for her to take.
She hesitates for only a second, then lifts herself out of the chair.
All I know how to do is pull her into my arms while she cradles her head on my chest. “Yes.” I need to comfort her, touch her, and hug her.
Seeing her eyes fill with tears tugs at my heart, and her being in my arms feels right.
It’s like my body knows what she needs…and maybe it’s also what I need.
Her arms snake around my waist, and she pulls me closer, holding on for dear life.
The smell of something fruity…it must be her shampoo.
I breathe her in and then massage her head, being careful not to mess up her hair.
My hand consoles her, moving along her back.
She fits right here. “Everything will be okay.”
The way her face lifts to mine as she peers at me through those thick lashes that frame her hazel eyes. They sparkle when the sunlight hits them. She’s like an angel.
“I know, it’s just…” She buries her head back in between my chest and arm.
All the favors are assembled. I look around, and everyone is busy doing their tasks. “Want to take a walk?” I ask her while still bringing my hands around, trying to wrap her in all of me.
That makes her laugh. “Is it Groundhog Day?”
My low, deep laugh rattles through me. “Yes, yes, it is.”
“Then okay.” She shifts her body enough so we stroll down the path together. I’m not letting her go.
We reach our bench. Speaking of, if all this works out one day, I need this bench at my house. I want to put it down by the water and hug her every chance we get. I’ll talk to Dane about it.
I bring her flush to my chest, holding her. Tears dried up, and her eyes shimmering at me. “What’s going on, sweetheart?”
She laughs and spreads her fingers as she holds my neck. She clears her throat and gazes out onto the water. “All the wedding stuff just hit me out of nowhere.”
I reach over and cup her chin, pulling it to me so I can see her again. “How can I help?” It seems like there’s something up. I can sense it, feel it in my body.
“Why don’t we have a seat?” I gesture toward the bench as I lower myself onto it.
She steps over to the bench and brings herself down, and I do the same.
I let the silence envelop us as we gaze out onto the water.
It’s unexpected when she reaches over and holds my hand.
While I take a glimpse at her, all I see is olive skin, dark and smooth.
Those kissable lips are poking outward, like she’s deep in thought.
I bring her hand to my lips and kiss the back of her hand. Her head twists to the side. “I was almost engaged once, a long time ago.”
My kisses on her hand halt. I whisper, “I’m here for you. Anything you want to share, I’m here.”