Chapter 24
“You’ve been spending every weekend with him. That’s all I’m saying.” Alden falls onto my bed.
“Are you jealous?”
“Of the asshole? Hell, yes.” He pouts.
“He’s not an asshole, asshole.”
“My, my, how we have changed.” He raises up on his elbows. “Is the sex that good, girl?” I stare at him, trying to decide how graphic to be. “Damn, don’t answer.”
“What? I was just gonna say…”
He holds up his hand to stop me. “Your face said it all. Besides, I’m sure all of us brooding, handsome silent types are sexy as hell.”
I burst into laughter. “You. Silent? I’ll be gobsmacked if you’re quiet at anything you do.”
“When are you moving in?”
I gape at him. “He hasn’t asked. But we’re still new. I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t move in if he asked.”
“He asked me to come to his parents’ Christmas party on the twenty-third. You’re not doing anything for your birthday?” He sits up, narrowing his eyes.
“I think he forgot with my mom coming and his parents’ party.”
“I doubt he forgets anything about you, Reese. That boy is so in love with you.” Alden winks.
My chest tightens at the thought. “You think? Oh, I’m not sure.”
“Please, you know it because you’re in love with him. It’s okay. Be happy.”
I sit down beside him, holding my breath. “I do. I love him.” I release a long sigh. “I know he holds back because he doesn’t want to make any mistakes.”
“The best thing he ever did was fall in love with you. He’ll get all the rest right with you by his side.” He knocks into my shoulder.
“So, why am I scared to move in with him?”
“Reese, this is the only real relationship you’ve had.” He waves between us. “I know you love your mom, but she’s made you pay for your dad’s actions. That’s bullshit cut three ways.”
“Oh, God, my mom! If she embarrasses me in front of his family, I’ll never forgive her.”
He glares at me. “Tell her. I think it’s past time you set your parents’ straight. It’s not your fault they had you and it damn well isn’t on you to fix this shit.”
“I’m going to. I am. Walker means a lot to me and I’ll never forgive her if she acts up.”
“She loves you, that’s for sure. I think she’ll do as you ask.” He scratches his face. “Have you talked to your dad?”
“After the holidays. It’s time to have a face-to-face with dear ol’ Dad.”
“I say, fuck’em all and run away with Walker.” He chuckles.
“I like how you think but I’d miss you. I need to finish packing. I’m staying with him tonight and at his parents tomorrow with my mom.” I hit his leg. “Are you coming tomorrow night?”
“Should I bring a date?” he asks.
I shrug. “Up to you. Thanks for coming.”
“You’re gonna be great and that dress, hot damn.” He waggles his brows.
“Shut up. I’m worried about the girls being exposed.”
“How big is this house?” He wrinkles his forehead.
“Why?”
“Walker’s gonna rip it off you.” He humps my pillow.
“Ewww, shut up!” I smack at him. “I’ve gotta go. Take that bag out to my Jeep, please.”
“Anything else?” He grabs the bag and points the dress. “This?”
“Please. Thanks. Love you.”
“Love you,” he yells on his way out.
It’s almost dark by the time I get to Walker’s. The traffic is heavy, being the last day to shop. I park beside him and pull my overnight case out. No use in bringing the rest since I rarely wear clothes when I’m here. I reach for the door as Walker swings it wide.
“You’re late. I was worried.” He brushes his lips over mine. “I thought you’d changed your mind.”
“Never. You’re stuck with me.” I press my lips to his.
“Should I get the rest of your bags?” He pushes the door wide.
“Naw, it’s just clothes.” I shrug. “If I need any, I wear yours. Those are for tomorrow.”
He closes the door, locking it. “I have to say, you in my dress shirts… instant hard-on.”
I drag in a ragged breath, warmth spreading over my body. “Good to know.” I wink.
“Damn, woman. You wreck me, every single day.”
The hair on the back of my neck prickles. “I love you.”
I gasp as my words catch me off guard. Walker’s eyes glisten. He drops my bag, taking me in his arms.
“I love you.”
He smashes my lips, kissing me wildly. My heart thunders in my chest and I know I’m home. The girl who never felt at home, even in her own skin, is where she’s supposed to be. In this man’s arms, I’ve found everything. I’ve found life.
He breaks our tangled bond, as our ragged breathing settles into a low purr.
“I’m starving.”
“You’re always hungry but it does smell good.”
“I cooked. I hope you like loaded cheesy baked potato soup?”
My stomach growls. I’m famished. “I’ve never had it. I haven’t eaten today, so I know it’ll be great.”
“Why didn’t you eat?” He drops my bag by the table, then checks the soup.
“Busy. We need more help. It’s getting ridiculous and I hate not being able to help people.” I slouch into the chair.
“Let me put the bread in and we’ll pick a movie out.”
I’m not even going to lie. I check his fine ass out when he bends over.
“Let’s Netflix and chill, babe.” He turns to me, a boyish smile stretched across his beautiful face.
“I like the way you think.”
He takes my hand, pulling me up. “Come on, love. Let me make your day.”
Such an odd phrase, although he does make my day. I lift my head. When we walk into the living room, I’m stunned. I lay my hand over my heart. There’s no use. It’s gone. Walker Pennington has stolen it.
“What is this?” I ask, gaping.
“Happy birthday and Merry Christmas, wrapped in one.” He slides by me, walking over to open a box.
“This is full of ornaments and there’s picks and swirly twirl things over there.
I just got a bow for the top, but we have stockings.
Oh, and I got garland for the doors with lights.
If there’s something you wanted and it’s not here, we’ll go get it.
” He stands, his hands on his hips, studying the room.
“Walker…” My knees go weak, my heart hammering. “Is this all for me?” He nods and before I can stop myself, I bum-rush him, almost knocking him over. “Can you get any more perfect?”
“I’ll never compare to you.”
I fist his hair, dragging his mouth to mine. “Thank you.” I kiss him again, then his jaw, down his neck, his eyes. I kiss everything my lips can land on. “Where do I start?”
“Well, the lights are on it. I wasn’t sure if you like white or colored, so we got both. I guess strings of stuff or ornaments?” He rips open another box.
“We? Who helped, Ava?”
“Yeah, well, all of us. Riley helped me get the tree and wreaths. Mom, Ava, and Andi picked up the decorations. Dad helped me carry it all up and set up the tree.” He smiles at me.
My stomach flips. “Your family helped do this for me?”
“Reese, you’re family if you’ll have me.” He leans in. “I want to marry you, today if you’d agree, but I just got you to admit you love me, so I’ll wait. But you’re it for me. You’re home.”
My words from his mouth resound in my ears. “We’ll work on it and when you’re ready to propose, I’ll say yes.”
His eyes grow round as he smiles. “Seriously? You don’t think I’m rushing it?”
“Sometimes, I wished you did push a little more but I’m happy. And I love you. I have no doubt we’ll marry as quickly as we found each other but I’m okay until we agree it’s time.”
“So, it’s not time?” He narrows his eyes.
“If it weren’t for my trust issues, I’d be all over marrying you. I’ve shocked myself with our relationship as it is.”
“What do you mean?” He opens another box.
I start picking out decorations. “My dad leaving, it still haunts me. I love my mom but she didn’t handle it well. I thought for years he left because of me. Mom blamed us both for our lives being hard. Once she realized she was hurting me, she just hated my dad that much more.”
“The only way you’re getting rid of me is if you make me leave.” He rubs my back as he passes me.
“Yeah, I think you’re stuck with me.”
“Movie? I’ll grab some food and after we eat, we’ll knock this out.” He snakes his arm around me, hauling me to his chest.
“Sounds good. I want to shower and sit in front of the tree with all the lights off.”
“I’ll lay out a shirt.” He brushes my ear with his lips.
“I’ll forget the panties.”
His breathing becomes labored. “Please do.” He kisses me and then wanders off. “By the way, you have a present hidden in this place.”
“What? Where?” I jump up and down with a squeal.
I’m dressed early but with my mom and Alden waiting in the living room, I can’t stand another minute of hiding out. The emerald dress is low cut and hugs all my curves. I know my mother. She’s going to hate this dress. What was I thinking? It’s too much. I turn the knob, stepping into the room.
“Reese, do you think you should wear that?” My mom, .
“Yes, Mother. I like it.”
“I think you look amazing, Reesie Cup.” Alden walks over to me and kisses me on the cheek.
“Your hips are too large, and your chest is spilling out everywhere. It’s not becoming. Take it off. I’ll find you something from my bag.” She stands, moving toward the door.
“No, Mother. I’m wearing this, I like it.” Bile rises in my throat. I’m ready to run.
“You’re too heavy for it, darling. You look atrocious.” She folds her arms in defiance.
“You know what, don’t come. I don’t want you there.
If you can’t accept that I’ll never be rail thin, that I’m just a tad overweight.
I have hips, yes. And my boobs fall outta everything because they’re big.
But I’ll be damned if I allow you, of all people, to tell me I’m fat. I don’t need that in my life anymore.”
“Destiny Reese, how dare you. I’m trying to help you keep this man. It is not my fault you need to lose weight,” she spews at me.
“Really? Because the last I checked, I look just like you.” My entire body shakes with anger.
“And you know something else? Walker loves every damn inch of my body. Hell, he knows it better than I do and appreciates it a helluva lot more than anyone else ever has. So, if you don’t mind, I’ll not change it for you because he enjoys it the way it is. Curves and fucking all.”
“Reese?” Walker enters the room, his brows pulled tight. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Can we go?” I yank my purse from the table.
“Yes, of course, but first.” He places his finger under my chin, lifting it until our eyes meet. “You’re beautiful. They see imperfections, I see beauty in your scars. Don’t be ashamed of your body. You’ve worked hard for it. Love you as much as I love you.” He kisses me sweetly.
“I love you.”
“I’m thankful for that and your rocking, hot body.” He winks at me, and my mom gasps. He steps toward her, offering his hand. “It’s good to meet you. I’m Walker Pennington.”
“Danielle Morgan.” She takes his hand with her mouth hanging open.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here for your arrival. I had one last thing to tie up before we leave for my parents’ party.” He wraps his arm around me.
Her eyes are round as saucers. “You are fine, darling. Please, I’m no one.”
“Well, I’d like to thank you for your beautiful daughter. She’s made my life so much more than I ever dreamed. She’s incredible.” Walker kisses my temple.
“You’re a damn fine man.” Alden takes his hand, shaking it. “I’m happy she has you.”
I think Walker just got Alden’s approval.
“Thank you for taking care of her until I could.” He pats Alden on the back.
My mom stands with her mouth hanging, stunned. She hasn’t stopped staring at Walker. Yeah, I know. Swoon.
“I’m driving and after, I’ve arranged for a car to bring you back to the city. Reese and I will be spending the night, so we can celebrate with my family tomorrow morning. I think we have plans here for tomorrow evening, right?”
“We do. Walker and I are cooking for y’all.”
“You cook? Here?” Mother wrinkles her nose.
“Yes. This apartment is temporary but serves its purpose.” He opens the door. “Shall we?”
We make the usual turns driving to his parents’. It’s getting darker, but you can tell you’re in the country. “It’s beautiful out here at night.”
“I love it, especially the summers.” Walker takes my hand.
“Do your parents live on a farm? This looks like farm country,” Mother says disdainfully from the backseat.
“No, Mother, they do not.”
“My father’s an attorney and my mother’s a homemaker.” Walker smiles. “Here we are.”
The Pennington’s fence is lined with pine garland, with wreaths dotting it every now and again. Their home is lit warmly with a touch of elegance. I think I hear my mother’s jaw hit the floor. This damn place is a compound.
“Huh, this isn’t a farm, Danielle.” Alden chuckles. He knows they have money.
“You would think you would have a nicer place coming from this.”
I whip around in my seat, glaring at her. “Mother!”
Walker handles her with class. “Agreed but I wanted to wait. I have property on the back nine to build a home when the time is right.” Walker squeezes my hand.
“Oh? Your parents helping you?” My mother may not make it out of this place without me hanging her with tinsel.
“I do have an inheritance, but I’ve never touched it.” Walker glances at me. Wonder why?
“Maybe you should.” I’m gonna kill her.
“I don’t need it,” he says boldly.
“And why is that? Your place isn’t terrible but it’s not a suitable home.” No, I’m going to kill myself.
“My inheritance is only a few million. I made that on my last deal. When we’re ready, we’ll have whatever home Reese wants. Whether it’s ten thousand dollars or ten million, I got it.” He puts the truck in park.
I pick up my mouth. “You never told me you were worth that much.”
“Another reason I love you. It never mattered. You never asked. It’s always been about me but, for the record, my portfolio is rather large. I’ve added to my inheritance, but I don’t need it.” He opens his door and walks around to mine to open it.
“I don’t care if you have ten cents or ten million, I’m here for you. And the sex.”
“You want The Hammer.” He wiggles his brows.
“Oh, my gracious. You did not just say that?” I step from the truck, rolling my eyes at him. “Walker? Do I look okay?” I whisper, butterflies filling my belly.
“How could you not? You’re perfect.”
I love this man. We walk hand-in-hand to the front of the house. My mother continues in shock. I spin, pleading one last time.
“Please, don’t embarrass me. Walker means so much to me. Please, Mom.”
“Don’t be absurd, I can handle this.” She glares at me.
“Mom, I love you. I’m sorry we got off on the wrong foot, but this is important to me and no matter how much we argue, I know you love me. Even if you don’t like me.”
Her face falls making my belly turn. She steps toward me, and Walker tightens his grip on me. “Reese, honey, I apologize. You’re right. I’m too hard on you. You’re an amazing young woman. I only want the best for you. Even if I’m overbearing.” She kisses me, and I turn to Walker.
“I’m ready.” I release the breath I’ve been holding.