Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
She forces a smile. “Thanks, but I think being at my own house and decompressing is all I need.”
Taylor pulls her sister into a brief hug. “We’ll drop you off. Sound good?”
She nods.
An hour later, we’ve taken Holly home and returned to the hotel. Taylor has called her parents and calmed them down because once they heard the news, panic set in.
Now, we’re in my room and she flops down on the bed with a groan. I settle in beside her and she curls into my side. Her warmth feels good against my body and I breathe in deep.
“Do you realize this is the first time since we met that there’s nothing hanging over my head?” she asks.
I nod. “It’s all really over.”
“Barring a trial if he doesn’t plead guilty. But I can handle that. My life is now my own,” she says in awe.
I smile at the thought. “And what do you want to do with that life?” I ask, hoping I’m a part of it. As far as our baby is concerned, I know we’re a team, but I want more with Taylor.
She lifts herself up and sits cross-legged, meeting my gaze. “I could be coy and ask what you want first … but I think we’re way past that point. Don’t you?”
I nod and wait for a reply.
“I want to be with you,” she says, cheeks flushed.
I grin, relieved we’re on the same page. “And I want to be with you.”
“I—”
I hold up a hand. “Before you say anything, I want you to know I’ve thought a lot about this. I’ve spoken to Lucas and Tristan about moving here and taking over the management of the club full-time. I don’t want to be away from you and our baby.”
A slow smile lifts her lips and she shifts, pushing herself up and straddling my waist. She places her palm on my chest. Warmth floods my system along with a jolt of desire. We’ve been so busy chasing this Cross issue, sex hasn’t been our priority. Her safety has.
I meet her gaze, but she’s no longer smiling.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
She nibbles on her bottom lip before she replies. “It’s just … I don’t want you to move here.”
I cock an eyebrow, my jaw tight. “Why not?” The mixed signals are killing me.
“Because I want to live in Florida. With you.”
Holy shit, she nearly gave me a heart attack. “Seriously? But your family is here.” And I know women, well, my sister at least, wants to be where our parents and siblings are.
She nods. “I know, and I’ll miss them. But I’ve been thinking about it since my time there, and I’m due for a change of scenery. I want to start over. Where there are no lingering ties or memories of Chandler. Besides, I like it in Miami.” She draws a visibly deep breath. “I like it near you.”
I have to admit, I’m relieved. Given a choice, I’d rather live where my people are. But for Taylor? I’d make the move. I’m just glad I don’t have to.
“Besides, they can visit as often as they like, and I’ll come back here.”
“We’ll come back here.” Reaching up, I thread my fingers through her hair and cup her cheek in my hand. “I think we’re missing something important here.”
Her gaze narrows and her nose crinkles in an adorable scrunch. “What’s that?”
“I love you, Taylor. Not because you’re having my baby, but because you make me happy. You’re sweet, kind, and everything I want in a partner. Not to mention, you’re sexy as hell and we’re combustible in bed.”
She lets out a laugh and her eyes fill as she smiles. “I love you too. I’ve wanted to tell you for a while now.” She winds her arms around my neck again, threading her fingers through my hair.
“Earlier, you called me your fiancée.”
I chuckle. “I might have gotten a little ahead of myself there, but it’s coming one day. Believe it.”
She places her hand on my chest. “I’m glad you walked into the café that night,” she murmurs.
“I’m glad you let me sit with you.”
She leans down and her lips fuse with mine, the kiss cementing feelings that are bigger than I’ve ever felt before. They’re enough to sustain me for the rest of my life as long as Taylor is by my side.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Taylor
Breaking the news to my parents and Holly that I’m moving wasn’t easy. They’re all devastated that I’m leaving Charleston with the baby, and I understand. It hit especially hard when I mentioned Jack would have been willing to stay here. I hate hurting them, but they understand my explanation, that after what I’ve lived through with Chandler, Miami feels like a fresh start. Mom and Holly warn me they’ll be coming for long visits, which suits me just fine.