Nero holds his hand out to shake. It’s an olive branch. An acceptance.
And I want it.
But I also love fucking with him.
So I take it but then use my hold to pull him into a hug.
Nero stiffens.
“Thanks for inviting us,” I say, patting his back.
He tries to shove me off. “King invited you, not me.”
Payton steps up next to us, and I start to let him go. “Alright, alright, ya big baby. Gotta hug your wife goodbye, anyway.”
Nero tries to get a jab to my kidney, but I’m expecting it, so I manage to get out of the way just in time.
I tsk. “Hit me and you won’t get your blinged-out knuckles.” Nero’s jaw works. “And don’t worry, I’ll order it in a lady’s size so it fits.”
“I take it back.” He stares at me with his black eyes. “I don’t like you.”
His little wife elbows him in the side, and he drapes his arm over her shoulder.
King approaches, Savannah already tucked under his arm. “Appreciate you making the trip.”
“It was our pleasure.”
Valentine finishes tying the belt on her jacket, having already done her goodbye hugs. “If you guys want to shell out a fortune to rent this place again, we’ll gladly come back.” She smiles. “And maybe next time I’ll stay awake for it.”
Savannah grins. “I’m sure we can arrange something.” Then she turns her smile on me. “Thank you again for the beautiful bracelet.”
Payton gives her thanks as well.
Val bites her lip. “I feel bad leaving without saying goodbye to Aspen.”
Savannah snorts. “Serves her right for getting up to go on a run or whatever the hell she’s doing.”
Valentine nods, but I can tell she doesn’t want to leave without seeing her sister.
I hear Rob pulling up the driveway, so I glance out the window next to the door, watching him drive through the fresh coating of snow. And then I grin.
“I’m guessing it wasn’t a run.” I swing the front door open, and we all watch Aspen climb out of the passenger seat in the same clothes as last night.
Val slaps her hand over her mouth, but it’s too late to cover the gasp.
“What the fuck?” King booms.
Rob wisely stays in the driver’s seat.
“That’s our cue, Mama.” I press a hand to Val’s back to get her going, then pick up our bags.
“Mama?” King mutters. “What the fuck is wrong with everyone this morning?”
He says more, but we’re out of earshot.
Val takes a few hurried steps so she can give Aspen a quick hug as I catch up.
“Enjoy your day,” I tell Aspen, and she rolls her eyes at me before striding up to the house.
Valentine’s smile is so full of humor when she looks back at me that I have to kiss her.
There’s no other choice.
Taking a few long steps, I drop the bags and catch her around the waist.
I dip her back, then capture her mouth with mine.
Val melts into me. Not resisting at all.
And I love it.
Her mouth opens, and I slide my tongue against hers.
I love the way she tastes.
She lets out a small moan, and it makes me regret not sleeping with my cock buried inside her all night.
I love her.
My eyes slowly open.
I love her.
I slide the hand not at her back up around her throat.
I fucking love this woman.
Everything about her.
Every goddamn inch.
Every curve.
Every tear and every whimper.
I love her.
Something cold hits the back of my neck, and I jolt upright.
Looking back, I see King scooping up another handful of snow.
Val sees him and lets out a girly squeal, then darts toward the vehicle.
I walk backward toward the car, and when the second snowball flies for me, I backhand it out of the air, then hold up my middle finger to King and climb into the back seat next to my wife.
But before I can pull her in for another kiss, my phone starts to ring.
And when I answer it, the plans change.
After we drop Val off in Chicago, I’m going to Costa Rica. Because that’s where Casey is.
