Looking down at me, Dane waits for my answer. I flush a bit. “I want to sit in the hot tub,” I whisper.
He turns his head so fast I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t feel it tomorrow. “We’re going in the hot tub. You guys have a good night.”
Tate smirks at his brother’s polite dismissal as Dane pulls me toward the door.
This time in a bikini, I ease down into the hot water and let out a long moan.
“Are you sore?” Dane asks me sweetly, rubbing my shoulders as I lean back between his legs.
“If you mean what I think you mean, then yeah, kinda.”
“I’m sorry, baby.” He crooks his neck to kiss my cheek. “Thank you so much for enduring it. What you gave me,” he sighs, “was amazing. There’ll never be anything better, Laney, never.”
A tingle runs through me and I lay my head back against him. We stay in a long, comfortable silence until the sound of his voice actually jars me from almost asleep.
“Are you okay, with everything?” He runs his hands up and down my arms, kissing my temple softly.
I turn my face to him and smile. “I actually am. It’s a lot to take in, but having you, and my dad, I know I’ll be fine. I just need some time to process.”
He nods in understanding, giving me a gentle, comforting smile. “My strong girl, I love you.”
I kiss his nose, leaving my lips there and sigh contently.
“Will you invite your dad here for Christmas?” he asks.
I look at him questioningly. Not go home for Christmas?
“He can stay here. I’ll order in a big meal, anything you want.” His brown eyes are pleading with me.
“Okay.” The truth is I won’t leave Dane alone for Christmas for anyone, not even my dad. Dane is now my first priority. It’s crazy how a moment of instant clarity sneaks up on you and poof—you know exactly what you want. No doubts, no excuses, and no apologies.
“Okay?” His smile lights up his handsome features.
I giggle and nod eagerly. “We can’t do, um, anything while he’s here, though.”
“Then he’s not staying very long,” he teases, sinking his teeth into my neck.
Chapter Forty
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GIFTED
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Laney
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Dane ordered in a wonderful, catered feast that we enjoyed with Dad, Tate, and Bennett. Everyone laughed, stuffed themselves, and had a wonderful holiday. After the meal, I forced Dane to play some holiday classics on the piano which Bennett was all too happy to sing. Dad loved his hunting trip present and he got me a new fishing pole, batting gloves, and some money. It was an ideal time and I couldn’t have wished for anything better. The next afternoon, I walked my dad to his truck, nervously bouncing from one foot to the other. I’d never told my father a major lie in my life and had certainly never asked him to cover for me, but that mold had now been broken. I begged him to please pretend, if anyone happened to ask, that I was sick with the flu. He knew exactly who I meant by “anyone.” I was now with Dane for good, and I just couldn’t bear to break Evan’s heart over the holidays, so my plan was to lay low. He’d agreed, but only when I promised to make things right as soon as possible. His hesitation had nothing to do with my choice in Dane, he seemed to really like him, but he thought the world of Evan and didn’t support me dragging out any more pain than necessary.
I agree completely, hurting Evan couldn’t be farther from my goal, but who rips someone’s heart out over Christmas? Not to mention, I’m not going to tell him over the phone or via text, and if I try to go home to tell him, Dane will want to come...and I’m not “ganging up” on Evan. I’ll tell him, alone, when it’s right. Until then, I’m just gonna have to live with the self-attached title of Chicken-shit.
“You ready for bed, baby?” Dane sneaks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist.
“Mhmmm,” I answer, exhausted. It’s been a long day and I can’t think of anything in the world I want to do more than snuggle in with him. I shriek as he sweeps me up in his arms, carrying me up the stairs into his bedroom. He sets me down in the bed, gently pushing me back and tucking the covers under my chin before walking around and climbing into his side. His side. A sleepy smirk sneaks up on me when I think about the fact that I just labeled the sides of his bed.
His breathy, whispered words once he’s tightened up against my back get my attention. “If you’re tired, I understand. But if not, your Christmas present is under your pillow.”
Well now he knew he had me at “present.” My eyes pop open. “You got me a new outfit. And let’s not forget you found my mother. I’d say you’ve met the present quota.” I roll over and smile at him.
“So you don’t need any more presents then? That’s okay; I’ll just give it to Bennett.” He slinks a hand under the pillow to nab my present so I roll over, pulling him on top of me.