Page 36 of Hideaway Reunion

Her cheek rubbed against his chest. “Okay.” She sighed, still not moving. “You smell amazing.”

“Lightning and sweat does it for you?” he teased. “I’ll make a note.”

She giggled, gave him a squeeze, and then tipped her head up. When her gaze locked with his, he saw her heart in her eyes. Love and desire mingled with the familiar comfort of acceptance and friendship he’d treasured from day one. The powerful combination was as effective as a kick in the back and threatened to take him out at the knees.

“Brian first,” she whispered. “Then maybe…”

He waited, his entire body primed for whatever she was about to suggest.

“We could, um, shower together?”

His body was all-in for that. “To conserve the hot water?”

“Obviously.” She nibbled on her lip. “And because you smell amazing all on your own.”

“Whatever you want, I’m yours.” He nuzzled her cheek, worked his way to her mouth and kissed her with all the enthusiasm he had for her suggestion. Lifting his head, he asked, “You’re not worried about our guests acting out while we’re otherwise distracted?”

“No. Should I be?”

He would always be wary and skeptical enough for both of them. Seeing too much of the world had taught him not to trust easily. And Roni wasn’t someone he would ever put at risk. Still, the three men had been respectful and grateful tonight. He didn’t really expect trouble.

His lips brushed her cheek. “Probably not.” He’d keep the door locked and the phone within reach anyway. He grabbed her hand and tugged her out of the kitchen, in a hurry to be alone with her as more than her best friend.

If this was their night, he’d seize it. And if it wasn’t, he’d deal with it. She’d shown him she wasn’t afraid of his feelings and now she was willing to change the dynamic.

To be more than friends. To cross that line into intimacy.

Lovers.

He’d only been waiting forever, what was another hour? Another day? That look she’d given him offered undeniable hope for a future he’d only dared to imagine. A future that was finally within his reach.

CHAPTER 12

Veronica woke slowly, cocooned in the bed under warm blankets. She wasn’t sure what brought her awake, but she was pleasantly surprised by the strong, heavy arm draped across her waist and an equally strong chest pressed close against her back.

Brayden. AKA the best person in her world and the best night of her life.

She’d kissed him. Showered with him. She’d slept with him—figuratively and literally.

A surge of pure delight shot through her, a fizz of joy that made her want to celebrate. Somehow, she managed to stay put rather than jump up and dance on the bed. It would be criminal to break this priceless moment too soon. She needed to wallow in it all by herself for as long as possible. And do a quick gut check. Had she just made the biggest mistake of her life?

The resounding consensus between body, mind, and heart was no. Wonderful confirmation that she’d done exactly the right thing.

Finally.

Last night had effectively obliterated the original lines she’d drawn around her longest-standing relationship outside of her family. She could hardly wait for Brayden to wake up so they could talk about the present. And the future. Aside from the obvious physical intimacy, how would their relationship change?

He traveled and she was dialed in here with the Hideaway and her physical therapy clients. Of course her business could travel, but was she ready to leave? Did Brayden want her tagging along? Was it even possible? The work he did took him all over.

And then another thought hit her square in the chest. Would leaving the Hideaway operations to Nat and Celeste make her like her dad?

Overhead, a floorboard creaked, interrupting her spiraling thoughts before she completely lost that wonderful feeling. Their unexpected guests were also waking up. She and Brayden had work to do. They’d just have to muddle through until they could deal with their relationship changes head on.

In essence, she’d stated her intentions last night. Stated with her body, at any rate. She still hadn’t given him the actual words. Words she knew he deserved to hear.

For now, she rolled over and gave him a quick kiss and slipped out of the bed. How cool was it that she could do that now? That she could be with the man who’d been her closest friend and have so much more joy, affection, and love between them.

Slipping out of the bed, she grabbed clothes and darted into the bathroom. After that storm, cleanup would be top priority this morning. When she opened the door again, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, Brayden was up, the bed was made, and he was staring at the debris scattered across the deck. In his boxers.