Page 61 of Driven to Love

He snorted. “Thanks, but I’m far from perfect. You haven’t tasted my cooking yet.”

She swatted his arm in jest. “Not perfect like that. I realized I’ve dated a lot of perfect men. Or mostly perfect.”

He frowned. “And…?”

“And I was the one who didn’t stay. Me. I want it all, but I ran if it wasn’t right. So here I stand, looking at you, and I’m scared.”

Nash paused for a moment, then linked his fingers with hers. “I’m scared too. How about we take it one day at a time?”

She nodded.

“Come on. I can use your help. You don’t even have to get dirty.”

She tugged him back. “Friends?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed, and the corners of his mouth hitched up. “Sure. If that’s what you want?”

“Nash. I want to be friends… and I want more.” I want it all. She couldn’t force the last words out. Instead, she brushed her lips against his, hoping he could feel the words she was too scared to voice.

Nash juggled the bottle of wine, a case of beer, and the dog leash as he rang the bell. A flurry of yips came from the other side of the door.

Laney opened the door, holding Daisy in her arms.

She grinned at Max, then raised her gaze to Nash. “I’m so glad you brought him. This one’s been dying for a playdate.” She closed the door behind them.

He unclipped the leash and let the littermates run off to play. “Here, I brought this for you.” He handed the wine over, hoping it was something the girls would like. All Cade said was white. So, Nash picked up a bottle at the liquor store on the way over.

“Thanks, I’ll take it to the kitchen. The game starts in a few minutes.”

Marti and Addison both looked up from their places at the counter when he entered the kitchen.

Nash nodded at Marti, but his gaze lingered on Addison. He’d spent the last couple of hours with her, fixing her car, but beyond their brief conversation, they didn’t talk about their relationship. Okay, they decided they were more than friends. Should he hug her? Kiss her? He really wanted to claim her right here and now, in front of their friends, but something in his gut held him back. It had been a long road to get to this point. The last thing he wanted to do was muck it up.

The room went quiet. Marti and Laney both waited. Their gazes ping-ponged between Addison and Nash.

What had Addison said to them? He watched her, waiting for a sign.

Her lip twitched—the tiniest uptick.

Nash had his answer. He grinned, his full focus on her. Crossing to her, he leaned in for a kiss.

As his lips met hers, she sighed. He was vaguely aware of the cheers behind him.

“It’s about time,” Cade said as he walked through the back door, Sawyer on his heels. “Damn, there goes my chance with Addison.” Sawyer chuckled.

“Oh, please, like you had any feelings for me that weren’t sisterly.” Addison flicked her hair over her shoulder and laughed.

“True. But it was worth it just to see the look on Laney’s face when I said that.”

“You know the rule. No dating my besties.” Laney wagged a finger at her brother.

“Babe, can you come look at the burgers?” Cade asked.

She slipped out the door right in front of him.

Sawyer shook his head. “Those two act like a married couple already, and the wedding is still a year away.”

“Cade mentioned something about the bachelor party. I haven’t even started thinking about that yet.” Nash pulled a beer from the case and offered it to Sawyer.