24. Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

Adam

Jasmine and lavender surround me as I hold the small woman—my wife—wrapped in my arms.

“I hate that I have to leave,” I whisper against the top of her head.

“You act like you’re leaving for forever instead of two days.” Susie’s laughter fills her body while her arms squeeze me tighter. Warmth fills my chest, and the words I haven’t said yet are on the tip of my tongue, but I hold myself back. Afraid she won’t say them back.

Instead, I push her lightly away from me and give her a pointed look. “Are you saying you’re not going to miss me?”

Her green eyes twinkle, and she gives me a coy grin. “Nope.”

“Not even a little?” I whisper in her ear, and to my delight, I feel a shiver course through her body.

“Not even a little,” she responds, slightly breathless.

“Well, if that’s the case, I guess I’ll just leave then.” I give her a quick kiss on the cheek before dropping my arms and walking away. “I’ll be back Sunday night.”

A mock frown rests on my face as I grab my luggage, which turns into a smirk when I feel her hand on my arm.

I turn to find her biting her lip with a shy grin on her face. “Okay, maybe I’ll miss you a little bit.”

I wrap my arms around her waist and lift her against me. “Just a little bit?” She wraps her arms around my neck just as I kiss her softly on the cheek. She murmur’s what sounds like a yes.

I move to the other cheek and gently place a kiss there, only to be met with a grumble.

“Adam!” She snaps. “Are you going to kiss me goodbye properly, or are you just going to tease me?”

I pin her gaze with mine and then whisper against her lips. “I was doing my best to make sure that you think about me the entire time I’m away. How am I doing?” I pull away to get a full look at her face.

The scowl she throws my way has me grinning like a fool. That is until she cups my face and presses her lips to mine. All thought about needling her flees at the feel of her soft lips. Warmth runs through me, and I squeeze her tighter against me.

The kiss slows down, and I feel her whisper against my lips. “I’m going to miss you, too.”

A wide smile breaks across my face.

“But I need the break.” My smile falls. She lifts her hand and runs it down my face. “I need to finish up the last few chapters of my book.”

“Oh!” I feel like she just told me I was getting the biggest present in the world. “Will I be able to read it?”

“When it’s done, sure.” The look in her eye is hesitant. I gently lower her down to the floor and push her hair behind her ear. “But you need to be—”

“Hey,” I cut her off. “If you don’t feel comfortable letting me read it before it’s ready, it’s okay. I can wait. I’m just excited.”

She bites her bottom lip and lowers her chin. “I know, and that makes me happy.”

“But?” I ask, gently lifting her chin up.

“When I write—” she glances to her left before looking back at me. “I’m pouring my heart and soul into the words on the pages. When people read them, it’s like they are getting a glimpse inside me.”

Seeing that she’s searching for more to say, I wait quietly.

“Strangers reading them is one thing, but when it’s someone I care about and care what they think reading them,” her voice drops to a mere whisper. “It’s scary.”

“Susie.” I wait for her to meet my eyes; the trepidation I see there tugs at my heart. “I have loved your work from the very first moment Nicole put your book in my hand. I was captivated by the words on the page of that one and every book I’ve read since. You have enchanted me since the first moment we met and I want to know all the parts there are to you. I’m not sure you could disappoint me. I’m pretty sure you’re perfect for me exactly as you are.”

“Adam,” she whispers, but I don’t let her speak.

“I’m in absolute awe of the woman you are, and I would be honored if you would let me read your books through their transformational periods. But I will also understand if you aren’t comfortable with that.”

The emotions in her eyes as she looks at me makes my gut clench and my heart pound.

She stands on her tiptoes and gives me the sweetest, softest kiss, making every inch of me melt. Yeah, I’m a goner. “Thank you,” she whispers.

“You’re welcome.” I smile and run my thumb across her chin. “I have to go. If I don’t leave now, I’ll miss the plane, and Coach will not be happy.”

My thumb traces the curve of her lips. Unable to stop myself, I press my lips to hers one last time before grabbing my luggage and heading toward the door. “I’ll call you later.”

“I’ll be waiting.” I look over my shoulder to see her watching me from the porch. The smile she beams my way has my heart hammering inside my chest. I pause before opening the Jeep door and sliding in.

I never thought there would be a day when something would compete with my love for the game of football. I was wrong.

Susie does, and I’m positive she’s winning.

Walking through the entrance of our hotel, Josh brings up the conversation I’ve been dreading.

“So, were you ever going to tell me you liked my sister?” He nudges me, giving me a mock glare. With Susie not telling her family we’re married yet, Josh assumes we’re dating. My stomach drops, and I raise my hand to my chest, rubbing it lightly. Guilt assails me, knowing I can’t be honest with him. His teasing tone helps to alleviate some of the tightness squeezing my chest, but not the guilt. “You know you better not do anything untoward, right?”

“Untoward?” I scoff. I have no intention of hurting the woman that I’ve fallen head over heels for, but until I tell Susie how I feel, I’m not ready to tell her brother. I give him a hard pat on the back just as we head into the lobby. “Did you really just use a big word? Looks like Brie is rubbing off on you in more ways than one.”

ly grin covers Josh's face at the mention of Brie’s name. I know that look; the man has it bad. “Hey. I’ve always used big words.”

I throw my head back and laugh. “Not since I’ve known you.”

“Which hasn’t been very long,” he counters.

I thank the receptionist as she hands me my room key and tune out the guys as they start to rib Josh about Brie. It’s become an Olympic sport with them. Normally, I’d be joining in, but not today.

I’m relieved Josh seems okay with me and his sister as a couple, but I’m still nervous about how he’ll react when he finds out I’m married to her.

Especially considering the circumstances of how our marriage came to be. I chew on the inside of my cheek, thinking of exactly what to say.

I could always blame Finn. I mean, he is responsible for both my marriage and his relationship with Brie. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll get it since he’s in a similar situation.

“We’re not done talking about you and Susie. I still need to know what your intentions are,” Josh whispers behind me, causing me to flinch. I can’t tell if he’s serious or joking. He may be both.

I’m pretty sure I would be if Susie were Olivia.

“I like her,” I respond. The corners of my lips lift, and my gut flips. “She’s pretty great.”

He nudges me. “Of course she is! She’s related to me.” I almost roll my eyes at him, and he laughs at me. “Good. Cause I’d hate not to be able to like you anymore.”

This time, I roll my eyes at him while, at the same time, the knot in my stomach loosens.

“I’ll see you at dinner,” Josh yells over his shoulder as he stops at his door. I lift my hand and wave but keep walking until I reach my room.

I throw my bag on a bench, and when I walk through the door, I slide my phone from my pocket and text Susie.

Me: Is it Sunday yet?

A dopey grin plants itself on my face as I watch the three dots on my screen.

Susie: Did you beat the Rams?

My chest vibrates, and a wide grin spreads across my face.

Me: Not yet.

Susie: Then it’s not Sunday, silly. wink emoji Susie: I’m meeting up with Brie. Susie: I’ll talk to you later. Susie: Miss me lots! kiss emoji

“I do,” I say out loud, grinning at her sass. “It’s crazy how much I do.”

But I’m not ready to wear my heart on my sleeve. So instead, I reply:

Me: Have fun!