Page 137 of Chasing Home
Bryce makes a gagging noise in her throat before starting to shove the two of them out of the booth. “I’m never sitting here again if you can’t keep it in your fucking pants. Ew. Let me out.”
Brody laughs and steps out of the booth before helping Anna. Bryce scurries along the bench and jumps down before beelining it for the bar. We watch her go with knowing smiles while Brody and Anna stay standing beside the table.
“Anyone up for dancing?” Anna asks us.
“Yes, please!” Poppy’s eyes light up at the mention of dancing, and it’s only a second before she’s tugging Garrison out of his chair.
He doesn’t argue with her, instead taking her hand and leading her onto the dance floor. Although he’s still stiff and hard-shelled to most, the guy’s so different from how he was when he showed up here the first time.
“Do you want to dance?” Rory asks once we’re alone, the only two at the table.
“Fuck yeah, I do.”
I help her up and immediately drape my arm over her shoulders before leading us away from the table to where everyone else has gathered. Both couples are smiling and spinning, but the moment Rory moves from beneath my arm to flat against my chest, I don’t give them another thought.
“I’d dance with you anywhere,” I say, holding her around the waist while taking her hand and starting to lead her in a simple two-step.
“Even between tables again?”
“I think that’ll always be my favourite spot for dancing.”
She holds my gaze, her eyes soft and light. “I prefer where we are right now.”
“Why?”
Her smile is timid but oh so fucking happy. I know I look the exact same because I feel it.
“Because here, everyone knows you’re mine. And I’ve never wanted to make a statement so publicly in my entire life.”
The only thing I can think to do is kiss her, creating another statement that no number of words could beat. One of many, many to come in our life together.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
AURORA
HALLOWEEN
With a final tug at my thigh holster, I glance at my reflection in the mirror and grin at my costume. It took some online shopping to collect all the pieces necessary, but with the grey shorts, tight white tank top, and holsters galore, I’ve pulled off Lara Croft pretty well. The push-up bra I’m wearing has my boobs nearly beneath my chin, and I cup them for a second to test the hold before nodding in approval.
“I wish you didn’t make us get ready in different rooms, because this? This is a damn good fuckin’ costume,” Johnny boasts as he comes into the bedroom.
I whip my head to look at him, and he freezes, brashly checking me out. He insisted we dress as Lara Croft and Indiana Jones this year, and I agreed instantly. Now, I’m glad I did.
He grins lazily at me, and it only intensifies the attraction sparking low in my belly. His long-sleeve button-down has been torn open to expose his entire chest, and he’s ripped the one arm, leaving his bicep bare, farmer’s tan obvious. I’ve never seen him in a pair of khaki pants before, but I think I have a fetish for it. They suction cup to his thighs, and if he turned around, I’m sure his ass would be tugging at them in the best way.
“I’ve decided we’re not going to the party,” he states, suddenly prowling toward me. “I’m keeping you here instead.”
I laugh, setting my hands on his bare chest when he gets close enough. “We’re going. It’s your birthday, and everyone’s waiting to celebrate you.”
Dipping his head, he takes my mouth in a hot, deep kiss, silencing me. His fingers slide between the chest holster and my boobs, giving it a tug.
“I want to celebrate my birthday with undressing you piece by piece,” he declares, voice throaty.
I want that so damn bad but shake my head anyway, staying strong. “You can once we’re back at home. If you behave tonight.”
He brings his mouth to my jaw before slipping beneath it and licking at my pulse. “I thought birthday boys got everything they wanted.”
“Johnny,” I gasp when I feel fingers slip between my thighs, brushing over the seam of my pussy through my shorts. “Eliza will be sad. Think of how excited she’s been to host this for you.”