Page 113 of Just My Luck
I stood and pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
She held me at arm’s length and smiled. “You’re welcome. I’m sorry for the surprise witness.” She winked. “He reached out and pleaded his case to speak on the stand on your behalf, and I have to admit... that man is something else.”
My eyes slid to Abel, who was standing near the front of the courtroom. “He sure is.”
When she stepped away, Abel moved forward, stealing the space between us and scooping me into his arms. I buried my face in his chest as he lifted my toes from the ground.
“Thank you. Thank?—”
My words were smothered by Abel’s warm, soft kiss. I gasped into him, pouring my gratitude and love into that kiss. His tongue slid over mine, deepening the kiss, and my arms pulled him closer.
I melted into him.
“Mr. King.” The judge’s gavel sounded behind us. “Mr. King.”
We turned to peek at Judge Barnes. One discerning eyebrow lifted as she flicked her head. “Outside of my courtroom.”
I blushed and buried my face into him, stifling a laugh.
He cleared his throat and nodded grimly. “Yes, Your Honor.”
Abel’s arm wrapped around me as the rumble of his deep voice tickled the shell of my ear. “Let’s go, wife. We’ve got some celebrating to do.”
The parking lotto Abel’s Brewery was packed full as we pulled up.
“What’s all this?” I asked, turning in my seat to face Abel.
He lifted a shoulder. “Just a few friends getting together to celebrate your big win.”
My eyes were wide. “But we didn’t know we’d win before...”
Abel winked and my stomach somersaulted. “I did.” He popped his head to the side as he exited the driver’s seat. “Just come on. Stop being a pain in the ass.”
“Okay, boss.” I scoffed a laugh and got out. “I’m glad to see you’re still a grump.”
Abel pulled me into him, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. He kissed my hair and leaned in close. “I have to keep up appearances. I can’t let everyone know I’ve gone soft because of you.”
My fingertips grazed down the front of his shirt, teasing the front of his jeans. “Trust me, there’s nothing soft about you.”
He growled and walked us forward toward the brewery’s entrance. “I knew you were trouble.”
Once inside, cheers erupted from the front of the brewery. The garage-style doors were open to let a breeze through, and friends and family spilled out onto the patio as twinkle lights illuminated the outside space. In the corner, Layna was strumming her guitar and providing live acoustic music while a few of the Bluebirds were decorating the space with flowers and balloons.
“Abel! This is too much!” I laughed and hugged my way through the entrance as people moved forward to embrace me.
Once I got through the crowd, Meatball came up and shook Abel’s hand. “He hasn’t even shown you the best part.” Meatball handed me a frosted pint glass full of a rich, golden beer. “Here. Try this.”
I glanced at Abel but took a tentative sip. It was rich and toasty with a hint of sweetness. “Mmm! That’s so good.” I smiled at Meatball. “Did you brew this?”
He grinned and shook his head before gesturing to Abel. “Nope. This is Abel’s baby.”
I looked at him. “It’s really good.” I sipped again.
Abel exhaled in relief. “I’m glad you like it. It’s yours.”
I lifted my glass in salute. “Thanks.”
Both men laughed, and Meatball shook his head. “Yes, the glass is yours, but the brew is yours too. Abel made it for you.”