Trouble

Heat floods my lower body. It’s a possessive kiss, demanding as always. He’s claiming me, but I’m claiming him right back. I pull him to me, wanting everything he’s giving me.

Lifting his chin, his face is relaxed. He’s brighter as he exhales a chuckle. “What are you doing to me?”

Reaching up, I slide my hand across his cheek. “I’m going to make you so happy.”

Looking down into my face, his pretty eyes are so full of emotion. “You already have. You have no idea.”

Our lips collide once more, pulling and chasing, tasting and nipping. My body is on fire, and I want to rip his clothes off. Too bad, we’re in the middle of Fireside, where everybody knows everybody.

His lips move to the bridge of my nose. He kisses my forehead, then lifts my chin again, studying my face with so much love. “While I was in New Hampshire, I got you something.”

“Is it a surprise?”

“I have it here.” He slides a hand in his pocket and takes out a ring.

The band is black with diamonds arranged down the sides in an art deco style, and in the center is a polished jade stone. “It’s so strange and gorgeous.”

“Daisy said you’d like it.” He almost seems worried.

“It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Jade stones are magical. They represent luck and happiness.” I take it at once and put it on the middle finger of my right hand tilting it side to side.

“It’s a promise.” He covers my hands with his. “It’s my promise to deserve you.”

Blinking up at him, I smile. “I love it.”

He lifts my hand to his lips, and his brow furrows. He blinks a few times, and fear tightens my throat until he meets my gaze. “I love you.”

“Spencer…” My voice breaks.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I close my eyes as he lifts me off my feet. We hold each other as it all surrounds us, from the first time he caught me when I fell to the day he saved me when I needed him most.

So many times his actions said the words that are now promises. He’s my beast, my frozen savior who rescued me, but who I also rescued from a lifetime of loneliness.

He’s the man of my dreams, the fierce, wounded prince saved by love.

He’s the kind of trouble I never want to be without.

Chapter 32

Spencer

Nine months later

“I’ll give you two thousand dollars for it.” I’m sitting in the kitchen of my future mother-in-law’s home attempting to convince the most reluctant buyer I’ve ever met.

“Two thousand!” Alice spits the words in disgust, like I’ve just kicked her dog. “You might be the best-looking man I’ve ever seen, but I’m not parting with the Fireside Ladies.”

“Come on, Alice. I’ll treat it with the utmost care.” I also happen to know Joselyn loves this book.

“This book is going in the Fireside Public Library

for future generations to learn what the founding mothers did for the beach, for women’s rights, and for each other.”

Moving from my chair to sit beside her on the couch, I play dirty. “You know as well as I do kids these days would rather play video games than read books.” Slipping my arm around her shoulders, I lean into her ear. “How’s thirty-five hundred?”

She does a little shiver before standing and rebuking me. “Get behind me, Satan, I’m doing this for future generations!”

Leaning back, I cross my arms with a grin. “Would it make a difference if I told you I want to give it to Joselyn for a wedding gift?”