“What did they ask?”
I laid her on the bed in the guest room, sitting at the edge. “Why I fell for you, what I like best about you, how I knew you were the one.”
“What did you tell them?”
She wrinkled her nose, turning on one side with her face to me, hugging the pillow. “That you’re probably the person who knows me best and you’ve charmed me since you were a teenager, and that I’ve dreamed about having mini Hunters forever.”
“Fuck, you’re sweet.”
“My head’s swimming.”
“Close your eyes. Go to sleep.”
“I should probably change....”
“I’ll help.”
She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not drunk enough to get seminaked in front of you.”
She was out in a few seconds, but I didn’t move from her side. Had she meant any part of what she’d told my cousins? Or did she just tell them that to appease them? It was probably the latter, but her words tugged at me for reasons I didn’t understand.
The warmth of a home and the love of a woman were things I hadn’t eve
n let myself think I might have one day, because they’d always felt so far out of reach.
I honestly couldn’t see myself in that position. A father. The head of a family. Did Josie see me in a different light?
When Josie turned on the other side, her dress rode up higher—and then even higher when she rolled onto her stomach. Holy fuck. She was wearing a thong that basically covered nothing. I didn’t want to look, but I couldn’t not look.
I had to get out of there. Now.
I darted out the door, taking refuge in my own bedroom. Jesus Christ. This was my life from now on. This gorgeous woman would be living with me for three years. I’d be tempted every single day, and I’d have to fight that temptation.
No matter how close she was, Josie was out of reach.
***
I slept like a rock. Next morning, I was surprised to find Josie was already awake... mostly. She was lying on the couch, knees pulled up to her chest, staring into space. She looked cute, in long pajama pants and a top. I couldn’t erase the image of that perfect ass of hers from my brain.
“Morning, drunk girl.”
“My head feels like it weighs a ton. Took a shower, but it didn’t help.”
“Alcohol will do that to you.”
“Why are you so chirpy? You had your bachelor party.”
“But I came home earlier.”
“Boo, that sounds like a boring party.”
“Want to take a grand tour of the place?”
She groaned. “I should, right? But I just want to stay like this forever.”
“You need water.”
I brought her a large glass from the kitchen. She reluctantly pushed herself to a sitting position, crossing her legs on the couch.