Defiant Heir (The Heirs 3)

Chapter 26FALLONWhen we get back to Trinity late Sunday afternoon, I feel like a new woman. The weekend away with Kao was a dream come true and what we needed to put the past month behind us. I feel secure in our love and relationship, and all the doubt I had after the accident has faded away.

After we’ve unpacked our weekend bags, Kao and I go sit in the living room. He picks up my legs and drapes them over his lap, and then he wraps his arms around me. I snuggle into his chest and let out a happy sigh. “The weekend was amazing. Thank you.”

He presses a kiss to the top of my head, and I feel his breaths stirring my hair. “I wish we could stay there, but responsibilities call.”

I let out a soft chuckle. “Dang those pesky responsibilities.”

Kao’s arms grip me tighter for a moment, and then he says, “I checked with Summer, and the decorating committee is meeting tomorrow morning at seven.” I glance up at him, still apprehensive about being active around campus with the scars. Kao gives me an encouraging smile. “I’ll go with you. Like I said, you can even put me to work.”

I know it’s important I resume doing the things I love, but…

“Just one meeting. If it doesn’t go well, I’ll stop pushing,” Kao tries again.

Not wanting to disappoint him, I nod. “Okay. One meeting.”

A smile stretches over his face. “Thank you.”

I lift my face and press a kiss to his lips.

“You’re back,” Jase says as he comes to plop down on one of the couches. “How was your trip?”

“So good,” I grin. “You should take Mila there. She’d love it.”

Jase’s gaze sharpens on us, and a pleased look settles on his face. “You both owe me a bottle of whiskey.”

Frowning, I ask, “Why?”

“For playing cupid to your stubborn assess.” He gets up and walking to the hallway, he says, “Glad to see you both happy.”

“Thanks, Jase,” I call after him.

Kao lets out a chuckle. “I’ll get him a thank you gift from us.”I’m anxious as Kao walks with me to the office space I had converted for the decorating committee to meet and prepare for events.

Entering the administration building, my stomach tightens with knots. I’m scared one of the girls will see the scars. I don’t want someone’s horrified reaction ruining the little progress I’ve made, and it’s only two weeks until my surgery.

Kao tightens his hold on my hand, and leaning closer, he says, “I’m proud of you.”

I give him a nervous smile right before we walk into the room.

“Fallon!” Summer shrieks, and she rushes over to give me a hug. “I’m so glad you decided to come.” She pulls me away from Kao to a table where we do all our planning. “I was just about to cry. With you gone, some of the girls got out of control, and they wanted to take over. It was a mess.”

My gaze moves over the table, and I frown, “Silk hearts? Seriously? They’ll be all droopy.” I begin to remove everything that won’t work, then grumble, “You’d freaking think we were planning a junior prom. What the hell?”

“Exactly,” Summer whines. “It was a nightmare.”

Suddenly she throws her arms around my neck and hugs me again. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

When she pulls back, I give her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, we’ll get it under control again.”

I glance to where Kao’s grabbed some coffee. He’s leaning against the wall, watching me with a proud smile on his face.

The rest of the girls arrive, and when they see me, they all take a turn to hug me. They all shoot Kao a curious look, and it has him moving to the back of the room.

Kao being here, even though he struggles to be around people, shows me how much he loves me.

Wanting to draw everyone’s attention away from him, I say, “Let’s start the meeting.” I plug my laptop into the overhead projector. When an image of various heart-shaped lanterns appears on the screen, I say, “This is the theme we’re going with. The traditional red heart theme is overdone. We’re going with light and hearts this year.”

Once I have the girls’ attention, we begin discussing all the various aspects of the ball. By the time the meeting comes to a close, I feel more confident.

Kao was right. I have to continue doing the things I love.

As I unplug my laptop and place it back in my bag, Kao comes to stand next to me. “Admit it, you enjoyed that,” he teases me.

“Hmm…” I pull an unsure face, “maybe a little.”

Kao takes my bag so he can carry it, and then his arm wraps around my waist, and he pulls me in for a kiss.

When we pull apart, one of the girls asks, “Are you guys official now?”