I felt my throat move as I forced myself to swallow. “Okay. We can talk later.”
“You have to promise me you won’t ask me to stop.”
I nodded. “I promise.” A part of me knew I would never truly be able to move on until I let myself remember.
He gave me a weak smile, and then placed his hand around the back of my neck and brought my mouth back to his. This time the kiss was all consuming. Nolan appeared to be pouring as much love into it as he could. Almost as if he feared he’d never be able to kiss me again.
“Promise me you’ll love me forever, Linnzi.”
Now I was beginning to worry even more. “I…I promise you, Nolan. I could never not love you. Even when I didn’t fully know it, it was always you. You’re my other half.”
His eyes went wide, and he seemed to be searching for something…air to breathe…words to say…something. My heart ached at the pain in his gaze.
“I love you,” I whispered.
“Oh, Linz. I love you so much more, baby.” He kissed me again then stepped back when a male voice cleared on the other side of the room.
I turned to see Truitt and Saryn. Truitt was dressed almost the same as Nolan, but he wore a white cowboy hat instead of black. Saryn was dressed in a stunning violet dress that was shorter in the front and had a small train in the back.
“You look beautiful, Saryn!” I said.
“Thank you, and so do you. That outfit is stunning.”
“And going to be off the moment we’re alone,” Nolan whispered against my ear before he nipped at my earlobe.
I giggled and allowed Nolan to take my hand and walk us over to Truitt and Saryn.
“Who’s watching the kids tonight?” I asked.
“My folks. They made a generous donation to get out of having to dress up and socialize with people. My father’s words, not mine,” Saryn stated.
“Are there any betting pools going on tonight?” Nolan asked Truitt.
With his middle finger up and pointed in Nolan’s direction, Truitt replied, “Ha ha. No, asshole.”
When Truitt turned my way and told me how nice I looked, I noticed Nolan sending out a text. I was pretty sure it was to place bets on how long it would take for Truitt to get hurt, or hurt someone else, or be taken to the ER for some reason or other. Poor Truitt. The guy was so smart and handy, but really had the worst luck when it came to getting hurt.
“I know you’re not doing what I think you’re doing,” Truitt stated as he tried to reach for Nolan’s phone.
Nolan flashed him a quick smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Saryn rolled her eyes. “We should get going since you two are the reason this dinner is happening.”
Truitt motioned for me and Saryn to walk ahead of them. As we did, I asked Saryn, “How many people will be there?”
“We normally have a great turnout each year. I think this year more people bought tickets to the dinner after we announced Nolan would be there, though.”
I lifted a brow. “Really? Why?”
Saryn gave me a smirk and then winked. “Let’s just say a lot of very wealthy, single women bought tickets this year.”
I felt myself frown.
Saryn tossed her head back and laughed. “Darlin’, please. You have nothing to worry about. Everyone who looks at the two of you can see that Nolan loves you like crazy.”
I glanced over my shoulder to see both men deep in a conversation. Nolan clearly felt my gaze, because he looked at me and winked. I felt my stomach dip, and I quickly turned back around.
Saryn leaned in to whisper in my ear. “And your love for him is as clear as day. Trust me, Linnzi, you will be the couple everyone is talking about in Boerne tomorrow.”
I felt my cheeks heat as I shook my head and walked carefully down the front steps of Nolan’s house to his truck, which was parked in front of Truitt’s.Another yawn and I did everything in my power to hide it. Nolan noticed it, like he’d noticed the last ten.
“We’ll leave in a few minutes,” he whispered against my ear.
“I’m fine. I don’t know why I keep yawn…” My voice cut off with yet another yawn.
Damnit all to hell.
Nolan chuckled and then placed his hand on the small of my back and guided us closer to where the exit was.
“Do you know what I’m craving?” I asked in a hushed voice as Nolan moved us past two couples who smiled and nodded their hellos.
“Me?” he replied.
With a lighthearted giggle, I answered, “Yes, always. But I’m dying for some ice cream. A Heath Blizzard with extra Heath. Oh, and chocolate syrup added to it.”
Nolan looked down at me and smiled. “How about a chocolate custard cone? There’s a great place down the street from here, and they’re open late.”