Sweet Dandelion

“You’re going to marry this guy one day and force me to like him aren’t you?”

“Eventually … yes.”

“Fuck.”

“Get over it, Herb. You’re boinking my eighteen-year-old friend.”

He fake gags. “Never, ever, say the word boink again.”

“Whatever you say.”

“When do I get to meet Nessie in person?”

“Sage.” I cover my mouth to hold in my laughter. “Um … I’m not sure, but we’ll plan something soon, okay?”

“Mhmm,” he hums. “Tell Lach-ness I’ll be preparing a list of questions.”

“You do that.”

“I love you, D. Be careful, okay?”

“I will. I love you, too. I’ll let you know when I get on the plane tomorrow.”

After a few more words we hang up.

The bathroom door opens, and I look up in time to see Lachlan step out in only a towel. The white cotton looks like a small puff of air would send it falling from his lean frame.

“Forgot my pants.”

“I bet you did,” I grumble and he chuckles, grabbing a pair of sleep pants and disappearing into the bathroom again.

I pout to myself, disappointed I’ll be missing the strip show.

Plugging my phone in to charge, I climb into bed.

The bathroom door squeaks and Lachlan emerges, his large shoulders nearly touching the doorframe. My mouth waters at the sight of his bare chest. I’m pathetic, I know, but it’s been way too long since I had my eyes on him.

Lachlan gets into bed beside me, reaching over to flick off the light.

Rolling onto his side to face me in the now dark room, he says, “Are you going to stay all the way over there?”

I don’t have to be told twice.

I scoot across the wide expanse of bed until inches separate us. I press my toes to his leg and he exclaims, “How are your toes freezing?”

“I don’t know.”

He wraps his arms around me, rolling over so he’s on his back and I’m cradled against him with my head on his chest. Not able to control myself I rub my fingers over his light dusting of chest hair.

“I love you,” I whisper against his heated skin.

His lips press against the top of my head. “I love you, too.”

I close my eyes, a smile on my lips, as I fall into a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Eighty-Four

When we land back in Salt Lake Lachlan insists on driving me home, since he left his car there while I had taken a taxi to the airport.