I stepped inside to grab the fan I’d forgotten to take outside earlier. Picking up the extension lead, I headed towards outside, only to be stopped by Dan, who was now in the kitchen.
“You okay?” I eyed him, concerned as he finished off a glass of water.
“Just took a couple of painkillers. Preventative if anything, so wipe that worry off your face.”
He moved towards me, and we both glanced outside when Alec’s loud laughter caught our attention. Dan sidled up behind me, snaking his arms around my waist as I watched out the window at the group of people filling my parents’ veranda.
“Quite a crowd out there,” he mumbled close to my ear, then kissed on my neck.
“It’s nice, right?”
I felt him bob his head, his chin settling on my shoulder. “You know, I remember that whole ring spiel.”
It took a moment for his words to register, and I smirked. “You do, huh? It was one of your finer moments.”
His strong arms squeezed my middle, and I sighed into his embrace.
“Perhaps one of my finer ideas too.”
I froze at his words, which earned me a chuckle.
“Don’t panic. I’m not saying right now.”
While I heaved out a sigh, I wasn’t entirely as relieved as perhaps my reaction indicated.
“I’m just saying this is nice, being with family, being with you. I love what we have but am excited about our future, you know?”
I placed the fan and lead down and turned in Dan’s arms, my heart expanding. “I do know, and I’m sure we both want the same things, have the same plans.”
He bobbed his head. “More baby goats and maybe a dog or two when I move in?”
My grin was instant and so wide it hurt. “You inviting yourself to move in?”
“Maybe. I still have a few months left on my lease, but having your kickarse kitchen as mine too wouldn’t be so bad.”
I chuckled and dotted a quick kiss to his mouth. “It is a pretty awesome kitchen. You should have seen the fitter.”
“Was he hot?”
“The hottest.”
“Did he have a big co—”
“Boys, are you heading back out? Your dad’s burning the steaks. They need saving!” Mom called. Dad grumbled something in response, but Dan held most of my attention.
“The answer’s yes.” Elation swirled in my stomach, fluttering high and wrapping around my full heart.
“That I have a big cock?” Dan quirked his brow in question.
I rolled my eyes and flexed my fingers against his back, loving every inch of this man before me. “Well, yes, but on the other thing too, sharing my kitchen with you.”
“Yeah?”
“Definitely.”
His intense gaze pierced mine, need, desire, love burning brightly in their depths. “I love you,” he whispered, his breath ragged.
“Love you,” I said as he leaned in. I didn’t keep him waiting, meeting him halfway in an instant.
