I pressed my face into William’s suit jacket and inhaled him. And I felt that jolt, followed by a deep, warm sensation in my chest—of safety, of security, of unconditional love. Home.
Because there are many things you’ll do for the ones you care about—sacrifices you’ll endure, risks you’ll take, obstacles you’ll overcome. But for the one who’s become the air you breathe and the home you crave, you’ll forgive any flaw, brave any challenge and even plan a new future.
And I was ready—so ready—to plan a future with him.
“Wil, I want to kiss you.”
He hesitated for a moment then tilted his head toward me. “On the cheek or on the mouth? With tongue?”
I growled, grabbing the back of his head, and after his initial shock, he complied readily. And we were kissing…just like that. As if we had never stopped.
His tongue slid into my mouth, scorching me. His hands curled around my shoulder blades and he hitched me to him. Heat streaked through me and powerful desire burned like a wildfire up and down my spine.
Suddenly, it was feeling very warm in the little church and it wasn’t even summer yet. I could hear footsteps near the altar—probably an altar boy or even the priest. William must have heard too, because he paused and slowly pulled his mouth away.
Our damp foreheads pressed together. “Jenna.”
“William,” I replied.
“Say you won’t go away again. Not unless you take me with you.”
“I won’t go anywhere without you if it makes me feel as miserable as I have been these past few weeks.”
His arms tightened around me. “Let’s not be stupid like that again,” he said. “We belong together.”
“Come on…your crowd skills are going to be tested once again, at least for a little while. We need to go to the wedding party. And I need to show off my handsome American.”
He laughed. “I’ve been listening to recordings to learn how to say key phrases in Bosnian.”
“Well, I like the ones I’ve heard so far…”
“Želim te.”
I sucked in a breath, warm desire blooming in my center. “Mmm. I want you, too. Tonight. After the party.”
I took his hand, and we walked out of the church and into the square. I couldn’t wait to show him around and explore new places with him beside me.
But first, I wanted to introduce him to my family. I was certain that they’d love him. Maybe not as much as I did, but that was okay.
Because now I understood what being home truly was. With William’s help, I’d finally found it.
And it felt incredible.
Chapter 38
Mia
Los Angeles International Airport
Jenna: In Customs now. Will meet you at curb outside baggage claim?
Me: Yes! Will be there ASAP. Can’t wait to see you!
I notified the driver to pull out of the cell phone waiting lot near LAX and head to the curb of the Tom Bradley International Terminal. We had plenty of time because William and Jenna would have to pass through Customs and then claim their luggage. So I decided to while away that time by wheedling Adam some more.
It had been almost two months since the duel, and he still wouldn’t tell me when this wedding was going to happen. And he was loving every minute of stringing me along. I’d laughed along with him at first, but as time passed, I was ready to stage a revolt.
We sat in a rented limo—part of the service we sometimes used. Though Adam still preferred driving himself most of the time, no one—not even him—liked circling an airport. Thus, I had the benefit of him being a captive audience with no distractions. I was prepared to use that benefit to get my way.
“Let’s see…how about Star Wars Day?” I asked.
“What?” He frowned.
“May 4th?” At his blank expression, I elaborated. “May. The. Fourth. As in ‘May the fourth be with you.’”
One dark brow rose. “Stupidest pun ever. Besides, we’re already past that date.”
I shrugged. “That date comes around again next year...”
His smile grew shrewd. “Oh no you don’t. I told you already, we are getting married this year.”
“But you’re not going to tell me what date.”
He shrugged. “Surprise parties are always fun. Why not a surprise wedding?”
I scowled at him. “Surprise parties are always fun? You threw a surprise party for me once that was definitely not fun. And you’ve warned me never to throw one for you. Not that I’d attempt it. Your prescient genius brain powers would sniff out the secret long before it ever happened.”
A slow, smug grin crept across his handsome face. “That’s right. I’m the one who does the surprises.”