Lying on top of Goldie, Hailey swept her fingers over his chest slowly. “That was incredible,” she murmured.
He kissed her forehead and squeezed her tighter to him. Reaching over, he grabbed the remote and muted the television. “I can’t wait for us to hit the road next week. Riding up the California coast has always been something I’ve wanted to do, and having you pressed behind me will be fuckin’ awesome.”
“And we have almost a month to take it easy. I can’t wait to make love to you on the beach. We’ll have to bring a big blanket because a roommate of mine in college told me that everyone gets gum in their hair when they make love on the beach. She was from Santa Cruz, and she told me she was always cutting gum out of her hair as a teenager.” Hailey sniggered.
“I’ll make sure the only sticky stuff you have on you will come from me,” he said as he cupped her chin. Dipping his head down, he kissed her while he ran his hand up and down her bare back.
“I’ve always wanted to go to California. I was supposed to visit Amber, my old roommate, in Santa Cruz, but life happened, and after college, we drifted apart. Maybe I’ll look her up if we’re in her area. It’d be fun to reconnect.”
They lay together in a comfortable quietness. After a long while, she said softly, “Ryan called me today.”
“I know. He texted me,” Goldie replied.
She lifted up and stared at him. “He did? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because when you came over all sexy, I wasn’t thinking about it.” He winked at her.
She brushed her lips across his. “What did he say?”
“That he talked to you, and he thanked me again for saving your life. Then he said he’d call me if he got leave at Christmas. I was surprised as fuck that he reached out to me. I just figured we were done.”
Elation zipped through her, and she hugged him tightly. “I’m so happy. All I want is for the two most important men in my life to get along. By the time Christmas comes, Ryan will see that what we have isn’t a pit stop for you…or for me.”
Goldie pressed her closer to him until there wasn’t any space between them. “What he’s gonna see is how fuckin’ crazy in love I am with you. I’d like us to be buds again, but if he can’t accept us, so be it. There’s no damn way I’m letting you out of my life. We’re together, no matter what.”
Warmth radiated through her, and her heart felt as though it would burst. Loving and being loved by Goldie completed her, and even though she suspected Ryan’s anger would eventually dissipate, there was no way in hell she’d ever consider leaving Goldie. He was the piece of the puzzle that made her life perfect. She knew no matter what happened, they’d stand by each other.
“Anyway, once we have some kids, there’s no way Ryan’s gonna miss out on being an uncle,” Goldie said into her hair.
She swallowed. “You’re ready to have kids?”
His baritone laugh rumbled from his chest. “Not yet. I was talking about down the road. Like in a few years.”
“Whew…I was starting to sweat. I want kids too, but not for a while. We’ve got time. Anyway, Aunt Patty’s officially handing the store over to me after the holidays. She’s feeling great and has booked a small villa in Tuscany. She’s planning to stay at least six months. My mom’s planning to go over and visit her.”
“I’m happy for her. She had a rough year. You’ll be a kickass business owner.”
“It’s what I always wanted. I’m so happy, and you’re a huge reason why.”
Goldie kissed her. “You make my world rock, woman. We’re meant to be together.”
And they were. She was just glad that they’d given each other a chance.
As they lay together, holding each other, she realized that there was no other place on earth she’d rather be than with Goldie in their new home.
It doesn’t get any better than this. She nuzzled her head against his neck, brushing her lips across his collarbone.
And it didn’t. After all the dates and failed relationships, she was where she always wanted to be—with Goldie.
“I love you,” she whispered against his taut skin.
“And I love you too, babe. I always will.” Goldie stroked her cheek with his finger.
With a contented sigh, she closed her eyes and let the comfort and warmth of him wrap around her as she slowly drifted off to sleep.