"And what's the par I set?" I ask teasingly.
Slowly, her hand runs up my chest, and I fight the primal urge to throw her on the bed and let the guys go to the event without us.
"Perfection," she says at last, and my thoughts all collide at once while my heart searches for a rhythm.
Perfection? Only with her. I've never treated anyone the way I treat her. I've belonged to Rain Noles since the day we met.
I crush my lips to hers and spin her against the wall, caging her in with my arms as I devour her. If it wasn't for the three assholes creating mock coughing noises from the living room, I'd already be inside her right now.
"Later," I murmur shakily while pulling away very, very, very reluctantly.
"Definitely," she says, grinning as our fingers lace together.
We walk out to see Corbin, Maverick, and Dale with their arms crossed over their chests, all three of them glowering at me like I just defiled their sister. Tria is stifling a grin, trying not to get too close to the action. Kode is apparently still in the car. I dread his reaction tonight, because I'm not keeping my hands off Rain just to appease him.
We walk outside after locking up, and my arm angles from her shoulder to her waist as I pull her to me. Tonight, we're the ones people will envy, because no one loves someone the way I love her.
Rain and I sit at the far end of the limo, while Kode stays near the front. I only thought the air in here was thick before I picked Rain up.
Her hand comes to rest in my lap, and I clutch it in my hand, trying not to grin like an idiot when she smiles happily. It's still hard to believe that she's mine, even though we've yet to discuss what happened six years ago.
Why'd she get so cold on me?
As happy as I am that she's finally mine, I'm also worried about what's going to happen. Rain Noles hurt me the first time, and we weren't even considered an actual couple. As hard as I've already fallen right now, she'd crush me if she did the same thing.
I should keep some guards up, but it's impossible to do when that disarming grin splits her face. I love making her smile like that.
"You two gonna be eye-fucking each other all night, or is this just a moment?" Corbin asks dryly, and Rain cuts her eyes toward him in warning.
It's funny to watch a man built like pro athlete cower to a petite little thing like Rain. But they all cower to her. I was the only one who ever told her the truth, or told her when she was being an idiot. Then again, she never once threatened my balls either.
"I like your roses, Britt," Rain says, smiling at my sister who is gazing down fondly at the dozen red roses in her arms.
"Thank you. Dane got them for me. I've never had roses before."
Rain's smile grows bigger, and she nestles in closer to me.
"You look incredible tonight," I murmur against her ear, grinning when she shivers under my breath.
"Thank you," she says in a husky voice that proves she doesn't want to be stuck in a limo with other people.
It takes so much restraint, but I don't kiss her. Later. We'll have all the time in the world later.
***
RAIN
This is the worst I've ever hated any sort of party. This charity is for feeding the hungry. I'm going to hell because all I can think about tonight is getting Dane out of here and enjoying what I've always wanted—him. Have I not waited long enough? I'd say eleven years of waiting is more than plenty.
Britt is the only amusement I've had in hours. She's still holding those roses tightly to her body—even as they wilt—and carrying them around for everyone to see. If not for her, I'd be pulling my hair out right now.
"You look bored," a sexy voice says in my ear, and I grin foolishly while Dane wraps his warm arms around my waist, tugging my back to his front.
"I'm less bored now."
So this is what it feels like. I've written so many romances, and all of them have spawned from the way Dane made me feel when I was just a kid. Now that his arms are wrapped around me, and we've actually started a real relationship... It's better than I thought it could feel, and we've just begun.
I thought we'd talk about the letter, but I really don't want to ruin this night. Instead, I turn in his arms so that I can face him, and I smile up at him as he leans down to press a teasing kiss to my lips.
"I'm done!" a girl screams angrily, and I jump in a startled response, whipping around to see what's going on.
Erica tosses what's left of her champagne in Wren's face, and he closes his eyes while clenching his jaw. She storms out, leaving behind several gasps and dropped jaws. Wren takes a napkin from Tag and wipes his face as everyone stares, still stunned.
"Let's crank up the music," Tag says, trying to make everyone look away from his friend.
Ash shakes her head while watching the doorway where Erica retreated. I don't even know what to say or do right now.