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Trey ~ One month later . . .
I PULL INTO the driveway, a nervous breath easing from my lungs. I glance at Raven in the passenger seat, and the worry washes away. This feels right, like everything does with her. This chick has turned me into a sap, but I fucking love it.
“How’s that blindfold, Princess?”
Her face tilts to the side before tipping down. “Very effective. I can’t see a thing. Are we there yet?”
I chuckle. “I’ve lost count how many times you’ve asked. Are you anxious or something?” I let my finger draw a line around her knee before drifting slowly upward. I smirk at her goosebumps and go a bit further, toying with the edge of her shorts.
“Or something,” she says while licking her lips.
“Are you ready for the surprise?”
Raven nods frantically. “Yes, you always give me the best surprises.”
My cock twitches at her breathy tone, but this isn’t about that. Maybe after. “Stay there. I’ll come to you.”
“Oooh, I like the sound of that,” she purrs.
I squeeze her thigh. “You’re a wicked tease, Princess. Don’t tempt me.”
She laughs. “Pretty sure you’re in charge of this situation.”
“Damn straight,” I state and hop out of the truck. I stride around the hood and open her door. “Hold onto me.” I grasp her hands.
“Is this really necessary? I’m going to fall and—”
I cut off Raven’s concern by scooping her into my arms. “Better?”
Her nose presses into my neck, and she inhales deeply. “Much.”
I walk up the front steps with her jostling in my grip. She giggles, and I press a kiss to her smiling lips. “I love you, Princess.”
A blush tints her cheeks. “Love you, Dirty. Lots and lots.”
I struggle with the lock until the telltale click calls out. I maneuver us over the threshold and pause in the entryway. I set Raven down before leading her further into the room. She sniffs the air while blindly swatting around.
“It smells like fresh paint,” she points out. Her tone takes on an edge of panic when she adds, “Please don’t tell me we’re banging in a hardware store.”
I link our hands and pull her to a stop. “That’s a great idea, but not today.” My fingers loosen the knot at the base of her skull. “Ready?”
When the bandana slips off her face, she blinks quickly and catches my stare. She doesn’t answer. Instead, she looks around. Without an explanation, Raven might not understand. I wait a few minutes, watching her spin in a small circle, taking in the empty space.
“Where are we, Trey?”
My throat bobs with a heavy swallow. “I figured out what this place was missing.”
“Hmm?” Raven mumbles and peers down the hall.
I turn her shoulders until she’s facing me. I need her hearing this. My pulse pounds as I reveal the significance. “You, Princess. This house and me, we have been waiting for you.”
Raven’s sapphire eyes fly to mine, wide and startled. “W-what? We’re . . . where?” She rests a palm on her forehead.
I smile at her adorable shock. “When I inherited this place, it felt like a burden. Fuck, it’s horrible to say, but it’s the truth. I couldn’t be here. Never considered stepping foot inside. The memories and ghosts were enough to keep me away. Sure, I eventually wandered into the backyard and the treehouse,” I say while wrapping my arms around her waist. “But walking through the front door wasn’t something I could fathom. Not until you.”
Tears gather in her eyes as my words settle in. “Trey, I don’t even know what to say. This is so special.”
I nod, stroking her jaw softly. My lips press along hers for a beat before I break away. “That’s not all,” I admit.
Raven wipes her face. “What else could there be? This is . . . huge.”
I scratch my temple. “I’m thinking of living here. This hasn’t been a home in far too many years, but I’m hoping to change that. They’d be happy to see me exactly where I belong.”
She gasps. “Really? That’s great—”
“But there’s too much space for me,” I cut her off. “Thinking of finding a roommate. Would this place be fit for a princess?” Raven’s mouth pops open as she stares up at me. I make it official and ask, “Wanna move in with me?”
She bounces on her toes. “Yes! So much yes!” she exclaims.
I hoist her up before locking our mouths in a searing kiss. I slide my tongue along hers and she mewls into me. Our chests press closer and I feel her heart pounding against mine. Damn, we’re beating to the same rhythm. We remain intertwined, hugging and just . . . living this moment. The weight of this decision descends around us, but the load isn’t unpleasant. Today, I only sense happiness in this house, and that makes me smile.
“What happens now?” she questions softly.
I pull away a little, gazing down at her flawless features. “We should probably christen our home, right?”
Raven’s sapphires sparkle. “I love the sound of that.”
“And I love you,” I murmur and press her against the wall. “Right where we should be to start our happily-ever-after.”