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“Umm, you do remember the Empty Contest, right?”
Her giggle made him laugh. “Let’s not discuss that ridiculous contest, Mr. Marcus. Tell me what you’re thinking.”
He’d been tossing the idea around for a couple of weeks, working on the logistics of it. But he couldn’t make it work, not even in his mind, without Julie’s input. He needed her even in his imaginary whatifs. “How would you feel about inviting them to be partners in the bar? All of them. We obviously don’t need their money to rebuild, but Da
The way her eyes glowed in the soft light from the nightstand lamp was striking, but not nearly as magnificent as her smile. “It’s an amazing idea. I love it.”
“You do?”
“I do! And I love you.”
“Thank God for that.”
***
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, with everyone except Kyle, who was still hospitalized, sitting around the tree, bellies full, and drinks in hand, Julie and Da
Da
Butterflies flapped in her stomach as each couple and Lyla unwrapped their gifts. In each box was a white tag attached to a long, ornate, iron key.
In your home,
you are always loved.
Welcome home.
Da
“Look at me,” Da
The noise was deafening as everyone spoke at once. Squeals of excitement and grunts of appreciation carried through the room.
“Think it’s safe to say they like their gifts.” Da
“Yeah, well, you’ve always been a very generous giver,” Julie said.
“I got something large to give you the minute they all leave.” His brows lifted with his sexual i
“Okay,” she called to the group, “the later it gets, the worse the roads get with drunk drivers and such. So you should all get going.”
Da
“Why don’t you just admit you want us to leave so you guys can fool around?” Max challenged.
Da
“Yep.” Max popped the p and ducked when Janie punched his arm.
“Yeah, so that isn’t at all awkward for my date here,” Lyla deadpa
“The dude has met you, right?” Ryan jabbed. “Hell, the shit that came out of your mouth tonight alone would cause lesser men to rock in a corner.”
“Whatever.” Lyla waved off the comment. “He’ll be gone by the end of the night anyway. It’s just fun.” Lyla hugged Julie and left.
Ashley giggled. “Love that woman. And we’re out of here too. Night, guys.”
“Merry Christmas, everyone,” Julie shouted and closed the front door behind them just before Da
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The Woman Still Blushes
MONTHS PASSED, AND construction progressed on the bar. With everyone, including Kyle, on board as partners, Da
Seeing the happiness on Ashley and Ryan’s faces and the sparkly magic on her left ring finger made Julie giddy with excitement. His proposal on Christmas morning had been a surprise to Ashley but not to Julie or Da
As for Kyle, while his body was mending, he was emotionally stagnant. It didn’t seem to matter what she, Da
Da
“I know the look.” Julie arched her brow. “And in case you missed it, Kyle isn’t going anywhere. That boy is holding on to her for dear life.”
She was proud. Kyle had found love. She saw it in every move he made, and he was going the distance to make sure his woman knew he was all in. Knowing Cate, it may not be easy for him, but Julie believed his strength and stubborn nature would finally work to his benefit.
Cate and her business partner, Elliot, owned a party-pla
Two weeks after reopening, Julie and Da
“Of course they are.” Confidence oozed from the grin that overtook Da
“Maybe you should show me some of your greatness.” Her bottom lip met her teeth, and Da
“No, Jules, I think you’re go
No wonder every time I walk into an office supply store, I get aroused. Then she got on her knees and only thought about the delicious task in front of her.
***
DANNY FELT A certain kind of peace watching how each of the kids found happiness with their significant others. Kyle was still struggling with Cate, but he had no doubt that in the end, Kyle would get his girl. Which left Lyla.
Lyla, after more than a year, still managed to confound him. Sometimes Da