Page 18

SEVENTEEN

willa

I wanted to be at Declan’s apartment when he got home, but Belle reminded me I’m supposed to be bringing mac and cheese to Thanksgiving tomorrow. She actually asked me if she should have the fire department on standby when I attempt to cook it, but it reminded me nonetheless.

“I’m sorry I’m late!” I yell, barreling my way into Declan’s apartment. “Trying to find a pre-made mac and cheese that looks like it’s homemade was harder than I thought.” I frown when I get no response. “Dec?”

His duffle bag is on the sofa, but he’s not there. The kitchen is empty except for some takeout containers on the counter and a burned smell that’s still overpowering the peach scented candle he’s lit. If Declan tried to cook, it’s a miracle this building is still standing.

I make my way to the other side of the apartment to where the bedroom is. The door is wide open, and I can hear Declan singing in the shower. I laugh to myself and throw my overnight bag onto the bed. The man can play hockey like no other, but singing is definitely not in his skill list.

I turn to tell him as much when my jaw drops. I didn’t realize the door to the en suite was open. There in all his wet, naked glory is Declan. I watch the water run down his broad shoulders to the firm muscles of his back, straight to his perfectly round ass and down his muscular thighs. Jesus, it’s like someone sculpted him from marble.

“You like what you see, Princess?” My eyes fly up to meet his. He’s looking over his shoulder at me with a smug grin on his face. The green in them is sparkling in that way it always does when he’s being a little shit. My face heats, and I slap my hands over my eyes way too late.

“Your tan line is blinding!” I complain before turning and running out of the room.

“You should see it from the front!” he yells before laughing at his own joke.

I curl up in a ball on the couch with my face in my hands. The heat of embarrassment refuses to leave my cheeks. I feel Declan sit next to me before his warm arms wrap around my shoulders.

“I know you’re still reeling from seeing my magnificent ass, but can we eat? I’m starving.”

“Why were you in the shower?” I mumble into my hands. “Did you suck so bad at practice that they didn’t let you use the shower?” Declan and his team got back to Boston late this morning, but they had to head straight to the training facility for practice and strength training. Dec also had physical therapy for his knees, so he’s just getting home.

Declan laughs. “I may have tried to cook, and the smell may have clung to me.”

I peek through my fingers and look at him. His hair is still wet with water droplets clinging to the tips. His smile is warm, no hint of awkwardness. At least on his end. I’m still feeling weird about seeing him naked. He gently pries my hands away from my face and pulls me up to stand with him.

“Come on, Princess. Let’s dance,” he says, pulling me into him. One of my hands lands on the center of his chest while the other is still firmly in his grasp.

“There’s no music,” I say, swaying with him anyway.

“Remember, you asked for this,” he says before belting out the most off-key version of “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Ray. I sway in his arms and laugh at his singing. The embarrassment slowly seeping from my body and replacing it with joy.

“Those are my favorite memories, you know. Summer nights with you.” Declan pulls me completely into him, my cheek against his chest and his arms wrapped around me. He’s still swaying, but luckily he’s switched to humming.

Memories of nights just like this flash behind my closed eyes. Declan singing while we watch fireworks over a lake. Me faking a twisted ankle anytime our parents made us go on hikes so he would carry me on his back. Both of us dancing around the campfire, trying to summon whatever spirit could make the summer last longer.

“Mine too,” I admit. I have tons of great memories with Belle and Cal. Kai and Ezra, too, just a little later. Even Mav, but his tend to be tainted with the loss of Ezra. But the memories I have with Declan will always hold a special place in my heart.

Declan’s hand gently cups my chin. I look up at him. The way he’s looking at me makes my stomach clench and my heart race. There are so many emotions in his eyes, but the adoration is the most prominent.

“Dec,” I start to say, but he leans in and captures my mouth before any more words can escape. His kiss is soft, gentle, but it sends electricity through my body. I shudder, and he pulls me against him, wrapping me in his arms. I kiss him back with more urgency and desperation. Every kiss we’ve shared before has been public. The little voice in the back of my mind is telling me this isn’t supposed to be happening. I ignore it and sink into the way he’s making me feel. My heart feels like it’s about to burst, and my underwear is soaked through. There is no part of me that doesn’t want to be kissing Declan right now.

Too soon, he pulls away. “Date me,” he says between ragged breaths.

“What?”

“Date me,” he repeats.

“We’re married. I think we skipped that part.” I laugh, but it sounds strange in my ears.

“I don’t care. I want to be with you, Willa. I want a real relationship with you.” His eyes are so earnest and hopeful that I want to agree, but I can’t get the words out.

“What?” is all I can manage.

“Say yes. Let me take you on a date. Let me show you how good we are together.” He leans down and kisses me sweetly. “Let me kiss you whenever I want, not just for other people.”

I’m still wrapped in his arms, my brain switching between total shut down and complete overload.

“Say yes,” he whispers in my ear.

“Yes,” I say so quietly I’m not sure he heard me. The smile that breaks out on his face tells me he did.

He swings me up into his arms. “Let’s go to bed. It’s late.”

I look at the clock as he carries me to the bedroom. “It’s only nine.”

He ignores me.

“Dec,” I say and laugh when he tosses me on the bed.

“Get ready for bed, Princess.”

I head to the bathroom and quickly change and brush my teeth.

“Are we really going to bed?” I ask, making my way to my side even though I’m protesting. I’m actually exhausted and an early bedtime sounds wonderful. “Dec?” I look up to find him staring at me. The look in his eyes sets my body on fire.

“You look fucking perfect in my shirt, Princess.” His voice is low and sexy as hell. He gets in on his side, never taking his eyes off me. “Come here.” He lifts the covers, and I quickly scramble under them.

“Good night.” My voice is wobbly either from the nerves or how turned on I am.

Declan pulls me into him. My head is on his shoulder and my hand lands on his chest. He pulls my leg over his thigh before nuzzling the top of my head. “I missed you so much. I just need to hold you.”

His hold tightens around me, like he’s scared I’ll say no and leave. “I missed you too.” His body relaxes with my words, and he’s sound asleep within seconds.

I watch the rise and fall of his chest while I come to terms with what just happened. I agreed to date my best friend. To date Declan. And I’m not absolutely terrified like I thought I would be anytime I dared to imagine this situation over the years. Instead, I feel content, happy. I smile and snuggle deeper into Declan’s chest, his arm tightening around me automatically, even in sleep.

I don’t overthink it. I just let myself fall asleep to the sound of Declan’s breathing and the memories of nights dancing under the stars.