Page 114 of Inevitable

“Uh oh.” I laughed. “What did you do?”

“You said we could celebrate.”

“I said we could have asmallcelebration.”

“Come on,” Jonathan said, wrapping his arm around me as we walked toward the parking lot.

Dad and Lea waved and climbed into their rental car with Piper and Mason, while Jonathan opened the passenger door of his truck for me. I removed my cap and tossed it in the back seat before unzipping my gown and doing the same.

“Fuuuck,” he all but moaned, sending a bolt of desire straight to my core. He gripped my hips, and I could feel the heat emanating from him.

I bit back a smile and slowly spun to face him. Piper had given me the dress as a graduation gift. When I’d pulled it out of the box, I’d been hesitant. I mean, a white bodycon dress? But I should’ve known better than to doubt her. It looked amazing on, and it was surprisingly comfortable for such a formfitting dress. I loved the neckline—notched just enough so it gave a peek of my cleavage without revealing too much. And the same for the slit up the front—sexy yet sophisticated.

We’d spent the morning getting ready together, and it had been nice to catch up and talk about her wedding plans while she did my hair and makeup. In a few months, she’d be the one getting ready for her big day.

Jonathan backed me against the truck, his eyes pooling with desire. “Baby. Are you trying to kill me?”

“No.” I laughed, resting my hands on his lapels. “Is it too much?”

“Too much?” he choked. “Can we skip the party?”

I rolled my eyes. “No, we cannot skip the party. I’m the guest of honor, and it’s at our house.”

“Okay, then…” He ran his nose along my cheek until his lips were resting beside my ear. “Back of my truck.”

I shivered from his words and his hard-on pressing into me. It was tempting. We hadn’t had much alone time the past few days between all our guests.

“It wouldn’t be the first time.”

He inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. “No.” He released me. “No. This is your big day, and we’re going to celebrate.”

I was impressed by his restraint but couldn’t help laughing when he adjusted himself. “Okay,” I said with mock-seriousness.

“Climb in.” He gestured toward the passenger seat. “Before I change my mind.”

I shook my head and placed a foot on the step before I felt his hand sliding up my inner thigh. My core clenched, and I let out a little gasp. “Jonathan.”

“Yes. Right.” He removed his hand, and my body ached for his touch. “But damn, baby.”

“Later.” I patted his chest and climbed into my seat. “You can do whatever you want to me later.”

He swallowed hard, eyes darkening. “Promise?”

“Yes,” I said and pulled the door shut before he could change his mind.

He was quiet on the ride home, oddly so. “You okay?” I asked, a country song playing in the background.

It was about a dad and a daughter, and I tried not to pay too much attention to the words for fear I’d cry. It was so sweet, and it made me think of my relationship with my dad. Despite all that we’d been through, we were stronger than ever. I got the feeling it was still weird for him to see Jonathan and me together, but I hoped with time that would continue to lessen.

“I’m great.” He grabbed my hand and pulled it to his mouth for a kiss. “This is a big day.”

I nodded. “I’m so glad everyone could come to celebrate.”

“Me too,” he said and pulled into the driveway of our home. A “Sold” sign was in the yard, and we’d be packing up and moving back to LA in a few weeks.

He’d done an amazing job renovating the house, but we’d always known it was temporary. I was looking forward to being able to hang out with Piper more often. And to resume weekly family meals with my dad and Lea.

I didn’t see Dad’s rental car, and I assumed maybe he’d parked it down the street. But when we walked into the house, it was empty. A big “Congrats” banner hung over the fireplace, and balloons were scattered throughout, fresh flowers on nearly every surface.