Page 80 of Purr For Me
Lexie heard a flurry of activity behind her and Kade, and Marcus and company swooped down on them, joining them at the table. All eyes turned on the couple, waiting for their answer.
They looked at each other, and Lexie’s mouth turned down. “Sorry, guys.”
Expressions of disappointment surrounded them, and even Sully looked a little disappointed. Kade and Lexie laughed at their prodding to “do the deed,” as Sully put it. Kendra admonished him, and the siblings started a mouth-battle that ended up in a challenge to a game of volleyball.
Once the furor had died down, Kade put an arm around Lexie. “How do you feel about going home and putting steaks on the grill? Maybe drinking a little wine?”
“I think that’s a fine idea.”
They made the rounds, saying goodbye to their friends, and walked to the Alfa. Kade only drove it on the weekends or for special occasions.
He threw the keys to Lexie. “Your turn.”
Lexie caught them, unlocked the door, and slid behind the wheel. She turned the ignition and smiled at the growl of the engine before it turned into a soft purr. It reminded her of the throaty purr her man made in their bed. Seatbelts on, Lexie headed for home. She loved that word. The house she shared with Kade was a home. A place where they came together and shared their lives.
Opening the glove compartment, Kade took out the blue box containing Lexie’s engagement ring and opened it.
It was on a beautiful gold chain, because a mechanic couldn’t work with a rock that size on her finger. As he slipped the chain over her head, she asked, “When are we going to put them out of their misery?”
A devilish smile curved Kade’s mouth. “When their reaction stops being funny.” He sobered and arched an eyebrow. “Unless you’re saying that you’re ready to let everyone know?”
Lexie watched him straighten the chain, making sure the ring hung straight. It was amusing and touching how fussy he was about it. Her eyes traveled up his chiseled torso, and over his wide shoulders before meeting his gaze. “Not tonight. Tomorrow is soon enough. Let’s go home and celebrate.”
His grin never ceased to make her heart beat a little faster. “Again?”
She leaned over and pressed a kiss to his mouth. “And again, and again,” she whispered against his lips.
Kade tried to claim her lips, but she laughed and moved out of reach. “Safety first, I’m driving.”
“Tease,” he accused.
She winked at him. “Just a little preview of what comes after dinner.”
Kade groaned. “After dinner? You’re killing me here, and you know it.”
“Patience is a virtue, Kade.”
“Screw patience.”
They hit the freeway, and Lexie downshifted. “You’re right. Patience is overrated.” She pressed down on the accelerator, shifted and sent them flying along the road.
Kade whooped, and she joined him as they sped toward the darkening horizon. The motor roared, and she thrilled to the sound, her heart hammering almost as hard as it did when she made love with Kade.
Looking across the car at the man who seemed to have endless patience, Lexie’s heart flooded with emotion as he grinned back at her. Every day she woke up, she fell a little more in love with him. How could she keep refusing his daily proposals when he’d repeatedly proven himself to her?
She’d accepted his proposal the weekend she’d taken him to the cabin and shared her memories of her mother with him. He’d gotten down on one knee at the lake front where she’d sprinkled her mother’s ashes, and promised they’d make memories at the cabin of their own, and they had.
The ring around her neck clunked against the locket she held so dear. Her mother was always with her, and it was as if her mother was saying, “Well done, my girl. Be happy.” And she was.
The happiness they now shared had been a long time coming, but their slow ride had been just what she’d needed. It amazed her how understanding Kade had been about it, how wonderfully he treated her.
She turned back to the road and felt his hand slid under the back of her hair. He gave her neck a little squeeze, and that little gesture was so filled with love that it almost brought tears to her eyes.
“Step on it, babe. I’m hungry.”
Glancing at him, she knew by his expression that he wasn’t talking about food. Her appetite had suddenly taken the same direction, and she decided that steak would have to wait. “Tighten your seat belt, sexy.”
With practiced ease, Lexie sent the car sailing and weaved between the cars ahead. Just like they were flying along now, she didn’t need a slow ride anymore. She was ready to leave all the heartache and sorrow behind and race into an incredible future, with the man she loved by her side.
THE END