“Did you just compare your love for me to the state of a volcano?”
I slap his stomach lightly. “No. It just means inactivity.”
“That’s comforting. Can I tell our love story like that?” he pauses. “Chelsea said during our five years apart the love she had for me was inactive until I popped back into her life.”
I giggle like the school girl he turns me into. “It doesn’t sound that bad.”
“Let me give you my rendition.” Again, he pauses for dramatic effect. “I loved Chelsea from the first moment I saw her on a bar stool laughing with her friends. I had to eat the hottest wing they had and not drink anything for five minutes, but I’d do it all over again. The first time I told her I loved her, I didn’t know that I’d never be able to live without her. After my shaking hand signed the divorce papers delivered to me the morning after a binge, one would’ve thought it was over. But the seed of love was planted when we were barely adults. We starved that tree after only a short few months. Still, someone was watering that tree because it grew a little every year. It wasn’t until five years later when I held her in my arms again that the branches grew, and leaves budded. People would say it’s beautiful now, but I think it was just as beautiful when it was only a seed planted into life’s soil.”
Tears fill my eyes. His thumb swipes one away before it slips off my cheek to his t-shirt.
“But you’re right, that whole love was inactive line is the better of the two.” He smiles, and I swat him again in the stomach.
I rise to my tiptoes, planting my lips to his and when I pull away, I stare into his eyes. “I love you, Dean Bennett.”
His palms mold to my hips. “Enough for a dresser or a drawer?”
I smile at his humor and fall back down to my heels, wrapping my arms around his stomach, holding on for dear life. Pretty soon fate is going to want us to water that tree again.
“Aren’t you guys the cutest.” Hannah steps out of a taxi. She pays the driver and I see she’s upped her game tonight.
“Hannah,” Dean says, sliding his hand down my arm until it’s locked in his. “Nice to see you off the clock.”
“Technically you don’t punch a clock for me since you’re helping pro bono.” She smiles, leans forward and kisses my cheek. “Glad you could make it.”
“Nice outfit,” I comment, and she rolls her eyes. “It’s nothing.”
“Uh-huh,” I say low enough that no one really pays me attention.
She’s in a short black skirt and see-through blouse with a gold bra under. She’s asking for it tonight. And if I had my guess, I’d say she’s hoping a silver fox will hunt her down.
A black SUV pulls up and stops beside the curb. Victoria and Reed file out. Uber express, I’m sure.
“Great, we’re all here. Let’s go have some drinks and make some memories.” Hannah leads the pack down the alley as everyone says their hellos.
Reed and Dean shake hands and discuss some new judge or some legal thing I’m not interested in.
I’m wondering if I should’ve gone with my gut and taken Dean up on his offer to head straight to bed. Suddenly I really don’t want to share Dean.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ever notice how time flies when you’re happy? It’s been three weeks since Dean and I declared our love to each other and I’m not sure I’ve stayed at my own apartment since.
The saying ignorance is bliss comes to mind, too.
I haven’t spoken to my mom more than I’ve had to with Skylar’s wedding nearing. I’m still surprised she’s kept Dean and my relationship a secret from my entire family. I know this because cell phone towers would crash if they knew. I’d be getting calls from Skylar, Zoe, Mikey and whoever thinks it’s their business that I’m back with Dean.
Tonight it all changes. Tonight is Dean’s coming out party. Actually it’s a birthday party for my Aunt Liz but I have a feeling Dean will be the center of attention rather than my aunt.
“I really wish you’d told them.” Dean steps out of his bedroom in a pair of charcoal slacks and a t-shirt with a long coat that only enhances his broad shoulders. He clasps his silver watch around his wrist.
“Surprises are better.”
He raises his eyebrows. “Says you. I’m the one people are going to give the cold shoulder to. Sky and Zoe will have you hidden in the bathroom.”
My heels click on the floor as I break the distance between us. “Good thing you’re a lawyer.”
“Why is that?”
“Because you know how to set everyone at ease.” I lift my heels and kiss the hollow of his neck.
The smell of his cologne awakens my lady parts.
“I think you’re getting lawyer confused with mediator.” He squeezes my hip and pats my ass to get moving.
I walk in front of him to grab my purse.
“Sorry, Grover.” I bend and pet his head. “They don’t even know about the big guy yet. Next time.” I reach over on the end table, grab a Kleenex, and run it along the flaps of his mouth.
“I think Grover is pretty smitten with you. Maybe you should just move in.” Dean winks then busies himself putting his wallet into his pocket and his cell phone into the front of his jacket.
“Moving a little fast there, cowboy,” I remark.
“Oh, I forgot, we’re still going five under the speed limit.”
I laugh, throwing away the Kleenex and grab my clutch.
“You’re catching on.”
Neither of us taking it very seriously, he opens the door, I file out and we enter the elevator.
“Remember the days when you wanted to make-out?” I joke because this might be my first elevator ride with Dean where his hand isn’t on skin. Skin that he shouldn’t be touching in public.
“The night is young.” He winks and straightens forward.
Just when I think we’ve already moved into comfortable territory, his hand reaches for mine, grabs my wrist and tugs me next to him.
“Sorry, I’m just a little nervous.” He kisses my temple.
“Look at me.” He glances down as I tilt my neck to look up. “Don’t be. I don’t care what they think.”
His smile is tight and I’m not sure he believes me, but he will.
The elevator dings open and I walk out, nodding at the night doorman.
“Evening Mr. Bennett. Ms. …”
I tilt my head and wait for him to figure out my name. The poor young kid’s face reddens.
“I’m sorry.” He looks to Dean like he’s going to be mad.
“Tell me, Sean, do you not know my name because Mr. Bennett has so many women come through here?”
His eyes widen. “No. You’re the only one I’ve seen.”
Dean’s chest hits my back, his hand molding to my hip. “Let’s leave the new guy alone, shall we Ms. Walsh?” He chuckles.
“Sean, you seem like a good guy. You’d tell me the truth, right?”
I’m totally joking, and this kid looks like he might have a panic attack if I keep it going.
“Yes. Honesty is the best policy. For sure, Ms. Walsh.” He smiles over my shoulder to Dean.