and buried her face in his chest. Her heart was beating so fast, she thought it might break free just to get to him.
“Eyes up here, Uptown Girl.”
He kissed her forehead, and she met his elated gaze. “You’re crazy!”
“Crazy about you, sweet cheeks. I have a feeling we’re going to be spending a lot of time here. Take a good hard look at all those men. They will always keep you and Serena safe, even when I’m not around.”
She choked up again, and they continued swaying, though she no longer heard the music. The emotions in Justin’s eyes drowned out everything else.
“I hope I’ve found an acceptable way to stake my claim.”
Her emotions reeled, and nervous laughter bubbled out with her words. “You definitely did. Now kiss me before I climb you like a tree right here in front of everyone.”
His eyes went dark as midnight as he lowered his lips to hers. Cheers, whistles, and whoops rang out. The band started playing the song at normal speed, and friends and family poured onto the dance floor. Chloe added another night to her best nights ever list. With Justin in her life, she had a feeling the list would be never-ending. And there in his arms, with the beat of the music pulsing between them, surrounded by the people they loved most, she gave herself over to the sweetest kiss she’d ever experienced—and to the man she adored.
Chapter Twenty-Two
THE WARM DAYS of June gave way to an even balmier July. It had been eight blissful days and seven sexy nights since that wonderful night at the Salty Hog. Busy days had led to full evenings for Chloe and Justin. They tried to visit with Shadow and Sampson as often as they could. Sampson’s adoptive family was working with Sidney to try to acclimate him to their current pet. Justin continued working on the sculpture for the rally, and Chloe made an album of Gracie for Starr, as promised. Chloe was also working with Madigan to flesh out a long-term puppetry program in hopes of the funding for the trial being approved. Chloe and Justin had made time for breakfast with their friends at Summer House one morning, and last night they’d met Serena and Drake at Gavin and Harper’s for dinner. She’d enjoyed spending the evening with them. But what she’d enjoyed even more was when they’d gotten back to Justin’s house and he’d led her around to the deck, where they’d danced beneath the stars, just as they’d done a month earlier at Chloe’s cottage. It was another unforgettable night. It didn’t matter how busy or tired they were, they ended each night tangled up in each other’s arms.
While Justin was working in his studio the afternoon of July Fourth, Chloe headed to her cottage to pick up a few things. “Seriously, Serena, life is more beautiful than ever,” she said through her Bluetooth. “We spent the whole morning in bed.”
“No way. You’ve never slept in. Not even when we were kids.”
“I know, and I learned something about myself now that weekends have become our time. I always told myself I liked getting a jump on the day and staying one step ahead. But after spending lazy mornings lying in Justin’s arms talking, making love, or just being, I think I’ve always been running, afraid to slow down and just enjoy life. I’ve never felt safe enough to slow down before. Does that make sense to you?”
“Yes. You were always taking care of me or planning things for work or making something for someone. I’m glad Justin’s got you loosening up and letting yourself relax. He really sees who you are, Chloe, even better than I do. He’s bringing out parts of you that you had to shove down deep in order to survive. Not all guys are like that.”
“I realize that. I got lucky,” Chloe said as she parked in front of her cottage.
“I’m happy for you, but I’m not gonna lie, sis,” Serena said. “It feels weird to spend the Fourth without you.” Serena was spending the Fourth on Drake’s boat with their friends from Bayside, and Chloe could hear them chattering in the background.
Chloe had a fleeting pang of guilt about choosing to spend the evening with Justin instead of their friends, but it disappeared as quickly as it had come. This was a first for her and Justin, and they deserved it. “I know. I’m sorry. It is for me, too. But I’m excited to