It’s just lucky your aunt has a big enough house for all of us until it’s done.”
“That is lucky,” I said, aware they would have been staying here with us and sleeping in the living room.
“Anyway, I better go. Your father wants to go to the hardware store, and I have to go with him so he doesn’t spend all our money on useless things.”
“Good luck,” Wade said.
“Thank you. Love to you both.”
“Love you, Mom.”
When Wade didn’t respond, uncomfortable with the word and expressing his emotions because of his asshole parents, Mom called, “Wade?”
“Ah, yeah, you too.”
She giggled. “That’ll do.” Then she hung up.
I placed the plate on the table and walked over to him, slipping my arms around his waist. “You’ll get there.”
“It’s not because I don’t want to say it. I just ain’t tellin’ your mom I love her when I haven’t said it to you first.”
My heart perked up and skipped a beat before taking off in flight, along with my stomach.
“Um… okay,” I muttered.
He tucked some hair behind my ear. “Eyes, Lucas.”
I looked up at him.
He smiled softly. “You know, right?”
“What?”
“That I fuckin’ love you.”
My stupid eyes chose that moment to water for no reason, and all my swoony emotions were swirling inside me.
I licked my lips, cleared my throat, and said, “I had a feeling you did, but hearing it makes it even better.” I thumped my forehead against his chest. “I love you too.”
He chuckled. “Babe, I’d like to see you when you say it so I can kiss you.”
Sucking in a deep breath, I lifted my head and told him, “I love you too, Wade.”
“Thank you for givin’ it to me.”
“Same. Except your love to me.”
He grinned, then dipped down to take my mouth in a smooth, soft, passionate kiss.
I was on a high for the rest of the day from Wade telling me he loved me. I was sure I aced the test as well, but that didn’t even compare to Wade’s words. I had just walked into the house when my phone rang, and Wade’s name showed on the screen.
“Hi,” I answered.
“Hey, babe. All good for tonight, but if anyone fucks with you, I’ll deal with it.”
“I’m sure it will be fine.”
He grunted. “We’ll see. I’m just headin’ out to look at this house. Want to come with me?”
“Do you have time to pick me up?” I asked. I’d been to a few houses with Wade to check them out. It didn’t bother me what it was like or where it was because if Wade was there, I would be happy to spend a few nights in the week there with him.
“Always got time, babe. Trix will wait until we get there anyway.”
Trix. I wasn’t a fan of the realtor Wade was with. She looked at my man like he was a roller coaster, and she wanted a ride… or ten. Still, I supposed looking wasn’t too bad, as long as touching never happened.
“Okay, I’d love to come.”
“See you soon,” he replied, and I waited for him to hang up, but he didn’t.
“Wade?”
“Love you, babe.”
I gripped the table in front of me as I melted. “Love you, Wade Williams.”
He grunted, but it was one of his happy ones. There was something in his tone that helped me differentiate between them.
Before Wade showed, I’d managed to get in a quick bite to eat and was out in front waiting for him while I read from one of my textbooks. Since it was finals time, I had to use all the spare time I had to study.
When I heard a car pull into the drive, I looked up and smiled. Wade had his window down, and he called out, “I’m surprised you heard me. You didn’t get a chance to get in your bubble, babe?”
I rolled my eyes. “No, I haven’t been long out here, smartass.” I put my book down and left it on the seat on the front porch. I doubted anyone would be interested in stealing it. I jumped down the stairs, nearly tripped, but straightened and went to the passenger door while my boyfriend laughed at me.
As soon as I was in the car, he cupped the back of my head and tugged me into him. “Hey.” He grinned.
“Hi,” I whispered, lost in his eyes. But then I closed them because his lips were on mine.
We broke apart, and Wade ordered, “Seat belt.”
I snorted but did as he asked. Without a doubt, he would have sat at the front