Page 122 of Taking the Pitch
“I wouldn’t sayhate,” she says, running her hand softly over where my new tattoo is. “It was more strongly dislike.”
“Well, I’m glad I was able to win you over.”
She gives me a wicked grin and grabs the lapels of my jacket, pulling me closer. “Did you though? Maybe I’m just using you for your big dick.”
I close the distance, capturing her lips in a deep, slow kiss. She snakes her hands around my neck and tugs at the short strands of hair, making me growl into her mouth.
The ding of the elevator brings me to the present, and I pull back just as the doors open and shouts of ‘Surprise.’ surround us.
Amelia jumps, letting out a surprised squeal. She stands there, looking back and forth between me and the room full of people. “What are you all doing here?”
Charlie and Hazel step forward, each taking one of Amelia’s arms and pull her out of the elevator and into the living room. “We’re here to celebrate you and your fiancé,” Charlie tells her.
“And your birthday, of course,” Hazel adds.
I step out of the elevator looking at the decorations Charlie, Hazel, my mom, and Lucy set up. Next to the entrance is a balloon arch with gold and pink balloons with a banner that says ‘Congratulations’ in the middle and ‘Happy Birthday’ below that. Streamers in the same colors as the balloons are strung throughout the room. Meat and cheese trays, fruit trays, and a variety of other types of finger foods are laid out across the kitchen island.
Everyone who was at Thanksgiving, plus Coach Dixon and his wife, are there to celebrate with us. Mom and Dad come up to us first. Mom pulls Amelia into a hug while Dad pats me on the back. “Congratulations, Son. I knew when you brought her to the house, that was it,” he says, giving me a wink.
“Thanks Dad.”
Mom moves over to me while Dad trades her, hugging Amelia. “Oh Juddson. I knew you two were meant for each other.”
I give Mom a hug. “Thanks for always being there for me, Mom. I don’t tell you how much I appreciate you and what you’ve done for me over the years enough. I love you.”
Mom cups my cheek. “Of course, Judd, that’s what parents do.”
Hazel and Charlie drag Mom and Amelia off to the rest of the women to fawn over my beautiful fiancée and her ring. I head over to where the guys are. “Congrats, little brother. Now you can stop hitting onmyfiancée,” Kessler says, slapping my back, then pulling me into a hug.
“Thanks, Kess. And not a chance,” I say, returning the hug.
Kessler shakes his head and laughs, then looks around and lowers his voice, “I also wanted to tell you, Lucy and I went to look at Ruby yesterday. We’re going to adopt her. Lucy fell in love the minute Ruby laid her head on her lap.”
“I knew she would be a perfect fit.”
Kessler nods. “We’re going to take Hudson to meet her tomorrow and sign the official papers.”
“That’s great, Kess. I’m glad Ruby will finally get a home.”
I move onto Reese and Brent both humming ‘another one bites the dust’.
“You just wait, you two are going to fall hard for someone and I’m going to be there every step of the way telling you ‘I told you so’.”
Garrett holds his hand out for a shake. “Can’t say I ever thought you’d find someone to put up with your dumb ass, but I guess I’ve been proven wrong.”
“I love you too, Garrett,” I tell him, returning the shake.
I look around and spy Hudson and Kade on the couch.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell the group, walking over to where the boys are. Hudson sees me first and gets up from the couch to give me a hug. “Mom says I’m supposed to tell you congratulations.”
I laugh and give him a hug back. “Thanks dude. I know this isn’t fun for you guys, but it means a lot to have you here,” I tell both him and Kade. They just shrug their shoulders, quickly returning to their game once they’ve greeted me.
Looking around, I spot Amelia over near the drink table. Making my way over there, I sidle up to her. “Excuse me miss, has anyone told you you’re the most beautiful woman here?”
She giggles and takes a drink. “Sorry, but I’m engaged,” she says, holding up her left hand. The ring looks like it was made just for her.
“Who’s the lucky guy?” I ask, looking around the room then back at her.
