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“It’s nothing.” She shrugged it off. “It
was just my mother. You know her.”

“What did she say?”

“The usual. That we would never suit
because we’re so different. That you’d never settle down. That you’re too
young.”

“I’m only a year younger than you.”

“I know. I told her that too.”

“And we’re not that different. We like the
same movies. We like the same pizza toppings. We like the same things in bed.”
He smirked, tugging her closer to him. Relieved when she snuggled into his
embrace, he whispered against her hair, “Don’t listen to people, honey. They
don’t know anything about us.”

“She’s my mom, Jared.”

“And I’m your boyfriend.”

That made her smile. “True.”

“Promise me you won’t do anything you don’t
want to again, okay? And tell me next time.”

“Okay,” she agreed before taking a step
back.

“Not so fast.” He clasped her hand in his.
“You still haven’t told me why you go on daily hikes.”

Her gaze shifted to a spot in the distance,
as if she was afraid to look at him. “It’s nothing.”

“Sara.”

She sighed. “I thought it would help. With
my figure, you know.”

“What?” He froze. “Why?”

“I…I let myself go over the past year. My
mother was right. You see, I’m pear-shaped. My top half’s okay, but I have big
hips and a big butt too. I don’t look too good right now, but I’m sure I can do
much better!” Her voice rose on the final words.

He was shaking his head even before she was
finished. “Who the hell told you that? I like you just the way you are. Hell, I
love your ass! I can’t think of anything else when we’re apart, baby. I don’t
want you to change for me. Seriously, if you don’t like walking, then stop,
hon.”

“But—”

“But nothing. I never asked you to change,
Sara.”

She blinked. “That’s…true.” Her eyebrows
snapped together as if she was mulling this over.

“I love you, baby.” He drew her closer,
hoping their proximity would remind her how good it was between them. “I don’t
want you to change. Hell, if you want to do this for yourself, I’d understand.
I would miss your ass, I’ve gotta admit, but I’d live with it. If you’re hiking
only because you think it’ll please me, then stop. Just stop.” He took a deep
breath and added, “I thought you liked your curves.”

“I do. I did.” She bit her lower lip.
“You’re right. I was stupid.”

He pressed a soft kiss on her forehead.
“Not stupid, just misguided.”

She snorted. “You’re being nice here, Dayton.”

“I’m always nice,” he replied. “Except when
I’m naughty.”

This time she laughed out loud, making him
feel as if he’d won the Grand Prix. It was his turn to smile when she said,
“Let’s go. I want to take a warm bath as soon as we get home. I’m sweaty
everywhere.”

“I know.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

Her laugh echoed all around them as they
turned back to the path and started climbing once more, hand in hand. They were
happy and that was all that mattered. Whatever everyone else thought, they had
each other…and wasn’t that the most important thing in the world?

Also by
Emma Hillman

Finally
His

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