Love, Utley (Love Letters #1)

His big body expands behind me as he yawns. “Deal.”

“Thanks for inviting me to dinner tonight,” I tell him. “It was nice to meet Max and your friends.”

“You’re welcome.” His voice rumbles against me. “I’m glad you could come.”

Silence settles around us, and my body relaxes into his.

Sleep creeps in around the edges of my awareness, and I breathe in the scent of him, agreeing that his arms are the most comfortable place on earth.

“Babe?”

“Mm-hmm,” I hum.

“Remember when your mom asked why I never got engaged?” His voice rumbles against my back.

“I remember,” I whisper.

“Because none of them were you, Hannah.” His voice is deep. Gravelly. “I never forgot you. Even when I tried, I never forgot.”

ONE HUNDRED SIX

HANNAH

BB Wolf: Have a nice Friday, Little Bunny.

Me: Thanks, in the elevator now.

Me: What are your plans for the day?

BB Wolf: Hitting the weight room with Max and his housemates this morning. Prepare yourself for my eventual death.

Me: Maybe remember that you’re retired and you have nothing to prove.

BB Wolf: Never. I’d rather die in my hotel than accept defeat.

Me: This is why women live longer.

BB Wolf: Maybe. But also, I think nature knew we wouldn’t be able to survive without our women, and that’s why you live longer.

Me: I don’t know how you can be so sweet and so stupid at the same time.

BB Wolf: It’s one of my many talents.

The elevator doors slide open, and I smile as I step off onto my floor, typing the last text while I walk toward my office.

Me: I’m at the office. Please try not to die today.

Slipping my phone into my purse, I return hellos as I walk down the hall.

It’s only been a few days since I saw Maddox.

Since the dinner.

Since we fell asleep together in my small bed.

Since I woke up alone.

Just a few days, but still far too long.