Worth It (Damie)

Part 17

A/N: Real quick, in case you've missed my note and tweet: As a thank you/gift for almost 36k reads on this story, I'll be posting a Damie Christmas one-shot this week that'll be separate from here! So just stay tuned for it in case you don't get the notification :) Thanks for your patience as I finished a tough semester of school, I appreciate your love and support! Hope you enjoy ;)

***

Dakota and I enjoyed the rest of our private Hawaiian vacation. Locked up above the ocean in our own personal paradise, away from the hustle, bustle, and drama that usually consumes our lives.

She's currently in the kitchen getting everything together for our unofficial house warming party. She'd mentioned it after she moved in that she wanted to have everyone over, and I felt now was a better time than ever to have her surrounded by family and friends. She needs to get back to her norm after everything life has thrown at us.

"The outside is ready," I say as I watch her turn down the temperature on a crockpot.

"Great," she says, distracted. "Did you clean the pool out?"

I nod, although she's too busy to look at me. "Yes, the pool is good to go. I've set up the volleyball net and the grill is cleaned and gassed up."

"Thanks baby, you're the best." She quickly smiles at me.

"You're the one doing the work. But I'm going to take Zepp for a walk if you're okay here? He's antsy."

She wipes her brow. "Yeah, he knows something's up. But everything is prepped and ready. Just letting it all simmer now."

"Why don't you grab a shower and enjoy an empty house? I'll be back in a bit."

I walk over and give her a swift kiss on the cheek and she returns the gesture. "Okay thanks."

"Dude," I say, catching Zepp's attention when I pick up his leash. "Let's leave Mummy alone to catch her breath."

He runs to me, his tail wagging furiously as I link him to it. He immediately takes off towards the door, dragging me along.

"Have fun with that," Dakota calls after us.

I laugh and catch up to him. "Wild like your mama."

She makes some sarcastic remark that I miss when I close the door. Zepp barks at a bird and we're off to the races.

***

When I get back from our walk I see Mel's car in the drive. She promised she'd come early and help, and she always makes good on her promises.

I open the door and unhook Zepp's leash. He immediately takes off towards Mel.

"Hey, buddy!" She bends down to let him shower her in kisses.

"Hi, Mel," I say, walking in her direction.

She meets me with a warm hug that always comforts me. "Sweet boy, how are you?"

"Wonderful. You look great, you've been well?"

She smiles and holds me at arms length. "Flattery will get you everywhere. I'm just happy to be here. We're going to have fun invading your space."

"Kinda weird not having you host," Dakota pipes in.

She's freshly showered and her dark tresses are wrapped into a bun. She's changed into her bikini, underneath a see-through cover up. I brush my perverted thoughts to the side for now.