“If I tell you, you’ll hate me forever.”
Her breath hitches and she traces her finger down my cheek and presses it softly against my lips.
“Then don’t ever tell me.”
She falls asleep in my arms and I let her stay there. I don’t know how she manages to do it, but I want to break all my rules for her. It’s easy, because all I want is to see her smile and be the one that makes her happy. I want her to love me like she loved Nick.
No.
I want her to love me more than she loved Nick.
***
When I wake up, she’s still in my bed, but she’s curled up on her side facing away from me. I can’t take my eyes off of her beautiful back, the delicate curve of her spine. I run my palm over her pale skin, ideas flowing through my mind like a kaleidoscope. She moans softly while I caress her.
I know what I’m going to do today.
***
She’s eyeing me suspiciously with a grin on her face as she sips her coffee at the table.
“You look strangely happy this morning,” she says. “Should I be worried?”
I grin back at her. “Maybe a little.”
“Will you be leaving again today to not fuck another woman?”
“No, smart-ass. I’m going to spend the day with you.”
Visible pleasure spreads across her face. I finish off my omelet and push the plate away.
“Last night was perfect. You were perfect, Tabi. I could tell you learned some things from your reading.”
Her cheeks redden. “I like when you call me that. And last night … all I can say is wow.” She fingers the rim of her coffee cup and peeks up at me. “The way you make me feel … and the things you bought for me …”
“Today I have another surprise. I have to go down in the basement for a few minutes to get what I need. While I’m down there, I want you to make the bed and put your gifts back in the guest room. I’ll put them away. I don’t want you in that closet because I have more things in there for you.”
“Okay …”