Tempt Me (Tattoos and Temptation #1) - Mia Monroe Page 0,60
gives the host at the front desk his last name. Reservations on a Sunday afternoon?
“Right this way, Mr. Onassis,” the host says with a beaming smile on his face.
Apollo takes my hand and leads me through the restaurant to a small room. The place is all blues and whites just like Greece, and as I gaze out the windows at the beach below, I feel Apollo nudge my arm. I turn as the host opens a sliding door. My mouth falls open when I see all our friends from both shops.
“Apollo, I hope this is not a surprise party. It is not my birthday.”
“No, baby, it’s not. Come on.”
We enter, greeting everyone, who seem to be acting as though it’s perfectly normal behavior to meet at a Greek restaurant in South Beach on a late Sunday afternoon. This isn’t brunch after a night out, but I decide to just go with it.
An hour goes by of chatting, drinking, telling funny stories about various customers. I meet a new man, Mitsu. I learn he’s Nix’s friend, but something tells me he’s interested in Grey because he hasn’t taken his eyes off him since we got here.
After our lunch plates are cleared, Apollo surprises me again by standing to get everyone’s attention. My brow furrows as I glance around the table. Luca winks at me while Jude gives me a smile and slight nod.
“Thanks everyone for joining us here,” Apollo starts. “Felix has no idea why I wanted this, but I’m about to tell him.”
I smile, but my stomach is a jumbled mess.
“It’s hard to believe it wasn’t that long ago when you came back to Miami. I was excited when your brother told me about it. I had fond memories of you. I remembered you as being creative, sweet, vibrant. I wondered how you had changed in ten years. I wasn’t even remotely prepared for the man you'd become.” He laughs softly. “I think I fell hard almost from the beginning. I tried to resist, but you were the definition of temptation. It didn’t take long for me to give in to your charms.”
I chuckle, avoiding everyone's gaze as my cheeks turn pink. “Apollo…”
“We’ve talked about a lot of things in the past few weeks,” he continues. “We both knew it was important for me to talk to Lucien about our budding relationship. I always knew when I went to him, I wanted to be able to tell him it was more than a crush. More than just attraction. I wanted to tell him it was love.”
I nod, but my legs are shaking. Where is he going with this?
“Then we talked about our past relationships and what was always missing. You told me that I was missing. The more I thought about that the more I agreed. The missing part of my love life was you. I was waiting for you.”
Apollo takes my hand, smiling.
“I called Lucien, Felix. I told him I was dating you, and that I wanted more with you. I told him I was in love with you.”
My mouth falls open. “Amour…”
“I’ve known it for a while, but the first time you said I couldn’t say it because you had just rocked my world.”
I hear soft chuckles around us.
“Then the second time, you were afraid I would just say it back because you said it first.”
I nod as my eyes cloud with tears.
“So, I wanted to make sure that when I did say it, you would know I was clear, I was intentional, and I wasn’t prompted by anything. I invited our friends because they’re like family to me, and I want them to know that you’ve changed my life. You’ve made me so happy. You filled the hole no one else could. I love you, Felix Marchand. I love you, and I want the whole world to know that you’re my man. You’re my person I was waiting for.”
A soft sob leaves my lips. “You called Lucien?”
“Yeah. He gave us his blessing.”
“That is wonderful. Thank you.”
“I’m not done with you yet, Felix.” He smiles, reaching across the table to take a small box from Luca. “I wanted to show you how much you mean to me. I don’t think we’re quite ready for proposals yet, but I do think we’re ready for this.” He hands me the box. “Open it, please.”
With shaking hands, I open the small white box to see a key inside. I gaze up at Apollo.
“Felix, will you move in with me? To be