had symbolized eternity to his grandparents. They were happy. Why couldn’t we share a similar fate?
“Believe in me Julia. I just need you to believe. I’ll do the rest.”
“I’ll believe.” I’ll do my best. “We should go back to the main house.”
“It’s nice here,” he said, exploring my neck.
“Yes- very, but we should blow out the candles on the path. I’m rather fond of my house.”
We extinguished the candles as we made our way back home, walking hand in hand. The night had been perfect, even if he didn’t get the immediate answer he was hoping for. He was correct. I was a bit too practical to always be romantic and carefree. I also wasn’t one to ignore the lessons of the past. I had Henry back. I didn’t feel the need to complicate our life with a marriage proposal, but I would give his proposal the consideration it deserved. At the end of the week, I would answer his question.
The house was quiet. There was no sign of Kate which was good since I was carrying my dress instead of wearing it. His shirt just covered my assets and I wasn’t in a state to entertain Gabe.
I hopped onto the kitchen counter and tossed my dress aside.
“I’m starving. Do you want something to eat?” he asked.
He began riffling through the fridge and pantry.
“Take your pick. I could run a grocery store out of this kitchen.”
“That was your father. It was nice for him to think of that.”
“It was nice for him to pay someone to think of that.”
“You’ve got to give him a break, Jewels. You can’t hate him forever.”
“I don’t hate- I dislike. I still love his black, cold heart.”
“Ouch.”
He halted his mission and walked to me, placing his body between my open knees. I felt his hands rest on my backside as he scooted me forward in his hold.
“Be sweet.”
I gave him that grin- the one that gets me out of trouble and he relented, kissing me. I pulled back.
“I’m weak as dishwater. How about an early breakfast? Pancakes?”
“Bacon?” he added.
His hands unbuttoned the shirt I was wearing and I started to giggle.
“What if Kate comes back? Seeing her brother’s naked body would scar her for life.”
“Danishes instead? Breakfast in bed?” he offered.
“Race you.”
8
I woke up in his arms and all was right with the world, for this day. I didn’t want to wake him. Knowing that he was mine and hoping for the promise to bring about a happy future made me feel that elusive sense of peace that always seemed out of reach. He had promised one week of no interruptions. No business calls or business trips was his pledge. It was going to be Jewels all day, all night, and all the time for seven glorious days. I was so excited over the prospect. My hands moved to feel the smile on my face. He hadn’t agreed to quit his job, yet; baby steps. His promise of one week was enough for now.
I ran my hands over his sculpted chest. I couldn’t help myself. He began to open his eyes as I rolled on top of him.
“Hi gorgeous,” he said as he brushed my hair off my face.
I began to kiss his neck with those dainty little butterfly kisses he loved so much. As I moved to his chest, he distracted me with conversation.
“What’s on tap for today?” he asked.
My hand moved below the sheets to answer his question. He smiled and breathed deeply.
“You’re a naughty girl. I do need to eat, you know. You have to be hungry after last night.”
“Not for food.”
He pulled me up to his face.
“I love you, Jewels. You know that, right?”
“Yes,” I replied inquisitively.
“Then why won’t you answer me? Tell me you’ll be my wife.”
“Whoa- a deals a deal. One week. You promised. No pressure. One week of all Jewels all the time- no business. Keep your end of the bargain and you’ll have your answer.”
“One week.” He smiled that devastating smile that would have weakened my resolve if I didn’t have history to remind me that I usually finished last.
“One week,” I reiterated.
“I have no choice.” He started to sit up.
“Where do you think you’re going?” I locked my arms around his waist from behind which he squeezed tightly before getting up. His naked body was amazing. I felt no embarrassment in staring, pinching my arm, and mouthing the words ‘He’s mine’ to myself. He turned back and laughed, obviously invading my thoughts.
“I need a hot shower.