Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76452 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 306(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76452 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 306(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
“You’re not leaving?”
“No. I’m quitting my job. I told Dr. Phillips this morning. He must have reached out to Lucia. I accepted a new position at Calloway Cancer Center. I’m their new COO.”
“Baby.” He swallows hard. “I’m so fucking happy for you and even happier for me. That bitch, she told me you were quitting and moving away.”
“I’m sorry I kept this from you. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to tell you. Every interview and every phone call of the process, I wanted to discuss it with you. I just… I wanted to get this job on my own merit. I didn’t want you to make a phone call on my behalf.” He smirks, and I point at him. “See! I wanted to do this on my own. I wanted them to want me for me, not because the CEO of Charleston’s hospital and my boyfriend called to put a good word in for me.”
He slides one hand behind my neck and pulls me in close. “I don’t want there to be secrets between us. You are my best friend, my lover, and my future. I would have listened if you told me not to interfere.”
“So, you admit you would have.”
He grins. “I already told you, anything you want, if it’s within my power, I’ll give it to you.”
“I love you.”
His eyes soften hearing my words. “I love you too.”
“Are we okay?”
“We are more than okay. I came here thinking you were leaving me, and find out you’re not.”
“We don’t have to worry about anyone talking when they see us together now,” I tell him with a smile.
“I didn’t worry before, but I’m glad this sets your mind at ease. I’m happy that you found your dream job, and I’m even happier that you’re here, you’re staying, and you’re mine.”
He kisses me softly and sweetly, and for the first time in months, I can breathe easily. When I pull back from his lips, his hand falls to my lap, and I wrap my arms around him in a hug. I close my eyes and take in the moment. There is nothing holding me back. I realize my fears were my insecurities, but he loves me. I love him, and I want a life with him.
I’m ready.
I want him.
I want us.
“I have one more secret,” I tell him.
“Let’s hear it, baby.”
“You were never a four, or even a five. That first kiss at the resort? A ten. Hands down.”
“Come here, you.” He presses his lips to mine and proves his ten status. My heart thumps in my chest just thinking of us starting our lives together. Nothing between us but the love that we share. No secrets. No worries. Just love.
That’s when an idea hits me. “You know, maybe I should think about moving. Calloway is about thirty-five minutes from my place.”
He knows me so well. “Yeah, you know, if you decide you need to live closer, my place is only thirty minutes from Calloway,” he offers.
“Are you asking me to move in with you?” I laugh.
“I’m asking you to be mine. If that means you’re ready to live with me, then yes. Hell fucking yes, I want you to live with me. We’re forever, Charlie girl. I want that sooner than later, but I’ll be patient. I’ve been on this forever trail a lot longer than you have.”
“I think that it’s time the train stops to pick me up.”
His eyes darken, but there’s still a sparkle in them. “Now? Tonight?”
I chuckle. “Is that what you want?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Then we can start tonight.”
He stands with me wrapped around him, and I squeal as he carries me down the hall to my room. “What are you doing?” I laugh.
“Making love to you here for the last time.” He tosses me on the bed.
“I have an entire house to pack up.”
“Yeah, but you won’t be calling it home. No more your place or mine. It’s ours. If you don’t like the house, we’ll sell it and buy or build, or whatever. I don’t care as long as you come home to me every night.”
“I love your house,” I tell him honestly. “I like your idea of raising a family there.” I hold his gaze as he smiles down at me. All it took was hearing him tell me that he loves me, and I’m already talking babies.
“When?”
“When what?” I ask, even though I know what he’s asking.
“Babies, Charlie girl. When are you going to give me babies?”
My heart melts. “One step at a time, Spence.”
“You’re really moving in with me?” he asks as he begins to strip out of his clothes.
“I’m really moving in with you.”
“I need you naked, baby.” He grins when I scramble off the bed to do his bidding.
Once I’m stripped out of my clothes, I climb back on the bed, and he follows after me. He kisses me soundly before pulling back and cursing. “Fuck.”