Page 94 of Never Have I Ever

“The family was great. I just don’t think cooking in a galley kitchen is something I want to do again. I didn’t feel I was producing my best dishes, then add in the hassle of dealing with the scullery. It felt more like just fuel than something special.”

“Why is that?”

“The artistry is gone from my creations. I’m unenthused to reinvent the chicken breast anymore. I think I lost my passion for cooking.”

He comes over to me, consuming me in his arms, not caring that my damp hair is soaking his shirt. “Or your inspiration.”

“Good point.”

“Go easy on yourself. You’ve had a lot going on. Your mother’s wedding to being gone for weeks and on the clock twenty-four seven. Take a few days and get some rest. There’s no rush to make any major decisions.”

“You’re right. All does not have to be decided tonight.”

He says, “You’re fortunate. You get to choose the journey you want to take.” Continuing to rub my back, he dips his head down, cradling his head next to mine. “I sure am glad you’re back.”

So much truth dropped that my mind should be reeling, but he’s right. Nothing has to be decided right this minute. Also, I’m a bit distracted. I’m not sure how he still smells amazing after hours on planes and in airports, but he’s managed it. I take in a deep breath, pulling his scent into my lungs. “I am too. I needed this. I needed you.”

When we part, I flip through my mail as he continues to snoop, not leaving any of the living room unobserved before he wanders into the bedroom with his overnight bag. His dark hair and large frame stand in contrast to the pale pink and white trimmed room. I have my girly-girl moments, and my bedroom is one of them. But I’m missing the serene colors of his bedroom in Malibu.

He studies the few photos I have taped to the mirror, then picks up several of my bottles of perfume to smell. “I like this one on you.”

I take a mental note as I sit at the end of the bed and watch him pry open a few drawers without permission. Since I have nothing to hide, it makes me laugh. “What are you looking for, detective?”

Reaching his full height, he pushes his hand to the ceiling. His arm is bent so it’s no great effort on his part. “I like seeing how you arrange your life and how you’re in every aspect of this apartment. The decorations, the photos, the scent in the air. It’s all Poppy.” His grin goes rogue, and he waggles his eyebrows. He’s so getting sex tonight.

He heads to the door to the balcony and looks out. “Other people can see into here.”

“If you’re in the apartment directly across the street from me—”

“Which that guy on the Peloton is,” he says, jabbing his finger against the glass.

I see that guy staring into my apartment sometimes. I’ve even caught him with binoculars. The “I’m recording you” sign I held up put an end to it. Creeper. That’s city living for you. “What can I say? We can’t all be as lucky to live on a cliff in Malibu.”

“What do you think about living on a cliff in Malibu?”

Leaning back, I rest on my elbows and laugh. “I practically do.”

He shuts the curtains and turns around. “How do you feel about making it official?”

Laird moves to sit next to me, the mattress dipping. The gravitational pull toward him is in full effect. I sit up but drape my leg over one of his. “Making what official?”

He rubs the top of my thigh and then angles to look at me. “I want you to move in with me.”

Not a question.

Not a demand.

It doesn’t even sound like he’s throwing it out there to test the waters. His tone is committed, the conviction in his eyes established. Even his hand has added pressure against mine. He’s thought this through.

My gaze drifts to the curtains behind him, to Tito’s Tacos not too far, to my favorite Trader Joe’s, and then detours to the local coffee shop I love that’s not been discovered by social media yet, as if I can see them. Am I ready to be out by the beach full time?

When I look into his eyes again, I reply, “Yes. I want to be with you.”

Kissing me before the words all exited, that pull still in effect has me pushing myself against him, needing to be him completely.

Two orgasms and a shower later, I’m happily lying in bed without a care or bone left in my body. “You’re going to have to piece me back together after that.”

Laird chuckles, coming out of the bathroom. “Happily.”

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