Page 21 of Covetous

“I’m sorry,” I finally say during the dessert course while picking at my half of the tiramisu. Ian took the other half after telling me I needed to watch my calorie intake because of the ten pounds I’ve put on since we first met.

My apology lingers as Ian sips his champagne, his fingers still wrapped around the stem of the glass even after he places it back on the table. “Thank you.”

I’m trying not to cry, but I’m on the verge of cracking. “I’m not happy.” My voice comes out as barely a whisper.

“Look at me, beautiful.” He waits to continue until I meet his sad eyes. “There is no one on this entire planet who loves you more than I do.”

A tear slides down my cheek. “I want this to work, but what if?—”

“No. Don’t give up on us, baby. Don’t give up on me.” His eyes well with tears, and he sniffles, dragging a hand down his face. “I’ve been short with you, and I’m so sorry. My stress levels have been through the roof because of all the demands at work, and I’m terrified that I’ll never be as good of a doctor as my dad is. And I’m even more terrified that I’ll lose you. And I can’t…” His voice trembles as if he’s on the verge of breaking. “I can’t lose you, Skylar. You’re what’s good in my life. The only thing that truly matters.”

I’m out of my seat in a second, walking around the table and climbing into his lap. “Shh. It’s okay.”

Strong arms wrap around me, almost suffocatingly so. “I love you. I love you. I love you,” he says over and over.

“I’m here, baby.” I hold him by the back of the head, letting him cry against my chest.

“Tell me you’re mine.” He looks up at me with red-rimmed eyes.

“I’m yours.”

“Promise me you’ll never leave me. That it’ll be us forever.”

With tears swimming in my sight, I press my trembling lips together. “Where would I go?” I whisper, the truth in those words wounding my heart in its cage.

“I need you to promise me one more thing.”

My brow furrows in response to his unexpected deviation from our usual back-and-forth. “What is it, baby?”

“Set a date. Something soon. I need you to be my wife, not next year or the year after. I can’t wait that long to make you mine forever.”

Chapter Eight

Stifling a wince, I trace my tongue over the tender spot on my lip, a painful reminder of Ian’s temper flaring up earlier. “How soon?” I ask, my voice laced with a hint of apprehension.

“A couple of months?” With an expectant gaze, he glides his hand up my thigh.

“A couple of months?” The words escape me in a near shriek. “That’s too soon, especially if we want to plan a big wedding. Your mom will go for nothing less.”

“Damn.” He exhales heavily, massaging the bridge of his nose in frustration. “You’re right.”

A wave of relief washes over me, grateful for the extra time. There’s so much we need to work through before saying I do. “What about next summer? Maybe July?”

A huge grin curves across his mouth. “The month we met.”

“Exactly.” Leaning in, I kiss the tip of his nose, trying to push aside my lingering doubts.

“My mom’s soror is the wedding planner for the Astorian. We can check them out if you want. It’ll be perfect. Don’t you think?”

A smile flickers on my lips. “I do.”

The Astorian is a stunning venue with a 1920s theme, replicating New York City’s revered Grand Central Station. The gold accents, dark woods, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of downtown enhance its regal appearance. It would be a dream come true to get married somewhere so beautiful.

“We’re going to be okay.” He slides a gentle hand against my cheek.

I rest my forehead against his, and our eyeglasses bump into each other, causing us to laugh. “We will.”

Ian and I spend the morning in bed, his head nestled between my legs as he brings me to orgasm with his tongue. We order room service and enjoy it on our balcony while wearing cozy robes. Afterward, we shower together, imagining what our future children might look like as Ian washes my hair.

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