Page 243 of The Last Good Man

“You are important, as it turns out.”

We both laugh.

“So,” I say, pivoting and looking inside.

“Do you like my new place?”

He turns around, and I follow him to the middle of the room. “The only thing missing is a fireplace,” he says, glancing around.

“There is one in the bedroom.”

“You need one in here as well.”

He points to the windows.

“Imagine looking at the view, a glass of wine in hand, the fire crackling as you are deeply longing for me.”

I laugh quietly.

“You know how to paint a picture.Only for that, and it’sworth buying this place.”

I leanbackagainst the island while he pivots to me and moves closer.

“This place is perfect,” he says, brushing a strand of hair away from my face.

His smile fades, and so does mine as he lowers his mouth to caress my lips. His kiss sends arrows of pleasure through my body, and I respond to him, fanning my fingers over his neck and pressing myself into him.

He is so warm against my frame that I peel back and take my blazer off.He runs his hands up my bare arms while I hug him again.

His arm goes around my waist, his eyes dripping with tenderness.

“Where do you see us in six months?” I ask quietly.

He shrugs.

“I have no idea,” he says, watching my expression change. “I’m not ready for that, but…” He flashes a smile.“I can tell you how I imagine us ten years from now. Or even more.”

I melt a little.

“I like the longer version even more,” he says, looking down and playing with my necklace. “You’re going to be so in love with me, you won’t believe it. The older I get, the luckier you’ll feel.”

I chuckle, and he gives me an amused grin.

“The more time we spend together, the more things we’ll build,” he says seriously this time.

“You’re not afraid?” I ask.

“Why would I be afraid?”

“Bad things happen. People change.”

“You’re too old to change,” he jokes, and I wag my finger at him.

“What about you?”

“I’ll only get better at this thing called life. You’ll see. What you want from me won’t change in a bit.”

“What’s that?” I ask quietly.

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