Page 88 of Time To Live Again

Leo thinks we’re going to the hotel after I pick him up at the airport. We will, but I have a special surprise for him first. I hope he’ll be as excited as I am. As well as the others who’ll be meeting us there.

He wasn’t able to do it with Corey, but maybe he’ll want to do it with me.

39

LEO

That last damn flight was excruciatingly long. Not to mention the whole last month. Every day, every hotel I was at, I wished Olive were with me. I was in gorgeous hotels, but I had no one to share them with. And for the first time, I couldn’t stand it.

I did use the time wisely though. I needed the time alone to get myself to where I am now. I went through every single video and picture that was on the hard drive. To see Corey healthy, happy, dancing, goofing off, and being his crazy self…it ripped my heart out like he died all over again. Over time, I’ve realized I’m no longer the person in those videos and pictures. And I’m okay with that. It’s time to start the next chapter in my life—with Olive by my side.

Ellie’s texted me several times while I was away. Since she saw me dancing, she’s tried to talk to me about it, knowing that I wasn’t telling her something. One day, I called her and explained everything. That was also therapeutic, and it strengthened our friendship.

I zigzag around the other travelers, following the exit signs quicker than most. The finish line is so close, I can almost touch it. People holding up signs with names come into view. I scan the crowd and spot Olive waving wildly. I swoop her up into my arms and squeeze her tightly. She’s my home.

Gently, I lower her, then cradle her face. Her eyes shimmer from unshed tears. “I promise I won’t leave you that long again,” I mutter against her perfect, most delicious lips. I want to tell her I love her. It’s pretty obvious. Right? But I’ll hold off a bit longer. Reuniting like this is a significant moment, but I want something more monumental.

“I’ve missed you and your gorgeous face so much.” Not sure how she managed to get all that out between my constant kisses.

Finally, I put space between us and reach for her hand. “Let’s get out of here. I want you all to myself.”

She rests her hand on my chest. “Slow down. I have a surprise for you.” I push out my lower lip, and she pokes it. “No pouting. I promise we won’t leave the hotel room until tomorrow…after your surprise.”

I steal one more kiss. “Okay, beautiful. Wherever you go, I’ll follow.”

“We’ll see if you’ll still say that after your surprise.” She pretends to bite her nails.

I tilt my head. “Now I’m really curious.”

She winks and leads me to her car. My pulse kicks up when we approach the sleek, glossy black Audi she just unlocked. “That’s what I call a fine piece of machinery. Whose car is this? Andy’s?”

“Nope. I thought I’d splurge a little and rented it. It’s easier and more flexible since we’ll be going to the hotel, anyway.”

I open the passenger side door and my mouth waters. “Can I get turned on by a woman who drives a stick shift?” I learn something new about her every day.

“My dad taught me when I got my driver’s license. Wait until you actually see me do it. And don’t worry, that’s not the only stick I’ll play with today.” She blows me a kiss.

I growl and sit in the car. “You’re playing with fire.” The engine roars to life, its powerful vibrations sending a shiver through the metal frame.

“I know,” she murmurs, drawing closer. I passionately press my mouth against hers. The softness of her lips mixing with her signature scent sends a rush of warmth and desire through my body, making my heart thunder. Her eyes twinkle as she pulls away. “Okay, that’s all you’re getting, so you better calm down that party in your pants.”

I guffaw and readjust myself. “Who are you? This month apart was good for you. And the time you spent at the gym is noticeable. Me likey.” How the hell am I supposed to wait when she teases me like this? “You sure we can’t go straight to the hotel?” I give her my best impression of puppy dog eyes.

She scratches under my chin. “Aww, sweet doggie. We’re on a strict schedule, so no.” Then she puts the car in gear and takes off, propelling my head back against the headrest. I can’t help the crazed cackle that escapes me. This is awesome. I wonder if I could drive it too.

Music drifts through the speakers and I recognize it as a song I sent her, “I’m Gonna Be” by The Proclaimers.

“Is this the playlist you made of all the songs I sent you?”

She glances at me from the corner of her eye and nods. “It’s on top of the list. I think my all-time favorite is “Someone Like You.” And it’s the version from a movie I love.”

“Mine too. The lyrics reflect how I was feeling while a thousand miles away.” I massage the back of her neck. “I’ll sing it to you one day with my own twist on it. How does that sound?”At our wedding.

“Perfect. But not now because I need to focus on driving.”

I practiced singing when I was in the hotel rooms and showers. Lyrics flew out of me like I’d never stopped. My desire to sing and dance is overwhelming, but I don’t know how to use these talents anymore.

As she concentrates on the road, I soak in her features like I’m seeing them the first time. Her glossy lips curve into a radiant smile, almost glowing. The wind from the open windows tosses her thick hair around like she’s in a photoshoot. Her shoulders are relaxed, and she maneuvers the car like a professional. She exudes confidence, and I absolutely love it.

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