Page 60 of Jonathan

Now they were at her home – inside her very elegant and luxurious apartment. He watched her for signs that she was regretting her decision. He did not want her wondering if she had made the right choice.

“It’s so you.”

His quiet deep voice had her turning away from the fresh flowers that had been placed on the glossy center table in the living room. Her housekeeper had been in just the day before and cleaned the place from top to bottom.

As ever, she was sensitive to his moods and knew what he was wondering. Putting the vase back, she walked over to where he leaned against the mantle, arms crossed over his chest.

He had worn the trademark faded denims and flannel shirt and added a scarred jacket. His ash blonde hair needed trimming as usual and was curling at the front. And just the look of him, the long lean, muscled length, and broad shoulders turned her insides into jelly.

“Is it?” She tilted her head to study his sober expression. “I suppose it is. I hired this friend to help me get an idea of what I wanted.” Placing a hand over his folded arms, she took a look around the pristine space.

“It’s funny. I wanted elegant and uptown, because I figured that’s who I was. I wanted people to be impressed when I entertained, which I did very often, whenever I was around.” She looked back at him. “But it’s not home. Never was.”

Her voice turned husky. “Home is wherever you are.” Her eyes glittered with tears. “These are just things- God! Before I met you, I never cried. I was supposed to be this tough independent Black woman who kicks ass as a food critic. But you have changed that, damn you.”

His heart shattered into pieces, and he felt his knees buckling. He gathered her against him, hands framing her face, fingers trembling.

“I wanted to be sure.” He said hoarsely. “I wanted to be certain I was not taking you from the familiar, the loved. Your comfort zone. The ranch is isolated, yes, we have people there and there are always things happening.

But you’re from the city.” He wiped away the tears that had stared to roll down her cheeks. “I could not bear it if you started to pine away and yearn for the bright lights.”

“I have seen a moon so big; it lights up the entire area. And the stars are too many to even contemplate counting.” She blinked at the tears. “And there is a museum…”

“Two.” He corrected thickly.

“Two? Well.’ She placed her hands over his wrists. “Several libraries and a theater that I just love because it’s so old school.”

“We can build another, if you want.”

She stared at him in amazed wonder. “You would, wouldn’t you?”

“There is absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

“That’s beginning to sink in.” She drew in a breath. “I love you darling. And I have no regrets. I am with you and that’s all that matters.”

He gathered her close against his hammering heart. And did not care that she felt the shudders going through his body, or the naked emotions on his face. He was vulnerable where she was concerned and that did not matter to him.

“I have a yearning to check out the bedroom.”

“You read my mind darling. Shall we?”

Lifting her into his arms, he carried her out of the room.

*****

“Mother?”

“What?”

“You’re staring. And it’s rude.”

She huffed out a sigh. “Why? I am sure he’s used to people staring at him. He’s absolutely gorgeous.”

“You have to forgive my daughter.” Lionel leaned back in the chair and sent an amused look towards his granddaughter.

They had agreed to have the family dinner at the restaurant in a private booth. Kamilah had warned him about her mother and that she would try to get her flirting on. “It’s her default mood. You’re handsome and rich and an honest to goodness cowboy.

She is going to try her best to get noticed.” She rolled her eyes. “I spent years staying away from men with trust funds, because her one goal in life was for me to land a rich husband. Now I have hit the fricking jackpot and that just pisses me off because she’s going to be pleased as punch.”

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