Page 73 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

Pushing up on one hand, he angles toward me. “It is.We are.I promise I’ll marry you—any day, place, or time. I’ll be there without hesitation. Actually, I’ll show up early.”

I rest my hand on his cheek. “And here I thought you were supposed to be the sensible one. You do know how crazy this is, right?”

“What can I say? Love makes people do crazy things.”

“Crazy might be an understatement.”

Continuing to look at me as if he’ll find a crack in my decision, he says, “Speaking of crazy . . .” He runs his hand through his hair and then rubs his eyes as if pained.

“I really hate being on pins and needles.”

He takes a deep breath and then looks at me again. “So my mom, she’s . . .” He drags it out, and now I’m frozen to the spot with my mind filling in all the possibilities regarding his mom.

Is he going to tell me she’s a movie star? Spoiler alert:this wouldn’t surprise me.Great looks, inherited, and this so-called “bungalow” on the beach. It’s not small, considering it’s twice the size of my apartment, and Tatum and I have a damn nice apartment by New York standards. Or maybe she’s never liked any of his girlfriends, so he’s warning me. Carves pumpkins for a living or enters hot dog eating contests. Whatever she does or whoever she is, I’m starting to freak out. “What is it, Nick?”

“She’s into New Age, spiritual stuff, like the zodiac signs.”

“Okaaaay, this is not where I saw this going. Continue.”

“The new moon was in my seventh house the day we met.” I close my mouth and fix my expression from the shock of hearing him talk about it like he knows more than he’s letting on. Is this a dirty little secret of his?It’s amazing.

“I have to know. What does that mean?”

“It’s new beginnings, the start of a new relationship.”

“That’s us.”

He grins so big like he just won a grand prize, like a new car or something. Oh wait, he likes older cars. “It is us. According to her, we’re written in the stars.”Be still my heart.

That is the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard in my life. “So, when you said it was destiny that brought us together, you meant it, literally?”

He kisses my shoulder. “My analytical, reasonable side says no, but who am I to question fate? We’re here as living proof, so yeah, we were destined to be together.”

Moving up to rest against the headboard, I rub my toes along his muscular leg under the sheet, loving that I have full access to his body and mind for all time is exhilarating. “I like the way you think. As for our parents, though, it seems your mom will appreciate the chain of events.”

“But your parents might not, so we should get our story straight.”

“No alibi needed,” I say, more certain than ever. “I love you, and you love me. The facts are all the evidence we need.”

“You’d make a good lawyer, St. James.”

“Thank you, Counselor. I’m just kind of impressed that I snagged you and didn’t even have to provide you with any baked goodies.”

His laughter shakes the bed, and the weight of the world is released from his chest as his lighter side returns. Grabbing my ankles, he says, “They may not have been baked, but I definitely ate your goodies,” and then whisks me down to land flat on my back.

I burst out laughing. I don’t even care that I gave him the perfect setup to make that comeback because I’m reaping the rewards. “You sure did, and you’re welcome to them any time you’re hungry.”

Rolling on top of me, he slips his hand between us as he kisses my neck. “Too soon?”

I butterfly my legs open, welcoming him. “Never.”

* * *

In some ways,Nick’s been a mystery. He was staying in the same kind of villa as Tatum and me in Catalina. That suite cost a few thousand a night, so I assumed he had some money. Then I was conflicted based on his job and how he’s just starting out in his career. I don’t mind either way, and I have plenty of my own money not to worry about his financials, but I’m getting the distinct feeling his family is wealthy judging by the neighborhood.

Large mansions populate the palm tree-lined street with blue skies overhead and birds singing. It’s idyllic in that Hollywood movie star kind of way, or even for someone fresh off the Ralph Lauren runway. I mean, come on, those looks came from somewhere. I ask, “Are we in Beverly Hills?” just as he begins to slow down.

“Yes.”

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