Page 77 of Winter Glam in Amsterdam

"No, he’s busy, but I shot him a message right after I woke," I assure Tanner, which earns me a satisfied nod. “He knows I’m alive.”

"Good. We don't want him to think I've kidnapped you."

"Didn’t you, kind of, though?" I ask teasingly, reaching for the hem of his shirt to pull him closer without having to get up.

"That’s probably a matter of interpretation," he chuckles and steps closer willingly, letting me snake my arms around his middle and lean my chin against his chest as he pulls me against him tight.

"But if you're bored," he says, tilting his head and nudging my nose with his, "you can decide what we’re eating later.”

I grimace. “Do wehaveto go out?” I sigh and bury my face in his shirt.

“We can also stay in, watch a movie, order delivery and cuddle.”

"Yes, that. That sounds amazing." I nod against his chest. “If that’s okay with you.”

“Summer, I don’t give a fuck what we do, as long as you’re there.” He presses his lips against my temple. “We could go for a mud run in a cow field and I’d be happy.”

“Ew.” I giggle at that visual and feel him vibrating with laughter as well.

“Alright. So a living room date it is,” he declares. "I’d get you flowers, but—”

"Please don’t," I say immediately, making him chuckle. "I think I've gotten enough flowers from you to last…" I take a moment to think. "Well, not a lifetime, but a month."

"Got it," he says and presses his lips against mine for a quick, but not any less heated kiss.

"God, I can’t get enough of your lips. I’ll be done in a bit, I promise."

"I’ll be waiting." I grin and watch him walk back into his recording booth, a steaming mug of tea in his hand, while I sit back and pull this blanket with his scent still lingering on it a bit tighter around my shoulders.

Nobody knows what the future will bring. Hell, what if I unlock my phone to find a job waiting in my inbox?

Everything can change in the blink of an eye. And while it will probably take a while for me to fully trust Tanner, if there's anyone who can pull it off, I think it's him.

I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life than that I want to give it at least a try. From the moment I realized Tanner was carrying me to his bed and sleeping on the couch himself, I knew it would be a mistake to remain stubborn. And I knew I was right when my heart started racing once I realized he was awake.

I’m apprehensive but hopeful. And now that good things have started coming in, a spark of optimism has been ignited in me.

I shoot him a grin before I get up, grabbing my phone as I make my way to the living room, cuddling into his couch as I pull up my messages to let Mom and Dad know what happened.

Life goes on. Shit happens. But at least now I’m not wading through it alone.

Which is not the most romantic metaphor I’ve heard about relationships, though I dare say it might be the most accurate.

And when Tanner finishes his work for the day and his face lights up when he sees me in the living room, I know I’ve made the right decision.

"So, Darling," he purrs, pulling the phone out of my hands to place it on the coffee table, screen down. "What are we ordering?”

“How about Indian?”

“Will you pick the movie?"

"Deal," I say and happily accept his kiss.

If this can be my life from now on, I will definitely need another metaphor, because this is anything but a shit show.

No, this is perfection.

Perfect for now.

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