Page 110 of Tempting Promises
“You did,” I say, hating that I needed him to.
“Happy birthday, Charlotte.”
“How did you know? Other than me blurting it out before.”
“I have my ways.” He reaches his hand out to me. “Come with me.”
I shouldn’t, but my emotions are raw and I’ve missed him. I place my hand in his and let him lead me out of the barn.
On my back patio sits two chairs and a round table with a box covering what’s on it.
“Rowan?”
“Go sit down.”
I smile, feeling a little confused, but also excited. It’s been so long since I’ve done anything or been with anyone for my birthday.
He takes the seat opposite of me, leans over, and lifts the box that was hiding the food.
I gasp, my heart pounding so hard against my chest. “You...you remembered?”
On the plate is a waffle with ice cream sitting on top.
“You miss your parents, and I know what that feels like. While my mother had shitty taste in men, she was always good to us. Losing her was hard, but I was an adult, you were so young. So, for the rest of today, I will only say yes. If you want something, it’s yours. Just for today,” he reiterates.
Every dam I had constructed breaks, the flood of emotions rushing forward. Without a word, I rise, knowing there’s only one thing I want right now and it’s not the waffle.
He looks up at me, my hand brushes the short beard on his perfect face. “Anything?”
“Anything.”
“I want my hat back.”
He grins, reaches behind his back, and then puts the hat on. “It’s mine.”
I move closer and straddle him. “Today, you’re mine, which means the hat is too.”
“God, I love your birthday.”
“I think it’ll quickly be my favorite too. Take me upstairs and wear the hat.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
twenty-six
ROWAN
While I didn’t plan this, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hope for it.
For a week, I’ve gone without her, and I’m fucking starved.
I carry her up to her room, her arms looped around my neck. Something feels different this time as I take her to bed. It’s not rushed or frantic, it’s...deeper.
It means something.
When I get into her room, I kick the door closed behind me and place her down slowly. Charlotte looks like a goddess, one I’m not worthy to be in the same room as. Her big green eyes gaze up at me, vulnerability staring at me.
I breathe, trying to get a grip on what I’m feeling, but the only word that keeps reverberating through me is...mine.
