Page 122 of Take Hold of Me

The next morning, I wake to the smell of freshly-brewed coffee. When I open my eyes, Wills stands before me wearing only jeans and holding two mugs.

“You don’t have any food, but you always have coffee. You’re such a model,” he teases. While I scoot back in the bed and arrange the pillows for us, he kisses my lips and places my coffee on the side table. Wills crawls on top of the blankets and leans against the headboard, crossing his legs while exposing his bare feet.

Enjoying both the view and the brew, I admit, “This is the best morning I have had in over a month.”

He blows on his mug and nods. “While you were sleeping, I watched the coverage of the plane crash. Two engines failed and the landing gear failed to deploy, causing the plane to land on its belly and slide down the runway.”

My fingers squeeze my mug. Wills places his hand on mine and continues, “The pilot warned air traffic control at LAX, so all the first responders were waiting. Some passengers are still in the hospital with burns and broken bones, but everyone survived.”

Adrenaline pumps through my limbs. “I am glad everyone is going to be okay.”

He nods, then looks out the window. “The reporters got a hold of Rinaldo in Barcelona for comment.”

“I am confused. Why would they ask him?”

“I guess because you went with him to the movie premiere last week.” He blows on his coffee.

He is trying to appear nonchalant, but I know better. “Wills, our reps set up that outing for movie buzz. Rinaldo is just a friend to me now, nothing more.”

He huffs out a breath. “Really?”

I kiss his lips. “Really.”

“I knew that.” He takes a sip of his coffee.

“Congratulations, by the way.”

I tilt my head. “About what?” Smiling, I answer my own question. “At winning you back into my bed.”

He chuckles and leans over to give me a coffee-tasting kiss. “And I’m never leaving again. But, no. Congratulations on getting your driver’s license.”

“Merci. I hired a driving company. My instructor worked with my schedule.”

Wills kisses my cheek. “I knew you could do it. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”

I place my mug to the side table and take his face in my hands. “You are now.”

“You’re never getting rid of me. Which reminds me.” Lifting his hip, he reaches to his back pocket and pulls out a piece of paper. It is the RSVP card to the wedding. “I haven’t responded to my invitation yet either. May I attend Cole and Rose’s wedding as your plus one?”

I tap my cheek with my index finger, then smother him in kisses.

He laughs. “I’ll take that as a yes.

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