Page 32 of Come Around
“Thank you,” she whispers over and over. “Thank you for believing in me.”
I hold her tight, satisfaction spreading through me like wildfire.
This is what I wanted. Her gratitude. Her joy. Her recognition that I can give her the future she deserves. This cements everything.
“You don’t need to thank me.” I pull back enough to look into her eyes. “This is all you. Your talent. Your hard work. I just made the introduction.”
“I can quit The Summit.” Her eyes widen at the realization. “Even if it’s just these two projects, it’s a start. A real start.”
“You can quit tomorrow if you want.” I brush my lips against hers. “I’ll support you while you build your career. You don’t ever have to set foot in that place again.”
The gratitude in her eyes is exactly what I’ve been working toward. The final piece clicking into place. My woman, dependent on me not just for shelter and protection, but for her future. Her dreams. Everything.
She settles back into her seat, wiping tears from her cheeks, her face glowing with happiness.
“I can’t believe this is happening. Any of it. Meeting you. Your family. Lane Rivers. It’s like a dream.”
“It’s real, Kitten.” I reply as I start the truck again. “Now, let’s go home.”
Chapter Ten
SAMI
I wakeup feeling like I’m floating on a cloud. The morning sunlight streams through Axel’s bedroom windows, painting everything in a golden glow that matches my mood perfectly.
Everything about my life has changed in just over two weeks.
And for once, all the changes are wonderful.
I stretch my arms above my head and smile. The bed beside me is empty, but I can hear Axel moving around in the kitchen. The scent of coffee drifts up, promising caffeine and whatever breakfast he’s preparing.
I close my eyes and replay last night’s events in my mind. The way his family welcomed me with open arms, like I already belonged. The easy conversation around the dinner table. The genuine interest they showed in my music. And most incredibly, the news about Lane Rivers wanting to meet with me about scoring actual films. Real, paid work doing exactly what I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl.
It still doesn’t feel real. None of it does.
“You’re smiling in your sleep.”
I open my eyes to find Axel standing in the doorway, holding a mug of coffee. He’s wearing just sweatpants, his chest bare andhis hair still mussed from sleep. The sight of him sends a flutter through my stomach.
“I wasn’t sleeping. Just savoring the moment.” I push myself up to sitting and pull the sheet with me. “Everything feels perfect this morning.”
He crosses to the bed and sits beside me.
“That’s because it is perfect.” He hands me the coffee. “You. Me. This life we’re building.”
I take a sip, appreciating the rich flavor. Even his coffee is perfect. But as the liquid hits my stomach, a wave of nausea rolls through me, stronger than the queasy feeling I had at his family’s cabin yesterday.
I set the mug down quickly on the nightstand.
“You okay, Kitten?” Axel’s brow furrows with concern.
“Just a little nauseous.” I force a smile. “Probably all the excitement catching up with me.”
His frown deepens. “You felt sick yesterday, too.”
“It’s nothing.” I swing my legs over the side of the bed, intending to stand, but another wave of nausea hits me. This one is strong enough to make me close my eyes and breathe deeply through my nose.
Axel’s hand rests warm and steady on my back. “When was your last period?”
