Page 84 of Power
Her fierce glare only helps the stiffness in my pants.
“Fine, I will,” she huffs out eventually.
Leaning forward, I kiss her nose. “Good. You hungry?”
Her eyes light up. “Famished!”
“Elsie made a steak pie that is literally calling my name right now.”
“Ah, is that what smells like heaven?”
“Yep. You want me to bring you some up?”
She shakes her head. “I’ll come down.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Knowing the surprise I have will make her eyes shine, which is what I need to see right now to fully accept that she isn’t worrying over the Trish situation.
Helping her off the bed, she follows me down the stairs, her hand lightly brushing against my back as I lead the way. Pausing in front of the kitchen door, I smile down at her before pushing it open, the scent of wonderful food permeating the air.
Bailey sits while I dish up the delicious pie, golden and fragrant.
“Oh wow, it looks amazing,” she marvels, picking up a fork and immediately diving in. I love that so much about her. She eats with enjoyment and gusto. It’s beautiful.
Sitting down, I also start to eat, and soon the kitchen is filled with her laughter as I tell her stories about the things Archer and I used to get up to as kids of privilege. She is completely relaxed and content, which is how I wanted her before Finn arrives. Her first reaction will tell me everything I need to know about how she feels about what he did.
The door opens, and Finn walks in.
Her eyes light up when she sees him. “Finn, I’m so glad you’re here,” she says, her voice cracking with emotion.
He gives her a wary glance, but she kicks out a chair for him to sit. “Pie?”
He nods, still cautious, but I’m left with no doubt that she doesn’t see him as dangerous or as someone to be afraid of.
She truly accepts him, and now we can all move on with each other.
“Here,” I say, pulling out a small black box. “Don’t open it until later.”
She smiles. “What is it?”
“Not telling, just open it later before we leave for Court, okay?”
She nods, picking it up and weighing it in her hands.
I chuckle at her eagerness and grab her hand, drawing her fingers to my mouth to kiss softly.
“I love you, Bailey Chase.”
She blinks in surprise at my declaration, which has come too soon. I wanted to wait, but who knows how much time we have left. Look at Trish. Yesterday she didn’t think it was her last day on earth.
“That’s…big words.”
“Scared?”
She shakes her head, her eyes full of a growing desire. “Not at all.”
Squeezing her fingers, I smile, wishing we could spend the rest of the afternoon in bed, but she turns her attention to Finn, asking him how his day has been.
ChapterForty-Eight
