Page 90 of Pillow Talk
‘I’m here to make a wish at The Wishing Tree,’ he declared.
Shona looked up too.
‘Wishing Tree, I wish Shona Shah would love me as much as I love her,’ he said.
Shona gasped.
He turned to her.
‘Shona, I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you for a while now and I don’t want a casual arrangement. I want it all…with you… because I love you,’ he said.
Shona’s eyes misted up. At that exact moment she realised she’d been waiting to hear those words from Sen for years.
‘Shona?’
‘The Wishing Tree always grants wishes. You know that. Of course your wish will be granted. I love you too,’ she said, beaming.
He pulled her towards him.
‘Kiss me like you mean it,’ he said.
But she pressed her finger to his lips.
‘Sen, I’ve always kissed you like I meant it…like I love you. Because I’ve loved you…for the longest time.’
He gently took her hand and didn’t let it go.
‘I should feel foolish, maybe even angry that we wasted so much time pretending we didn’t feel this. But honestly? I think it all happened the way it was meant to – in its own time. And I’m okay with that. We can’t control everything.’
The corners of her mouth turned up in a subtle smile.
‘Is this the same guy who wanted to start a map club? Where’sSen and what have you done with him?’
‘I don’t mind being without a map on any journey with you.’
She tugged her hand free and gave him a playful punch.
‘So cheesy.’
‘You better get used to it, Shona. Because now that I can say I love you, I’m going to say it all the time.’
‘How about you show me then,’ she said, with a wink.
She didn’t have to say it twice. He grabbed her hand and led her to the car.
Sen had every intention of taking his time, making love to her slowly. That was the plan. But when they got to his apartment, which was closer to the lake than hers, he couldn’t wait. He kissed her like he was starving. Tasted her like he’d never get another chance. And when she tried to return the ecstasy, he gently pushed her hand away.
‘Another time. Right now, I want you. All of you,’ he murmured.
She nodded and he sank into her.
She moaned softly, his name a whisper on her lips. He closed his eyes.
This wasn’t a fling.
Not a lunchtime quickie.
Not some friends-with-benefits itch to scratch.
