Page 75 of The Temptation
I closed the door and placed a finger under his chin, tilting his head up so he had to meet my gaze. “But if you eat too much, you won’t want to join me for dinner.”
“Ah. That is a good point. I will try to control my snacking a little bit.”
“Thank you.” I hesitated, the air seeming to tingle between us. My lips parted, and I longed to close the short distance between us to take his mouth in a sweet kiss. I forced myself to step back, my smile weak and unsteady. Not yet. Soon. But not yet.
“There is one thing that’s missing in the room,” I announced, crossing to the center of the room.
“It looks like you thought of everything to me.”
“There’s a tall case that I’m having made to hold all your violins. It will be hermetically sealed so that temperature and humidity can be monitored. I want to make sure your violins never come to any harm over the years.”
Simon stood near me, shaking his head. “Pierce, I…I don’t know what to say. My parents and brother sacrificed so much when I was growing up so that I would always have the best teachers and could compete in any competition. But this…this really is a sanctuary where I can bask in my love of music. Where I can escape from the demands of my profession and just peacefully be. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
I opened my arms, and he fell into them. His head rested on my heart as it raced wildly. I’d created a space for him to always belong, but standing in his arms was the only place I would ever belong.
“I love it,” he whispered, the words coming out slightly choked.
“There is one indulgence I included for myself. Would you like to see it?”
Simon nodded, but it still took him another few seconds to release me. Taking his hand in mine, I led him to a corner by the doors that held a simple pale wood desk and chair.
“A desk?”
“I discovered I enjoy working and listening to you work at the same time. I thought if you didn’t find it too distracting, I could catch up on my work reading while you composed.”
“Yes! That’s what’s missing from this room. You! You have to be in here with me. I never want to be parted from you again. I’ve chased you for so long, Pierce.”
Gently, I cupped his upturned face with both hands. “You’ve caught me. I think you firmly caught me that night at Declan’s birthday party. I wasn’t willing to admit it, but since that night, you’re all I’ve been able to think about. Let me stay by your side, Simon, no matter where it takes us in the world.”
He blinked, his eyes becoming so wide. “You’d leave Cincinnati for me?”
I wasn’t willing to leave for my parents to trudge through a life previously lived by my father and grandfather, but I’d go travel the globe for Simon. “Anywhere you want. And each time we settle, I swear to build you a room just like this one, so you always have a place to escape to and be yourself.”
“It’s not a sanctuary without you there.”
That was it. I couldn’t wait a second longer. I pulled Simon forward, capturing his mouth in a blistering kiss that left him moaning. His arms wrapped around my neck, and he kissed me back with everything he had.
And this time, there was no dark voice shouting slurs in my head. No self-hatred to pour through this perfect moment. There were only sounds of happiness coming from Simon as he clung to me. I’d made my peace with Sawyer and my past. He wanted someone who would always protect and take care of his brother. There was no one in the world who would do a better job than I. Simon’s health and happiness meant everything to me.
With a great deal of reluctance, I broke off the kiss and bumped the tip of my nose against his. “I love you, Simon. I love you, heart and soul. You are my entire world, and I swear I will do everything in my power to make you happy.”
Simon sniffed, and a tear tumbled from one eye. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say that. I was starting to believe it would never happen.”
“It was as inevitable as the sunrise each morning. How could I not fall hopelessly in love with you?”
“I love you too, Pierce. I know I’m a handful?—”
“Entertaining,” I corrected.
“And terribly high maintenance,” Simon continued.
“You have highly developed tastes and refuse to settle for anything subpar.”
Simon giggled and brushed aside another tear as it fell. “But you are my perfect concerto. The nocturne lulling me to sleep.The sonata that will be the score for the rest of my life. I want only you.”
I bent my head and stole another kiss, holding him so tight. Nothing would come between us, man or ghost. Simon Miller was all mine.
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