It was perfect, or at least I hoped so.
 
 “Was that ok?” I asked as we came up for air. “I’m not… exactly used to kissing.”
 
 Corey smiled against my lips. “You did fine, and the plus side? Practice makes perfect.”
 
 I chuckled. “Is that your way of telling me you want me to keep kissing you?”
 
 “I won’t argue if you want to keep practicing with me.”
 
 Our lips came together again, and I allowed myself to just live in the moment. No business meetings, no plans for expansion, no excuses to refuse invitations. It was just Corey and I.
 
 “I love you,” I murmured against his lips as we parted again.
 
 “I love you too,” he replied, then he froze in my arms. “Wait… does that mean?”
 
 I pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. “I love you, and I want you as my mate. I want a family with you. All of it.” I paused. “The sex part scares me a bit though. It’ll be my first time, and I want it to be good for you.”
 
 He smiled, and it was beautiful. “The first time with someone is always a bit awkward, even if you’ve done it before. There isn’t a checklist of things to do and instructions on how to do them. We guide each other to what feels best. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
 
 “I love you,” I said again, warmth for this man flooding my chest. “I love you so much.”
 
 His eyes glimmered with unshed tears, but I knew they were of joy. “I love you too.”
 
 “Dinner is ready, monsieurs.”
 
 I jumped at Henri’s voice, and turned to see the stern old man trying to hide a smile.
 
 I straightened, tugging down my suit jacket as if I hadn’t just been caught discussing sex with my mate. “Um, thank you Henri. Tell the chef we’ll be right there.”
 
 “Oui, Monsieur Starling. Shall I move Monsieur Eaves’ things to your suite while you eat?”
 
 I glanced at Corey, and we both burst into giggles.
 
 “Yes, please,” I replied, turning back to Henri. “That would be great.”
 
 He nodded and turned to leave, then paused and met my gaze. “Do not worry about the volume tonight monsieur. I purchased an excellent pair of noise-canceling earbuds the last time your brother visited.”
 
 My jaw dropped and I stared as he disappeared around the corner.
 
 “Did he just…?” Corey asked.
 
 “Yes,” I replied. “Yes he did.”
 
 “Oh my God.”
 
 I looked over to see Corey hiding his face in his hands.
 
 I laughed. “Honestly? I’m kinda impressed he would be so bold. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Henri so brazen.”
 
 “Can we go eat now?’ Corey muttered, still covering his face.
 
 “Absolutely, omega-mine.”
 
 Corey’s head popped up, eyes wide, and an awestruck expression. “Say it again,” he whispered.
 
 “Omega-mine.”
 
 “Again…” nearly impossible to hear.