Page 46 of Surrender

“Maybe you will if you end up working for Skywriter. When is that meeting?”

“Tomorrow before the event. We will have a formal reading then a more informal conversation. I know of the Stones. Have you worked with them before?”

“Not directly. I have been friendly with Alexandra Stone. She and I have the same yoga instructor at the gym. We did a few classes together. Will she be in the meeting?”

“I think so, yes.”

I nest in between the cushions and his body to lay my head on his chest. “Well, she’s straightforward and kind. She likes to observe first then come in with questions. I don’t know much about her husband, other than what’s in the press already. From what I hear among colleagues, they will go places. They have a family atmosphere to their sets that runs all the way from bottom to top. Not much ego.”

“That would be a pleasant turn of events.”

“I’m sure it would.”

“I know coming here for another long-term project is a lot for you. I know you’ve said it’s hard on your family when you’re gone. Maybe you can change that.”

“How so, Bella?”

“Well, if your temporary housing isn’t big enough for them to visit, they can stay here and I could stay with you, or you can stay with me and they could be there. I could help make sure they’re okay when I’m not working.”

The lazy stroke that’s been running up and down my back as I’ve lain here slows to a stop. “You’d do that?”

“Of course I would. You sound surprised.”

“Not surprised. It’s just, you seem comfortable with me suddenly injecting into all parts of your life.”

I turn my head to rest my chin on his chest. “I don’t like to question everything. I’ve come to do what feels right. Everything about you feels right. My head and my heart agree.”

“Your heart is a big one, Ava. Bigger than many I’ve known.”

“Does that scare you?”

“I’m just not used to having someone like you.”

“If you want me, I’m yours.”

Rafael places a soft kiss on my forehead. His arms wrap around me tighter and tighter. It feels like he’s trying to make sure I don’t go anywhere. “I do want you. I do.”

“Well then, sir, you’d better have the meal I ordered for you. We wouldn’t want people to think I don’t feed you.”

“You do feed me, Bella. In ways I can’t describe.”

We sit on the floor for hours, feeding each other, holding each other, and staring into each other’s eyes as we talk. He lures me into bed just before we know Sylvia will be home. I curl up on my pillow as I watch him in my bathroom. I can see him in the mirror with the door partially open. There is something very sexy about him even doing something as mundane as brushing his teeth. We’ve done all the magical things. Now it’s time to see how we handle day-to-day real life. If tonight is any indication, I know I’m done.

He switches off the light and comes to sit on my side of the bed. As the bed dips, I’m reminded of the first dream I had of him, and I can’t hide the smile that bursts to my face. I’m glad the room is mostly dark because I’m sure I’m blushing. I confess to him the entirety of that dream. His eyes turn slightly darker while he acts out my fantasy for me.

His fingers dust over every part of me. I shiver like I am lost in the snow without a jacket. Rafael caresses parts of my body I didn’t even know were sensitive to touch. He whispers against my ear for minutes in Italian. I could only understand a couple of words. It doesn’t matter. The ones that matter the most to me, I did. Ti amo, Ava. I curl my body around his, and he around mine. Our vining limbs give us peace, security, and the most serene place to doze off together.

Rafael didn’t seem different or on edge last night, however his deep sleep sends up a slight red flag for me. On the island, he would always be the first one to wake. He would have breakfast, coffee, or a simple good morning for me. Here in my room, he hasn’t moved all night. Our hands are still laced together. The only thing different is, instead of my head resting on his chest, he’s resting on mine. His breathing is so slow and even that if I couldn’t feel it, I’d be checking for it. I know the jet lag must be messing with him, but for how tight he’s holding me, I’m sensing something else.

The sun is barely up. My free hand slowly starts to glide up and down his spine. As my hand moves, his legs shift. He hooks my ankles tighter with his. My instincts tell me to wrap him up. I turn my cheek to rest on top of his head.

“I don’t want it to be morning,” he mumbles softly against my skin.

“I know. I don’t either. Are you okay? I’ve never seen you sleep so hard.”

“Blame it on jet lag, and I only get one night with you.”

“You could change your flight and come back here tonight after your event.”

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