I need to be close. I’m feeling extra needy tonight.
This has been the best day ever, and not because he bought or built me things. It’s because of the reason behind everything.
The new house, for our new family, and the art studio because his only wish is to make me happy. I can only hope I make him half as happy as he does me.
I don’t deserve this man. No one does.
His heart is too big.
Declan walks to the corner of the room, where the table is set up in a small nook of glass walls.
“Declan, that sunset.” I’m in awe.
He runs his hands through my hair, playing with the ends. “It’s spectacular, isn’t it? I’ve put the glass here for that exact reason. Even if you don’t want to paint it, who wouldn’t want to at least look at it?” He leans down and kisses me. “Sit here, Pip.” He takes my hand and helps me down to the ground. I sit on a cushion and lean against the window, admiring everything around me. Including the man looking down at me.
“Everything okay?” he asks.
“Perfect. Everything is utterly perfect, Declan.”
He smiles wide. “I’m glad. Let me set up all the food. Then we can enjoy the view and each other.”
* * *
“Another glass of wine?” Declan asks but doesn’t wait for an answer. He pours another. We’re both feeling good. Not to mention completely aroused.
This private dining on the floor makes for naughty touching all night long.
The meal was perfect. Declan hired a chef who dropped off everything beforehand and left them under heat lamps. He didn’t leave out one detail. We’ve had champagne, now wine that paired perfectly with our dinner.
The sun has completely set, and the room is now illuminated by the moon and all the candles that flicker around us.
Somehow I ended up between Declan’s thick legs, leaning my back to his front. His fingers and lips have been roaming over my body for the last two hours while our legs are entwined, and all the blankets are scattered around us.
My senses are heightened to new levels, and as much as I like hard and fast. Because I do…I love it.
Sometimes slowing down and appreciating one another is all that much better.
We’ve laughed and talked forever. I love listening to his voice. It’s deep and gravelly, and he gets so passionate about everything.
The music changes, and my ears perk up. “This is a song I listened to constantly when we were apart.”
He listens. “What is it? It sounds depressing.”
“‘Helium’by Sia,” I tell him and let him listen a little longer. “On the contrary. It helped me remember I always needed you, that you and your love would always be there for me, to lift me and save me.”
“Oh.” I can tell by his voice that he’s smiling. “You’re right. I will always be there for you, angel. I will never let you fall.”
“I know,” I sigh. “I love you, Declan… so much.”
“Me too, babe. Although sometimes, I feel the words can’t express it enough.”
I melt into him. I know exactly what he means.
“What are you most excited about when this is all over?” Declan asks.
“First order of business is dying my hair back to my original color—”
“Oh, thank feck. If you somehow got used to this dark shite, I would have had to put my foot down.” I laugh. I know this color doesn’t suit me.