Page 24 of Obsessed with my Guardian

I hear footfalls and fly down the stairs. I find him loosening his tie in the foyer. I dimmed the lights and scattered small candles around the living room to set the mood. I look at him. He’s so handsome, his mouth tilted in a close-lipped smile as he studies the ambiance.

“Nice. I can only imagine what the food is going to taste like.”

I wave him off. “Oh, don’t you worry.”

I let Mrs. Wilson go home early today, stopped at his favorite seafood restaurant, and ordered takeout. I know I should have attempted to cook for him, but my goal tonight was to get him closer to me and not give the man food poisoning.

“So, you’re all packed?” Anxiety is getting the best of me. Damn it.

I clasp my hands, cursing myself inwardly. I told myself to be calm and cool, but fuck it… It’s hard not to sound needy when he’s so gorgeous and sexy.

“Yes. Should I load the luggage into my car so you can kick me out after dinner?” A strange tone colors his voice. Is he being sarcastic, or is there a trace of hurt in there too?

I swallow and step toward him, but words fail me. I don’t want him to go… but I’m sure he knows that. I’ve followed him like a puppy and told him many times I didn’t want him to leave before we were together romantically.

This time, though, I can’t beg. I can’t manipulate or pretend. It’s his choice. “Whatever you prefer,” I say, trying to sound as natural as possible, but my voice still has a hint of nervous energy.

A twinkle flickers in his eyes. “Eloise.”

I swallow. A nauseating sensation spills in my stomach, and I hope I won’t part with my lunch before we eat dinner. “Yes?”

He steps toward me, his eyes on mine. “I don’t want to go anywhere.”

“You don’t?” I ask in a small voice. A knot unfurls inside me, and the tension dissipates faster than quicksand. Did I hear him correctly?

Golden specks spark his green eyes. “No, I don’t.”

“Why not?” Maybe his place is out for maintenance or something. I can’t be too careful right now. I need him to tell me exactly what’s in his head, even if that may fuck up everything.

He inches closer and strokes my cheek with the back of his hand. I lean in, soaking up his touch. It’s like we’re finally reuniting after being away from each other for centuries. We’re here, talking, and if my gut is right, he’s not going anywhere. “Because I love you, and I’m selfish. I should go away, give you space, but I find it impossible. Even if it’s not what your father would have wanted,” he says, emotion cracking his voice.

A smile pulls at my lips, and my heart sets off in a crazy race. “Oh, Reed. I love you too. And I don’t want you to think about and Dad minimize what we’ve shared. My father wanted me to be happy most of all… and I can’t see that happening without you.” I mean every word. I can’t imagine a world where Dad would disapprove of us. “He trusted me with his company. Why wouldn’t he trust me with my love life?”

He pulls me into his arms. “Making you happy will be my mission, I promise. I love you, Eloise.” He takes a small velvety box from his pocket and gives it to me.

I open it to see a gorgeous oval-shaped diamond ring sparkling at me.

“This is whatever you want it to be. Whatever you let it be. I’d love for you to be my wife, but if you want to settle for a promise ring for now, I’ll take it. I’m giving you the choice.”

There has never been an easier choice. I take the ring from the box and slide it on the fourth finger of my left hand. Joy bubbles inside me. I’ve wanted to be his and his only, for so long. Never in my wildest dreams did I hope to be engaged to him. “I want you too. Any way I can have you. I’ve always wanted you. Since forever ago.”

The contours of his face soften, contrasting the golden intensity in his eyes. He sweeps me off my feet and into his arms. I let out a gasp of surprise and happiness all in one. “Well, get ready. Forever starts now…”

EPILOGUE

Six months later…

Eloise

“Are you ready?”Mrs. Wilson asks me when I rush into the house. “Your hubby has been getting ready upstairs already.”

I toss my bag on the couch and slide out of my shoes. It’s been a long ass day. I worked in the morning, had a class in the afternoon, then a late meeting with my team. “I’ll be ready soon.”

“Well, don’t take too long,” Mrs. Wilson says. “It’s his big night.”

“I know.”

She grabs her purse. “I’m off for the weekend. You two have fun.”

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