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"That can't be true," I said.
He might not be used to anyone thinking about him, but I planned to do it a lot.
“I really like your dad," I added. "He’s been telling me some fun stories about you and the family. I think he enjoys remembering those times.”
“Oh, there's no doubt in my mind that he likes talking about the past. I bet that gives the caregiver some downtime, too, which I’m sure she appreciates.” Dom was so serious when he said this that I just wanted to kiss him. He meant more to me than he knew, and I needed to make sure he understood that. “Thank you for doing that. It means a lot.”
“Nonsense, I’m having fun with him.” Dom would get used to my ways, and then soon enough he’d call me a busybody like the rest of the Maxwell clan did. “Hey, can we stop by my condo first? I want to change and maybe pack a small overnight bag.”
“Sure.”
“Do you need to pick something from your place too?”
“No, I have some clothes at the lake house.”
***
Once at the condo, I changed clothes and packed as quickly as I could...but it still took almost an hour. Dom was patiently waiting for me, occasionally chuckling when I kept adding stuff to my carryon.
After we finally got in the car, I brought up the chessboard for his dad again, not wanting to risk the conversation circling back to Malcolm. Besides, I was still considering the sitting area. But in the end, I had to go with what Dom thought was best for his dad. After all, he knew him much better than I did.
When he pulled the car into the driveway, the house looked like it was currently being lived in. I expected the housekeeper to still be inside when Dom opened the door, but it was empty.
"She’s already left?" I asked.
"She always makes it a point not to be here when I arrive."
"Okay."
"I told her I don't mind at all. But I have to say, right now, I'm happy it's just the two of us." He smiled. "Want a drink?”
“Sure. Surprise me with something.”
We both went to the kitchen. He took out ice from the freezer, then bottles of amaretto, rum, and orange juice. I watched him mix them together, and it looked delicious. We clinked glasses, taking a sip at the same time.
Yum, it tasted delicious too.
I brushed my hair behind my ear, and Dom leaned into it. "I've wanted to be alone with you the whole damn evening," he said.
"I was half expecting you to leave. I wouldn't have blamed you, you know, if you'd bolted earlier."
He stared at me. "And leave you there on your own?"
I shrugged. "It's not your drama."
"Reese, you're mine. Do you understand?" He stepped in front of me, touching my face and the side of my neck. "I don't care how long fighting with Malcolm will take. I'll be there every step of the way, by your side, supporting you. I can’t fight for you, though I'd very much like to."
"You would?" I whispered. Suddenly, I was melting. This man wanted to be everything to me. My love for him couldn’t get any stronger.
"Yes. I'd do anything to make your life better. You deserve a life where you don't have to worry about one damn thing. That's what I want to give you. Tell me what you need."
"This. You. Really, it's more than enough. I love you so much," I whispered.
"And I love you. Never think I'd bolt, okay? No matter what happens. If you believe one thing, then believe that."
"Okay," I murmured.
"Now, let's get you out of these clothes." He started fiddling with my scarf, trying to remove it, but to no avail. “I can't undo this,” he said, frustration thick in his voice.
