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“And that is?”
“Well, I am definitely done working in hospitality. I guess I’d love to find something I’m really good at, and passionate about.”
“Anything else?”
She pretends to think. “I also love living here, you’re not a bad roomie.”
I nudge her with my hips and she laughs, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Not a bad roomie?”
“You are a tad grumpy, but I can deal with that because of your monster dick.”
I chuckle. “Thank goodness for that.”
She presses her lips to mine. “I think my compass points to where you are, Mr. Devereaux. We might have a few hurdles to cross, but I’m willing to navigate this journey with you. I can’t imagine you not being in my life.”
It’s like music to my ears; bringing warmth to my heart. I love this woman so damn much. She gives me tingles all over that I’ve never experienced ever before. I can see my future in her eyes, and I’m grateful and humbled that she seems to like me. Me.
Not Alistair, the CEO.
Not Alistair, the man who can buy anything.
Not Alistair, the moody prick who pushes people away when they get too close.
While I haven't liked this time apart, getting to know Charlize one on one without sex in the way has been an eye opener. We’ve had fun. We’ve explored the city on the weekend and Charlize has met me for lunch. Seeing her during the day, having her tell me about her morning and how she’s reconfiguring her closet is like the most fascinating thing in the world. This is what love is. It’s listening to the person you love most in the world, even if it’s not something you’d normally be interested in. It’s making time for them, and not spending all night at the office. She’s helped me see there’s more to life than just making money. I can afford to take time off and smell the roses. Pre-Charlize, I’d have laughed in your face.
“I can’t imagine you not being in mine,” I mutter against her lips. I move to my feet, taking her with me as she wraps around my body.
“Take me to bed, Mr. Devereaux.”
My heart jolts at her words. “Are you sure?”
She smiles. “Of course I’m sure. We can’t stay away from one another. That’s more than I could’ve ever hoped for, considering where we started.”
I walk toward the stairs, dying to get her in my bed. “We’re at a turning point, and I’m here to show you I’m here, Princess. I can be all you need. I can be the man who makes you happy.”
She rubs her nose against mine. “You already do.”
It’s like music to my ears. All the time that I’ve been waiting for the right woman to come along was worth it. The mistakes melt away, along with my walls. I want to share everything with her.
I guess sometimes you need a wake-up call, and almost losing her was mine.
Chapter Thirty-One
Charlize
One week later in Seattle
My friends stare at me.
“Alistair Devereaux?” Ari mouths the words, her tone hushed. Even though we’re in her apartment on the top floor, it’s as if someone may overhear her.
I giggle. “Ari, it’s okay. You don’t have to whisper. It’s just us.”
Imogen’s eyes are slightly round. “And you’re telling us this now?”
I take a deep breath. I was waiting for this. “I didn’t want to message something like this or FaceTime you guys. I wanted to tell you in person. When Alistair surprised me with the trip, it was the perfect opportunity to come clean.”
I’ve told them everything. How we met. What I did. What he did. And I have to hand it to my friends, they’ve been supportive but also cautious about my relationship with Alistair.
