Page 132 of Addiction

He pulls back. “But you already bought me a present.”

“A yoga mat is hardly anything exciting. You deserve better than that. Your bigger present is waiting at home.”

Home. I’ve unofficially moved in with Wade. He hadn’t asked and I’d never questioned it, but as time has gone on, we’ve fallen into a routine. One where we start and end each day in his bed. As far as the gym goes, we remain strictly professional, although that hasn’t stopped us fucking in my office late at night or taking advantage of the gym showers. It works. We work. And I love it.

“You’ve got me a bigger present, huh?”

“I have indeed.”

Truth is, I’ve needed help getting his actual present organized. While Grayson has kept us entertained here, Mark and Charlie slipped out an hour ago with Wade’s apartment key that I’d given them. The surprise is something I’ve had up my sleeve for a while, and even though I’m excited, I hope what I’ve done is the right thing to do when it comes to him.

“You are too good to me, Asher Nelson.”

“Oh, I know,” I tease.

When Mark and Charlie enter the bar and look in our direction, I know it’s safe to leave whenever we want. I pull him in closer to my body, resting my chin on his shoulder as I look over the dance floor. Nora is still dancing with her daughter while Grayson is now dancing with Mom, making her laugh with whatever he’s just said. It’s moments like this that make me realize how great my life has turned out, how much I’d missed when I was in my own world, and how much love everyone around me has to give. And the man I’m holding is no exception. Every day he makes me a better person and I’d do anything for him.

“I love you,” I whisper in his ear.

“I love you more.”

“Are you ready to go home now?”

“Absolutely.” He steps away too eagerly, and I can’t help but laugh. He’s like a big kid at times.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay any longer?”

“As much as I love our family and friends, I want to go.”

“Okay, lead the way.”

We say our goodbyes, and I discreetly get the keys from Mark before we head out, grabbing a cab to take us back to his. We kiss like teenagers in the back while the radio plays.

I don’t think I will ever tire of the way my heart races when he touches me.

The second we are out of the cab, a hot and bothered Wade tries to seduce me in the doorway as I try to tackle his apartment door with the keys.

“Wade. Wait a second.” I chuckle against his lips.

“I can’t.”

“You have to.” I push him back and look at him. We can’t fuck yet. I want to give him his present first because everything on the opposite side of this door is about to change. “You want your present, don’t you?”

“I can wait.”

I laugh. “Wait here.”

He huffs and does as I order as I head inside. The biggest smile spreads across my face. Mark and Charlie have done exactly what I’ve asked of them. Excitement dances in my stomach and I place the keys down on the side table before taking the envelope and stuffing it into the back pocket of my jeans, hoping that what I’m about to do will be the right thing.

I turn to head back out. “Okay, I need you to close your eyes and don’t open them until I say so.”

“Why am I suddenly nervous?”

I lean forward and press a kiss to his lips, taking his hands in mine. “Don’t be. Now close your eyes.”

He does as I say, and I walk us both into the apartment, entering the living area.

I exhale and squeeze his hands. “Okay, are you ready?”