She stroked his shoulder. “Being intimate with you is more than having sex. It’s about trust. Because of Debby, I have a hard time with that. K-Dad helped me some, but it’s still a struggle.”
“It’ll happen organically, over time.” He kissed her. “You’ll see.”
Her smile made him smile. “I love your confidence in us. It’s very uplifting.”
After showering together, she dressed in yoga pants and a comfortable shirt. He wore his black jeans and a T-shirt.
She handed him a gift bag. “A little something.”
“Babe, you didn’t have to do that.” He pulled out a T-shirt covered with chili peppers and laughed. “It’s hotter and spicier in New Mexico.” After hugging her, he yanked off his black shirt and pulled on the new one. “It’s awesome.”
“You look great.”
“I grabbed groceries at the store. How about a glass of champagne before I make you dinner?”
“I’d love one. But you have spoiled me enough. I’m makingyoudinner.”
“We’ll do it together.”
Hand in hand, they strolled into the kitchen. While Zander pulled the bottle from the refrigerator, Savannah ran her fingers over the old oak table. “I miss K-Dad.”
“I know you do. In my own way, I do, too.”
As he popped the cork and poured the bubbly, she called out, “Forgot something upstairs. Be right back.”
When she didn’t return, he found her in the family room, staring at an array of framed black and white photos hanging on the wall. “For you.” He handed her a flute.
“I took those shots in college,” she said, accepting the glass.
Pausing, he admired the pictures of the snow-capped mountains. “Your work hangs in almost every room. It’s like a mini Savannah Morrissette gallery.”
“K-Dad was my biggest fan.”
Zander gestured to the wrinkled brown leather sofa and she eased onto the corner cushion. “You doing okay here?” he asked, sitting beside her.
She draped her legs over his lap. “I’ve got you, so, I’m doing great. How doyoufeel about staying here?”
“I’m good.” He clinked his glass against hers. “To us.”
“To you, for making my dreams come true.” After sipping the chilled drink, she took another. “This is delicious.” Resting her elbow on the back of the sofa, she ran soft fingers through his hair.
Being with her, being touched by her, magnified his needs and soothed his heart at the same time. For a man who’d spent a lifetime blocking out the myriad of emotions swirling in his head, he welcomed the powerful affect Savannah had on him.
“It’s one thing to live out a fantasy or have a fun weekend fling, but this—us—feels real…and right,” he said.
“I’m blown away by everything you’ve done, but the one thing that matters to me is how much we care about each other.” She set down the flute and captured his hand in both of hers, then kissed his knuckle. “I want you to be happy and successful. My agreeing to your plans for Starry Cove wasn’t just the right thing to do for you professionally, it was the best thing to do for you personally, as well.”
“Why’s that?”
She hesitated, her gaze floating over his face. “Kyle didn’t give you the love and acceptance you deserved. He didn’t support your dreams. But I do.”
His throat tightened and he bowed his head, embarrassed by the onslaught of emotion.
She cupped his chin, lifted his face to hers. “I don’t want you to hold back with me, ever. I’m going to love you fully and completely.”
He had no doubt. The love in Savannah’s eyes shone brightly.
He drew her close and kissed her. “Being with you has changed my life. You’ve helped me slow down. I’m figuring out that there’s more to life than working. Because of you, I’m learning how to be happy.”
