Page 111 of What About Us

“I love all of it. The big things?” She pushes my sweaty hair back off my forehead. “They’re fun, and feel fancy. Like the dresses and the studio. Hiring people to take care of my fucked-up house. Those are huge. But it’s the little things that made me fall in love with you. Even just the way you look at me, like you are right now.”

“And how is that, beautiful?”

She drags her fingertips down my cheek. “Like I’m the best thing you’ve ever seen. Maybe better than the Stanley Cup.”

“You’re everything.” I swallow hard and keep my gaze on hers, needing her to hear every word. “You’re my world. I want to give you all the things, big and small. Mostly big.”

I waggle my eyebrows and she laughs.

“Like, really big. And not at all nice. Nice isn’t even an option when you’re thinking about it.”

“Big like your ego,” she says, squeezing my cheek playfully. “I love my studio. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I’m going to paint in there in the morning, before we work out.”

“I can’t wait to see what you come up with.” I nibble her lips. “You know what’s really sad?”

Her brows pull together in a frown. “What?”

“You just had a shower.”

“Yeah?”

“And I’m a mess. All sweaty and gross.” I lean in and wipe the sweat on her, making her groan and giggle at the same time. “And now you need another shower. With me this time.”

“Are you incapable of showering by yourself?”

“We’ll never have to find out.” I stand with her in my arms, and she scowls. “Yes, yes, my knee, blah blah blah.”

“You’re bad.”

“No, I’m very, very good. I’ll show you in the shower.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

IVY

The doorbell rings just as I get to the bottom of the stairs. I have no idea where Xander is. I got lost in painting in my studio this morning, and I haven’t seen him in a couple of hours. So, I head over to open the door and smile when I see Cassie standing on the other side.

“Hey, come on in! No one else is here yet.”

“Good. I’m going to get set up so y’all can graze all day.”

“You might be my new favorite person.”

Cassie smirks as she walks past me to the kitchen. I’ve known this woman for a long time, and I know that she’s a highly sought-after personal chef. Xander has started having me put in my own food orders alongside his.

It’s been a month since the gala in Denver and since my man surprised me with the studio.

To say I love my new workspace is a huge understatement. Rarely a day goes by that I don’t spend time in there. It’s the perfect spot.

And the fact that Xander thought to give it to me makes it all the more special.

“Also, I’ve been obsessed with the chicken salad with crackers you’ve been making me for lunch.”

“Oh good. I love that one too. I eat it all the time.”