Page 81 of Enchanted

Rami’s not going to fall in love with you. This is just fun. You deserve some fun.

I did. God knew I did.

I took several steadying breaths. From this moment on, I was going to ignore my conscience and forget about the judgemental words people would throw at me if they knew how quickly I’d moved from one man to another. I was going to follow my instincts, and I was going to enjoy the hell out of it.

After an extremely thorough shower in anticipation of what I hoped was going to follow, I went to help Rami in the kitchen.

“Oh, you’re finished already.”

Rami smiled as he finished serving the couscous and grilled salmon. “It’s far simpler to throw together than it looks.”

“Still, I appreciate it.” I stepped up beside him and nudged him out of the way with my hip. “Here, let me carry these to the table. It’s the least I can do.”

Rami laughed and held up his hands. “Fine. I’ll allow it. I thought we’d eat outside, if that’s okay?”

“Sure.” I followed him out of the open bi-fold doors before coming to an abrupt stop. “Rami…this is beautiful.”

The small table was covered in a delicate white cloth, a beautiful bouquet of roses in the centre. Flickering tealight candles in tall glass jars were dotted all around the outside kitchen. Low music was playing from a hidden speaker, completing the romantic mood.

A lump formed in my throat. “How’d you even pull this off?”

“I had a little help,” Rami confessed, rubbing the back of his neck while smiling tentatively. “Is it too much?”

God, seeing how nervous he was about my reaction did something to me. It had me wanting to hug him tight and reassure him that it wasn’t too much. That this was the sweetest, most romantic gesture anyone had ever shown me.

I realised I could do exactly that.

After carefully placing the plates on the table, I wound my arms around Rami’s neck and went up on my tiptoes. “Thank you. This isn’t too much; it’s perfect. I’m honestly blown away.”

Then I kissed him.

Rami was frozen for a split second, like he couldn’t believe I’d been the one to initiate the kiss, but then he came to life. His muscled arms encircled me, one hand diving into my hair as the other held me close. He deepened the kiss with a groan that had one of my own rising to join it.

God, why did kissing Rami feel so good?

Eventually, we parted. Rami leaned his forehead against mine and chuckled. “Sorry. One day, I might be able to kiss you like I’m not seconds away from mauling you, but today is not that day.”

I blushed shyly. “Is it bad if I hope that day never comes?”

His lips curled at the corners. “Not at all, baby.”

I should’ve protested the endearment. Or not suggested that we were going to be kissing lots more in future. Instead, I just sighed. “We’re not doing very well at the whole friends with benefits thing.”

Rami hummed. “Forget everything else for a second. Are we friends, Ethan?”

“Of course.”

“Then it seems to me that we’re nailing it.” He slid his hand under my waistband and palmed my arse cheek. The thin cotton barrier of my underwear did little to lessen the heat of his touch. “We’re friends. We’re enjoying the benefits. We don’t need to complicate it any further.”

I leaned back so I could see his face properly. “Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

“Yes.” There was nothing but utter sincerity on Rami’s face. “I am, Ethan. Whatever you want us to be is good with me. I’m never going to judge you or hate you for going at your own pace. We can go as fast or slow as you like. But if you’re wondering where the line is, there isn’t one. You can kiss me whenever you like…or more. I’m definitely down for more.”

“Really?” My lips twitched. “Had no idea from how you’re currently fondling me.”

“My point is, it’s not going to magically make me think that you in my bed is an eternal commitment…although I’m hoping it might happen one day.” His fingers were teasing the seam of my cheeks through my boxers now. “Want me to stop?”

“Fuck no,” I breathed, focusing on that rather than the eternal commitment thing. If I thought too long about what it might be like to be in a long-term relationship with this man, there was a good chance my head would explode.