Page 98 of Brighter Together

That tiny gesture hits me harder than it has any right to.

I press my face into her hair.

For a while, the room is quiet except for the distant hum of Manchester outside.

“Can we stay here forever?” she asks.

“Sounds impractical.” I smile.

“It feels pretty great from where I am.”

“From where I am too.”

“So why leave?”

“Because I’ve already got a list of things I want to do with you.”

Ella shifts slightly.

“You have a list?”

“Of course I do.”

“You really are incapable of spontaneity.”

“I’m naked in a hotel bed with my assistant after getting her off on a roof. I think I’ve demonstrated some flexibility.”

She bursts out laughing. “Fair point.”

I kiss her shoulder.

“I want to take you to my favourite spot in the hills.”

“Okay.”

“Eat éclairs at Cherry Pie.”

“Definitely.”

“I want to cook for you.”

She turns her head. “You cook?”

“I own a hotel.” I give her a mock pout.

“That doesn’t answer the question.”

“Yes, I can cook.”

“Well?”

“Very.”

“Cocky again.”

“I’ll prove it.”

She smiles. “What else?”