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“Well, we always have next year.” He says it with such confidence that it fills my whole body with joy at the prospect of all the things to come.
“When are you flying back to Salt Lake?” I wipe some icing from the corner of my mouth and lick it off my finger. Lachlan’s eyes dilate as he watches.
“Tomorrow.”
“Me too. Where are you staying? I haven’t booked anything yet.”
“A hotel near the wharf.” He finishes his slice of cake, pushing the now empty plate away.
“Can I stay with you?” I hedge. “Or you know, it’s okay if you don’t want that. Never mind, I can get my own hotel room. Don’t mind me.”
“Dani,” Lachlan says with a laugh, trying to quiet me, “of course you can stay with me.”
I blow out a breath. “Thank you.”
With our cake gone, Lachlan pays and takes my hand, leading me out onto the Seattle streets.
“Let me show you the city, beautiful.”
I can’t stop my smile, my hand tightening around his.
Best. Birthday. Ever.
After spending our day cruising around Seattle, seeing as much as we possibly can, we don’t get back to the hotel until after dark.
Lachlan insists I shower first, so I shut myself in the bathroom, shrugging off my backpack. Standing in front of the lighted mirror, I smile.
I’m in Seattle.
With Lachlan.
Today was better than I could’ve imagined. This morning when I got off the plane I wasn’t sure what would happen, or even what to expect. Being with Lachlan is easy. It’s like we’ve known each other our whole lives. We laughed, talked, and teased each other. I also stuffed myself with way too many sweets today.
Trying to force myself to stop smiling, I grab the hotel provided shampoo, conditioner, and body wash so I can clean up.
When I’ve showered I change into the tank top and shorts I packed for sleeping. It’s ridiculous how nervous I feel stepping out of the bathroom. It’s not like I’m in my underwear, or naked, and Lachlan’s seen me both ways anyway.
I find Lachlan sitting on the end of the king size bed, texting on his phone.
He looks up when he hears me, his eyes scanning me from my toes—painted a green shade called Shake Your $ Maker—all the way up until his blue eyes meet my hazel ones.
“Feeling any guilt about being here with me?” I try to make my question sound light, but I need to know his answer. I know there’s no hope for us moving forward if he’s always going to feel guilty for his feelings.
He shakes his head. “Come here.” He crooks a finger.
I do as he says, standing between his spread legs. He places his hands on my hips, fingers splaying until they’re on my ass.
“We didn’t have appropriate beginnings, but the feelings were real, and despite it all I wouldn’t change a thing as long as it means at the end of the day I get to love you.”
“Lachlan.” Damn him, he’s going to make me cry again.
Even though he’s sitting, we’re nearly the same height and he cups my cheek in one hand.
“I’m yours as long as you’ll have me.”
I place my hands on his shoulders. “And if I want you forever?”
A slow smile lifts his lips. “Then I’d say that sounds pretty perfect.”
