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"It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy; it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others." - Jane Austen
"I see you found my book." I look up at Miles. He’s coming toward me with perfectly fitted jeans and a black shirt, showing off his glorious body. I am momentarily rendered speechless until I remember what he said.
?"Yes. I didn't know you genuinely like Jane Austen. I thought you had memorized a few lines to impress me," I admit, which earns me a brilliant smile from him.
?"Lizzie, you wound me. I am in publishing. Of course, I know all the great books. I wouldn't be particularly good at my job if I didn't. I came across this passage a few days ago and wanted to show it to you. Even Austen knew that people could fall in love in a few days. We’re the ones she’s talking about. We don't need years, Fuck, I knew when I met you at the coffee shop. It was confirmed even more when I saw you again that night." He takes the book from my hand, placing the bookmark back in its spot and setting it back on the table. He pulls me up off the bed and hugs me tightly, placing a kiss on my forehead.
?"Now you need to get dressed for the boat trip. While you do, I’ll make you some coffee. I may have purchased a coffee maker that has more buttons and gadgets than I know what to do with, but I am confident I can make something drinkable." I can't help but laugh at the image my mind conjures up of Miles making coffee with a fancy machine.
?"You bought a coffee machine?" I ask incredulously. I know he didn’t have one the last time I was here, and it’s sweet that he went to the trouble of getting one.
?"Of course, I had to. Apparently, it wasn’t acceptable to live in this fancy apartment without one. Someone may have mentioned that the last time they stayed the night, so I knew I had to remedy the issue for the next time they stayed over. I didn’t want it to be a deal breaker for not having one," he teases me.
?"What am I going to do with you?" I implore.
?"Hmm, I’m just throwing this out there, but how about keeping me?" he suggests, sounding insistent.
?"I just might have to. I guess it depends on how goodthe coffee is." I chuckle, as I push him away, so I can get dressed. After changing into casual clothes, drying my hair, and applying a small bit of makeup, I come out of the bathroom and run right into Miles' hard body.
?"I was bringing you your phone. It has been going off for about ten minutes now. I wanted to make sure everything was okay." He hands me the phone, and I see I have several missed calls from my manager at the restaurant. Ugh, I know she is going to want me to come into work. Several people must have called out for her to have called me this many times.
?"It's my manager at The Ziti Dish. She must need me to come in to work," I mumble with a wince, looking up at Miles.
?"But it's one of your days off. Isn't there anyone else she can call?" he questions with a stony expression on his face. I know he made plans for us to go on a cruise on the Hudson River today, but the truth is, I could use the money. Plus, my manager knows that I’m reliable; that’s probably why she has called me so many times.
?"Let me just give her a call back to see what she says." Miles shrugs and walks away. I know he’s aggravated, but he doesn't understand having to work two jobs.
?After calling Rachael at The Ziti Dish, my suspicions are confirmed. There are several parties scheduled tonight, and a few of the servers called out. I couldn't tell her no because I know she’s freaking out. She has always had my back when I needed extra shifts or if I got sick and needed time off, so I feel like I owe it to her to come in and work tonight. I walk into the kitchen where I see Miles reading the manual to the most futuristic coffee maker I have ever seen. I smile to myself, leaning against the counter, watching this wonderful man of mine try to figure out how to make me a cup of coffee. After buying this ridiculously expensive coffee maker, we could run our own coffee shop out of his apartment. Well, if he figuresout how to work it.
?"I heard you walk in; you know. So, I know you are checking out my ass." He does a little shake of his hips and turns his head over his shoulder to wink.
?"Well, if you must know, I was looking at this fine piece of machinery that makes the best coffee in the world apparently." A deep laugh bubbles up from Miles, as he doubles over the machine and sets the manual down.
?"Well, I guess I need to up my game," he comments, turning around toward me with his muscular arms crossed over his chest. I stand and admire his bulging arms before walking over to him. When I get close enough, he wraps them around me. His cologne fills the air between us; I inhale the masculine scent. I breathe him in deeply, wanting to bathe in his scent. He smells like home. Milesismy home. I smile when I think that. I love this man.
?"How about we stop and get a coffee on the way to your apartment?" he leans in and murmurs in my ear.
?"You heard me on the phone? I'm so sorry, Miles. I know we had plans today, but my manager is desperate. She has always helped me when I needed it. I feel like I owe it to her, ya know? Besides, she said she would get me out of there early, so it won't be a late night. I'll make it up to you." I insist.
?"Lizzie, there is nothing to be sorry about. But you really don't have to work there anymore. I was serious earlier. You can move in here and spend your time finishing your book. Then you can start writing the next one," he proffers in all seriousness.
?"I'm not moving in here and quitting my jobs, Miles. How would I make a living? What if my book is a flop? Then I would have to go out and find new jobs. I’m not just going to let you pay for everything. That’s not fair to you." Miles kisses me,stopping my argument. Something he’s very good at doing.
?"We'll talk about it later. Now come on. Thomas is downstairs." I relent by grabbing my bag and following Miles out of the door to his elevator.
Chapter 30
Elizabeth
After spending a fairytale birthday with Miles, walking into work shocks me back to reality. I let out a deep sigh, trudging up to the bar. Rachael is talking to some of the wait staff.
"Lizzie, I’m glad you could make it. Thank you so much for coming in on such short notice. There are three different parties scheduled tonight, with more than fifteen people in each one. Since you are the best at large groups, I want you to work on those. Everyone will help you with whatever you need." Rachael stresses these words, looking back at the other staff to let them know she means it. I can't help but smirk. Rachael has R.B.F., resting bitch face, so to others, she can seem a bit scary. However, she has always been kind to me.
?"Thanks Rach, I'm going to go get changed and make sure everything is stocked for tonight." She nods, as she continues to lecture some of the new hires who were here the last time I worked. Hopefully, they won't cause any problems tonight. I Just want to work these parties and get out of here. I wonder what Miles is up to. He mentioned he was going to call Sebastian and see what he was doing today. I wish I was with him right now, on the Hudson River, like we had planned. Unfortunately, duty calls. Miles was disappointed. I know he was, even if he didn't say anything. Hell, I’m disappointed, but people were depending on me. I need to figure out some way to make this up to him.
?Opening my locker, I put away my coat and purse, then sit down with my phone. Scrolling through my notifications, I see I missed a call from my mother and my brother. Panic courses through my body until I begin listening to thevoicemail from my mother.
?"Hi sweetie, I was calling to tell you happy birthday. Did you get your package? I hope you and Sarah had a wonderful day yesterday. Call me back and let me know what y'all did to celebrate. Also, before I forget, I need to know what days you will be home for Christmas. I can't wait to see you! Call me back. Love you."
