I’m not fearful anymore.
I can let myself feel.
I can allow myself to want something that my mom never had with the love of her life; a future.
I can risk a broken heart like the one she’s carried inside of her all of her life. I will risk it to love this man even if it’s only for a short time, although I want a lifetime with him.
“I’ve never made love without a condom.” I don’t break his gaze. “I’m on the pill. I have been for years. I’m clean. I had a checkup a few months ago and I haven’t been with anyone since.”
His eyes close on a heavy exhale and then he moves. I’m suddenly underneath him. His body is hovering over me.
My lips part and tears prick the corners of my eyes when he enters me without a barrier.
“Oh, God,” I whimper when he starts to move.
“Fuck, Olivia,” he whispers into my ear. “So fucking good.”
He moves faster, increasing the pace, taking me to a place I’ve never been before.
I never want this to end.
I love him. I want him.
Alexander Donato is my future. He’s my everything.
***
“Did you spend your entire weekend here?” Sheryl asks from where she’s standing just inside my office. “You were here yesterday and now you’re here bright and early on Monday morning. What’s up?”
My future. That’s what’s up.
I was called in yesterday by Cathleen to discuss what comes next for me.
Sheryl must have heard about that from her friend in HR. That department is aware of every move I’m making. I’m not surprised that word is spreading around the building.
“I’m a dedicated employee?” I form it as a question. “It’s that, or I can’t get enough of the coffee in the break room.”
She laughs.
I raise my mug toward her. “I can’t take another sip of this. I’m going to run down to the café a block over. Do you want anything?”
“A minute of your time,” she says quietly.
My head pops up. I search her face. “My time?”
“May I?” She motions to the chairs opposite my desk.
“Please.” I nod.
She closes the door and takes a seat across from me. I’m tempted to point out that we’ve dressed alike again today. I picked a navy blue suit with a white blouse. S
he did the same. The only difference is the ruffle on her blouse.
“I know they’ve made a choice about London.” She crosses her legs at the knee. “I also know the choice is under lock and key until the big announcement.”
“The company is big on surprises. You know that, Sheryl.”
“You can’t give me a hint?” She perks a brow. “If you answer in a British accent, I won’t tell anyone.”