Looking down at our naked bodies entwined, I think of how perfectly made for me she is. I never realized this could exist, and I'll never be the same without it. Granddad tried explaining it to me once. Dad's tried numerous times. But until Raya, it didn't seem sensible. Now that I've met her, nothing else in life makes sense without her.
"I meant it, Raya. I love you. I'm sorry I didn't say it the second you told me. I was... scared. That doesn't mean I didn't feel it. Christ, I felt it. I was... well, an idiot."
I feel her smiling as I kiss her neck, savoring her taste. I'll never take this for granted again.
"I love you," she says, turning and pushing her leg over my waist, stirring up a need that is far from sated.
"Then we have a lot of making up left to do," I murmur with a grin, kissing her gently. "But, first things first," I continue while getting up and pulling on my boxers.
I don't even let her question me before I run down the stairs, hoping her dad hasn't returned without our knowledge. Running around in his house with nothing but my boxers on could end up being fatal—for me.
Fortunately, his car is still missing when I run outside. There are only a few houses around. Much to my dismay, there's an elderly woman outside, spraying a water hose with her jaw dropped as she stares at me. I'm pretty sure she isn't meaning to water her mailbox.
I wave casually, pretending as though this isn't at all awkward, as I strut to the rear of my Range Rover. After popping the hatch, I grab the crate, feeling a ruffle of excitement course through me. I've been waiting on the perfect day, and it's finally here.
After giving a quick nod to the woman who's now watering her car's back, right tire, I make my way back inside. Raya doesn't have to know her neighbor just saw most of the goods. Besides, I don't plan on leaving her here. And unless she wants me living with her and her father, she'd better agree to come home with me.
I push open the door to her room that has closed, and Raya is staring up at me, looking puzzled as her gaze drops to the crate. I see the questions forming in her eyes, but I let her stew.
"I left that on purpose," she says softly, keeping her body covered by the thin sheet. "It should stay in your family."
I shake my head while popping the crate's top, revealing the stash of gingerly wrapped goods.
"Raya, Granddad thought you were family. I'm sure he still does. This is yours. He'd kick my ass if I kept it."
I don't look up, but I can practically sense her smile, as I pull out my bottle of wine.
"This one is mine. And I've been saving it for a very special day."
She won't let me do this if I don't hurry. It'll be a fight to the end to pull the cork. I hear a small gasp, meaning she just did the math and figured it out. I quickly twist the corkscrew and carefully start tugging.
"Kade, don't be ridiculous. I can't drink that wine, and you can't—"
A small, suctioning pop rings out as the cork slides free. I've never felt so good about a decision in all my life. This isn't just a wine; it's a symbol that Raya will appreciate, because she knows exactly how much this says. If there was a question about how much I love her, it's just been answered.
"Have you lost your mind? What are you doing?" she says, her voice shaky and stunned.
"Putting away the corkscrew," I say, playing coy. "Now I'm pouring our wine."
I fight off the teasing grin as I tilt the glass and pour the wine.
"Kade, this wine—"
"Was meant for something special," I interrupt, finishing the sentence the way she needed to. "I happen to think telling a girl I love her for the first time in my life is pretty monumental. So, you'll drink my wine with me and you'll enjoy every sip."
The tears that form in her eyes tell me she realizes the magnitude of this. This is us moving forward, and this is me promising to never push her away again.
My wine glass clinks against hers in a silent toast as I sit down next to her on the bed. I kiss her gently before pulling back. Her eyes zero in on the merlot as she pulls the edge of the glass to her full, tempting lips. This shouldn't be so sexy to watch.
When she moans, I can't help but feel a stir of pride. Her eyes close as she savors the sip, licking her lips as she rides out the divine taste I'm sure it must have. It's been a while since I had a glass of this wine. My mom used her bottle on the day I turned twenty-one. I hated that I only got such a small glass. We shouldn't have ever sold any of these.
When she opens her eyes, I can't help but smile. She's so perfect.
"Is it good?" I ask, leaning over to kiss her shoulder, feeling the ecstasy cross over her in shivers.
She rolls her eyes at me, which is a good sign.
"I think I'm hooked."