“You mean, cuddle with beautiful girls on my terrace?”
I feel myself blushing and smack his knee while giggling.
“No, silly. I meant this.” I wave my hand out in front of us towards the sky. “Do you often sit out on the balcony and enjoy the city like this?”
He grows thoughtful, his big hand caressing my knee.
“I try to come out here at least once a week, either in the morning or at night. The cityscape is pretty awesome, and I’m always reminded of how incredible Manhattan is.”
I squint a bit.
“Yes, and I think I can see the Freedom Tower all the way down south,” I murmur. “Heavens, this is an amazing view!”
But now, the sky is beginning to lighten as orange and pink rays pierce through the grey mist. I snuggle in closer to Sanford, excited to share this moment with the gorgeous man, and even more excited to be here with him, enjoying a romantic moment.
“I could get used to this,” I sigh happily, leaning my head back against him.
“Waking up to watch the sunrise?” he growls in my ear.
I giggle.
“Yes, and being held like this by you.” I turn my head to smile at him. “Getting to watch the sunrise with you is just an added bonus actually.”
Sanford’s eyes lock on mine and I inhale sharply at the intensity there. What is he thinking? The alpha male’s tongue darts out, sliding over his bottom lip, and I’m absolutely mesmerized by that mobile mouth.
“You are so beautiful, Chrissy,” he says, low and deep. Then, his hand comes up to my neck, resting just under my jaw line, and he cups my face before leaning in to kiss me. But things are different now. This isn’t like other kisses we’ve shared, hard and fast and full of lust. Instead, it’s slow and deliberate, like we have all the time in the world and I moan against his lips.
He pulls away too soon, and for a moment, we merely stare at one another, our hearts pounding. What is Sanford thinking? What does he want from me? But then a ray of sunlight bursts through the clouds, illuminating our small picnic area and both of us pull away to smile.
“Gorgeous,” he breathes in my ear. “So beautiful.”
I’m not sure if he’s talking about the sunrise or about me, but I don’t care. I feel safe and beautiful and cherished in this man’s arms, and merely snuggle further into his embrace.
“It is, isn’t it?” I murmur. “I love it here.”
Sanford merely drops another kiss to my collarbone before growling in my ear. “Then stay here with me, Chrissy,” he says. “Tonight, and for the rest of the week too.”
I turn awkwardly to look at him.
“Are you sure?” I ask in a slow voice. “I mean, we don’t have to…”
But Sanford shakes his head, those blue eyes intense.
“I want you to, baby. Life is better with you here, and if you want me to mention it to Curves, then I will. I don’t mind paying you, sweetheart, if that’s what you want.”
My heart sings because it’s not about the money, for me at least. Instead, I want to be with Sanford, and against all odds, this relationship feels real. Not like a fake date, nor like some set-up where he’s out to get his rocks off. Instead, I feel like I’ve found the man of my dreams, but is that wishful thinking? Am I getting ahead of myself?
But for now, I don’t let myself overthink things. Instead, I merely smile and nod.
“Yes, I’d like that,” I murmur. “I want to stay with you.”
Then, I’m pulled back into his strong embrace and melt against Sanford’s chest, my insides mushy and warm. This is the man for me, and I hope our arrangement can last forever. What is it called when it does? Oh yes – marriage.
8
Chrissy
* * *
Three months later.
Watching Sanford over the rim of my coffee cup as he runs around the kitchen preparing our morning omelets is one of my favorite things about living together in his penthouse. Okay, I haven’t given up my apartment, but I basically live here now for all intents and purposes. At this point, I just have some out-of-season jackets still at my apartment, plus my furniture of course. Everything else is here, and it’s nice because it lends a sense of intimacy. My toothbrush lives on the countertop next to Sanford’s, and my jackets and blouses hang in the closet next to his suits. Maybe we’re just playing house, but it still feels very real.
Plus, this apartment is gorgeous. I grew up in a mansion in New Jersey, but Sanford’s penthouse makes my Dad’s home feel really old-fashioned. Instead of elaborate chandeliers dripping with crystal and acres of chintz, Sanford’s place is light, airy, and modern. The walls are a soothing cream, and most of his furniture is contemporary and sleek, as opposed to puffy and huge.