“Yeah, I saw the shop and thought my Sunshine should have something to brighten her day,” he murmurs the words against my temple, his lips cause a shiver to work up my spine. He shrugs. “She suggested this bouquet when I mentioned they were for you.”
“You being here brightens my day.”
He blinks down at me for a moment as if he’s trying to figure out if I’m telling the truth or not. I know what he’ll see in my eyes. His voice is gruff, “Isn’t it about time for you to be getting out of here?”
I look over at the clock, a little surprised at how fast the day went by. I know why. How can it be a slow or bad day when you start off waking up in the arms of the man you love…with orgasms? Anderson’s smile turns wicked, and I know he’s reading my mind.
Ruth is practically jumping up and down on the other side of the counter. I huff out a breath and roll my eyes at her, but I’m not at all annoyed. It’s good to see her so damn happy. Not just happy, but able to express her emotions. She was a little closed off, but she’s opening up more every day.
I introduce them quickly and then, before I know it, I’m walking out to my car, hand in hand with the rainbow bouquet in my hands. He winks at me. “I grabbed a ride down here since I didn’t figure you’d want to leave your car overnight.”
Even though his thoughtfulness warms my heart, I can’t help but tease him a little, “Oh? Are you so sure I’m going to give you a ride home?”
Anderson’s laugh booms and echoes around us. Amusement dances in his eyes as he presses me against the side of the car. His eyes are intense as he looks down at me, fathomless and clear. “I know because you are my home.”
I melt against him, wrapping my free arm around his neck and pulling him down to me. He fits his mouth to mine, and I lose track of time and space as it continues to exist around us. When I moan into his mouth, he releases me and shakes his head as if he’s trying to clear it.
“Come on, Reese,” he wiggles his eyebrows at me, “time to have a little fun.”
When he holds his hand out for my keys, I don’t hesitate to hand them over. I trust Anderson and if he has a plan then I’m more than willing to be surprised. I love surprises.
When I get into the car, I’m almost bouncing, making Anderson chuckle when he slides into the driver’s seat. “You like surprises?”
“I love them,” I gush. I wave my hand dismissively, “I know lots of people don’t like them, but they’ve always made me excited. I guess I like the idea of someone wanting to do something for me, no matter if its big or small, and wanting it to be a surprise. That’s special.”
I look over at Anderson and he’s looking at me, a soft smile on his lips. I take a moment and study him. He doesn’t look stressed anymore. There are no stress lines around his eyes or the dark circles which were there before. He’s relaxed.
And so fucking sexy.
“You’re special,” he rasps before leaning over and kissing my forehead.
“Aww,” I tease him, and we laugh together as he heads out.
I don’t even ask where we’re going, I just look out the window, happy about the fact life isn’t passing me by. Not right now. Not when I’m with him. I’m experiencing it. For the first time it feels like I’m part of life, not just trying to find the good things with the hope of keeping the bad and the sadness at bay.
When Anderson stops in front of an arcade, I let out a little cheer. His voice is deep and filled with happiness which makes my belly flutter, “I believe you challenged me to some Skee-Ball, Sunshine. It’s time to put your money where your mouth is.” I reach for the handle, but he stops me, “Don’t move. I’m coming around.”
My heart clenches. I’ve had guys treat me pretty good, I mean they weren’t all shit, but with Anderson it’s different. It’s so much more. His care is something special, protective and considerate. It doesn’t hurt that it turns me the fuck on either.
When he opens the door, he offers me his hand and I don’t hesitate to place mine in his. When our fingers lace together it feels like I reached for so much more than his hand. He kisses my forehead before leading me inside the arcade and right to the bank of Skee-ball machines.
I eye it warily and find myself hedging, “It’s been a little while.”
Anderson shakes his head. “You’re not getting out of this, Reese. You talked a big game.”
I tap my finger to my lips and eye him. “Wanna make a bet?”
Anderson chuckles and pulls me so I’m flush against his body. He shakes his head slowly. “There isn’t a damn thing I want that I could win rolling some wooden balls through those hoops,” he nods his head toward the machine as he speaks.
I bite my lip, the words a whispered hope between us, “What about my heart?”
Anderson’s eyes widen slightly before a slow smile spreads across his lips. His eyes are intense, his words measured, “You don’t think I know how you feel about me, Sunshine? I know.” He kisses my lips softly. “You already have my heart anyway.” I let out a little gasp and he pulls back enough to look into my eyes. “I love you, Reese. I know I was an ass in the beginning, but, even then, I knew the truth of this thing between us. It’s one for the books, ya know?”
“I love you, too, Anderson,” the words come out in a rush. I wrap my arms around his neck, pressing my body against his. “You’re a good man. I forgive you for all the complaints and stuff. You were stressed out. It’s okay.” I kiss his lips softly. “We’re okay.”
“We’re better than okay, Reese. We’re damn lucky.”
I swallow hard and feel the truth of his words wash through me. “We are lucky.” I giggle and shake my head. When he arches his eyebrow in question I sass him, “I knew you were all bark and no bite, Anderson.”