Chapter Eighteen
Tituswenttothe bathroom and returned with a warm towel, he wipes every inch of me. The warm towel feels amazing, and the cool air afterwards is invigorating.
I tuck myself under my comforter as he discards the towel, then he climbs in bed next to me, putting his arm out for me to tuck into. I put my hand on his chest and make small circles with my fingers.
"This changes things, baby girl."
"How so?"
"I told you you’re mine, and I meant it. I'm not going anywhere." He lays a kiss on the crown of my head.
"I… I can't promise anything."
"I know that."
"But I can stop myself from jumping to conclusions if something happens, but I promise to keep an open mind and give thing a fair shot."
“Well, I promise you I won’t give up until you realize we belong together.”
I nod my head, and he runs his fingers along my scalp and through my hair over and over until my eyes grow heavy.
"Good night, Piper," he says with another kiss on top of my head.
"Mm. Good night, Titus."
Thesoundofmusic wakes me, and I see the glow from the nightstand on Titus's side. I nudge him a little and he jumps.
"Oh, shit," he says as he reaches for his phone. I lift myself off his arm so he can push up onto his elbow.
"Hello?" His voice is rough with sleep.
I try to listen but can't hear anything.
"Are you kidding?" There’s a pause, and I see his face morph into anger.
"Fuck, man. Alright. I'm coming. Give me like half an hour."
He sits up, running his hands through his hair. "Fuck!"
"What happened?"
"That was my security company. Apparently, something triggered the alarm at the shop. I have to go over and talk to the cops."
"Oh, gosh. I hope it's not serious."
He gets up, starts collecting his clothes. "I'm sorry, Piper. I don't want to leave."
"I understand. It's not like you have a choice."
It's not a choice, right? He has to go. It's his shop. Of course, he has to go.
Stop being all doom and gloom, Piper.
He dresses quickly, walks over to me, takes my face in his hands, and kisses me.
"I hate to leave, baby girl, but I'll talk to you tomorrow." His thumb rubs across my lips as his hands leave my face.
"Okay."