I shake my head at his antics, but there's a smile on my face. Truth be told, I don't really want to wait any longer, either.
"How about you move in here while we look for a place that's right for the both of us?"
Aiden's face lights up like a kid on Christmas morning. "I think that sounds like a perfect idea." And without a second's hesitation, he pushes off of me and stands up. Once he's hastily righted his clothes, he extends his hand to me and says, "Let's go."
I look up at him in confusion. "What? Where?"
"My place. We have to get me packed up."
"What?" I yelp. "Right now? I can't even feel my legs yet!"
His smile turns sly. "That never stopped you from bolting out of my bed before. If you can run away from me immediately after sex, then you can run toward a life with me, too."
And although my expression softens with affection at his words, Aiden has no interest in making this an emotional moment. Which he proves by reaching down to grab my arm and tossing me over his shoulder in a fireman's carry.
"Aiden! I'm still naked, you caveman, I'm not ready!"
He lets out an exasperated breath and lets me slide down his body, though he doesn't allow any space between us. With an arm wrapped around my waist and his other hand sinking into my hair, he anchors me with his usual possessive hold.
"Fine, go get ready," he mutters. "But hurry up. I've been wanting to ask you that for weeks."
At that, I melt in his arms. I wrap my arms around his neck and tilt my face up to his with a genuine smile, pausing to study this incredible man and soak in the love that he showers me with every single day. I take a moment to be grateful for this new life that he's opened for me and never once allows me to second-guess.
"I love you," I tell him in a whisper, the words coming easier every time I say them. This time, it feels like a relief to press the words like a brand to his lips. And when he returns the kiss with a whisperedI love you, too,there isn't a single moment in my life I've loved more.
Until, of course, the kiss escalates and a groan rumbles through Aiden's chest.
"Okay, maybe one more time. Then we'll go."
And I'm still giggling as he throws me back down on the couch.
THE END