He grips my hips, staring down at me. “You could stay.”
“Henri,” I sigh. “There’s more to it than that.”
“I know. I’m just being a selfish asshole.”
“You’re not selfish at all. You’re the only person who’s ever shown that they care about me.”
Something flickers in his gaze but is gone so fast that I must have imagined it. He brushes his lips against mine and then moves off me and stands, holding out his hand. I take it and stand. When I do, I feel his cum dripping out of me. It’s naughty and makes me wish I was the type of person who could shrug off my responsibilities.
“I better clean up.”
The doorbell rings, and Henri lets out a laugh. “That’s probably the pizza. Go change, and I’ll pay the delivery person.”
Cheeks flaming, I rush to his bedroom, closing the door behind me. I use the bathroom and then change into my clothes. When I look in the mirror, I realize I look different. Happier even. My lips curl into a smile before I can stop it, but then I remember that I need to get home so I can pack a bag before my dad shows up. That little dose of reality brings me out of my post-orgasm haze. I leave the bathroom, making my way back to Henri. The scent of pizza makes my stomach growl. I wish I could stay for more than one reason.
In the living room, Henri’s phone dings and he glances at the screen before dropping it on the table.
He says, “I called a car for you. That way, you can take the pizza home. I’m sure your brother will like it.”
“Thank you.”
I keep waiting for it to feel awkward between us, but it doesn’t. Instead, I feel sad because I’m about to leave.
“You’re sure I can’t convince you to stay?”
I want to. God, I want to stay so much, but I can’t. There’s so much that he doesn’t know, and I don’t expect him to take on my problems.
“Sadly, I need to go.”
His gaze searches mine. “Fine. But I’m adding my number to your phone, and I expect you to text if you need anything.”
“I can do that.”
“What are you doing this weekend?”
“This weekend? I was supposed to work at the diner, but I don’t think my bruises will fade by then, so I’ll likely hang around the apartment.”
“I want you to stay here. Bring your siblings, too. You’re all invited. We can make it fun and watch movies and veg out.”
His offer is so freaking tempting.
His lips brush against my forehead. “Think about it. No pressure.”
“Thank you.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I bite back a sigh. “I should go.”
“Wait.” He takes my phone and types. “There. Now you have my number.”
“Thanks.”
We smile at each other. Suddenly, I wish I didn’t have to go. I wish I could get Chip and Belle and let Henri take care of us and never look back. But this isn’t a fairytale, and I know that I need to plan some more before I can make any moves.
Henri tips my chin and kisses me. It feels like a promise, and I hope and pray he doesn’t let me down.
“I should go.”
“The doorman will show you which car is for you.”