“I’ll be right there.”
I scurry off to the living room as he answers his phone. I’m too distracted to hear who messed up our kiss. I search the room for the remote. I remember turning off the TV and tossing it somewhere last night before bed. Lifting one of my throw pillows, I find it. I plop down on the couch and pull up the series we’ve been watching. We’re on season two. I cue up the episode and hit Pause to wait for Sterling. He appears a few minutes later.
“That was Maverick. He needs something welded. I told him I could help him tomorrow morning or Sunday. We’re going to do Sunday.” He smiles, holds his hand out for me, and I place mine in his, letting him tug me to my feet.
I don’t know what I expected, but I was hoping for a repeat of the kitchen. Instead, Sterling lies down on the couch and pats the spot in front of him. His large frame takes up most of the space, but I’m small, and I know from experience that I fit just right in front of him.
I hesitate even though we’ve done this exact thing hundreds if not thousands of times. It feels different now.
“Come here, baby,” he says softly.
My heart stalls and I’m not sure that I’m breathing. The term of endearment slipped off his tongue as if it’s what he’s always called me. He doesn’t. He never has. I can’t speak, but I can see his eyes. They’re soft and, if I’m not mistaken, willing me to lie with him. I nod and take my spot in front of him.
He immediately wraps his arms around me. There is barely any part of us that’s not touching as he pulls me close. He kisses my neck before settling in to watch the movie. I’m staring at the paused screen and realize that’s my job. The remote is still in my hand, so I press Play, lay it on the floor, and settle in.
I don’t focus on a single thing about any of the episodes we watch. All I can think about is how much I want this with him. I’m going to tell him. I have to. I can’t go on like this any longer.
It’s going to change us, and I can only hope it’s for the better. I don’t want to do life without him.
* * *
“Sterling!” I lean forward in my seat, only to be stopped by the seat belt. “Is this where we’re going?” I can’t peel my eyes off the brick building in front of us.
“Yep.”
“I didn’t even know this place existed. How did you find it?”
“I ran out for lunch on this side of town earlier this week. I saw the grand opening sign.”
“And this is where you’re taking me?” I turn to meet his gaze.
“Yes.” He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “This is where we’re going to spend the day.”
“This can’t be fun for you.”
His palm rests against my cheek. “I’m with you. That’s what matters. Consider me your personal assistant. I’ll carry all the books you’re going to buy while you shop for more.”
“We’re really spending the afternoon at a bookstore?”
“We really are, and guess what?”
“What?” I ask, feeling my excitement quivering inside me.
“It’s two stories.”
“Seriously?” I squeal.
His smile widens. “Seriously. And the entire top floor is dedicated to romance.”
“You’re making that up.”
He laughs lightly. “I’m not. I promise you. I stopped in and checked it out to see if it was something I thought you might like. I didn’t know if it was all kids’ books or whatever, but the lady behind the desk told me the top level is all romance.”
“I love this place.” I sigh, reaching for my seat belt to release the latch.
“You haven’t even gone in yet,” he reminds me.
“I already know I’ll love it.” Leaning over the console, I move to kiss his cheek. He moves at the same time, and my lips end up at the corner of his mouth. I’m tempted to just lay one on him, but I can’t unpack that right now. Not while I’m sitting in front of a bookstore with an entire second story devoted to my favorite genre.