Fuck it. I’ll go with what’s in my heart and not the fucked-up shit about liars, cheaters, and manipulators that’s been in my head since Jules’s betrayal.
I can feel Ever’s smile before I hear the happiness in her voice.
“You planned out our trip.”
A statement that came out as a question.
“Why wouldn’t I? I came to surprise you. Of course I’d do the heavy lifting. No woman of mine will lift a finger.”
She sputters laughter. “Haven’t you heard? Women and men are equal.”
“This isn’t about paying your share, opening your own door, or me waiting for you to initiate, Ever,” I say with underlying command in my voice. “I take what I want, but I also take care of what’s mine.”
“You took me captive.” She interlaces her fingers that are splayed across my chest.
I understand she’s teasing, but I’m serious when I say, “You can leave at any time, sweetness.”
Her body tenses. “I like it here.”
Here is on my bike with her arms around me in the afterglow of the sunset.
“Warm enough?”
“Yes. Thank you for the jacket and gloves.”
“Keep them. They’re yours.”
“Does that mean we’ll ride again?”
“Whenever you would like to.”
“I’d like that.”
I cup her knee and squeeze. “You’re not a fan of surprises. Doing okay with this one?”
“More than okay. What you planned is perfect.”
I puff out my chest. I aim to please.
“Shakes at Queenie’s Diner. So tasty,” she said. I had strawberry and she ordered chocolate. “Exploring Delridge’s town center.” It’s been a while since both of us were there. “Stopping in to say hi to Wendy at Sweets Creation Two.” Her boss’s other store. “I’ve never met her, but she’s exactly as I pictured when I hear her cheery voice on the phone. Tall, willowy, and blonde with a bright smile.” Ever drapes her arms over my shoulders and laughs. “She couldn’t stop staring at you.”
I take her hand and land a kiss on her palm, enjoying her happiness before I strip her of it tomorrow, when I see her again, having changed my flight to Monday morning.
“I only have eyes for you.” I won’t do anything to jeopardize what I have with Ever, including giving another woman attention.
Ever grasps my jaw and kisses me square on my mouth before she continues. Her soft, warm mouth leaves me reeling for more. I smirk. For fuck’s sake, how can one quick kiss make my head spin and my cock stiffen?
“While you were checking out the pastries, she pulled me aside and said I’m a lucky woman. You’re a great catch, and the way you looked at me when you didn’t think anyone was watching you . . .” Ever waves her hand. “She said she nearly swooned at your feet.”
The word swoon has only been said to me by my little sis, Gwen. That sis of mine loves her rom-coms and romance books. I smile, liking it when Ever talks and fills the silence. Her words fill the emptiness of my life since I left the military and began adjusting to civilian life. It hasn’t been easy.
No one waited for me at home. I kept it casual with the women who agreed to my rules. Dom isn’t a substitute for Carlos’s wise words, though he’s a great friend and business partner. He’s the father I was missing from my life growing up.
“I feel bad that Ben’s other store stays open later and Wendy or Sophie have to close later than my store does, but the other businesses in the town center have longer business hours, and Ben doesn’t want to miss out on customers. There’s always the occasional customer who procrastinates and needs a last-minute birthday cake or dessert for a get-together, especially on a weekend.”
“He’s a smart businessman and accommodating. Those customers will remember and become repeat offenders.”
“You mean repeat customers?”
