He called me that in one of my dreams. Right before saying he loved me. It was a nice dream, not weird like a lot of them were. I wish it had been real.
“What do you call me when we’re alone?”
My chin quivers. “Sir.” A tear drips down my cheek.
He wipes it away with his finger. “Feeling emotional?”
I make an affirmative sound.
“Come here, gorgeous.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me against my chest, all his movements slow so I don’t spill the water.
“You’re sexy when you’re taking care of me.”
“I will always look after you.”
A violent sob shakes my chest. “I’m sorry.”
“You’ve got nothing to be sorry for.”
“I’m always pathetic when I’m ill.”
“You’re not pathetic. You haven’t eaten in over twenty-four hours, and your body has fought off a fever. You’re allowed to be emotional.”
“You’re so good at this.”
“At what?”
“Looking after people.”
“It’s easy when it’s you, baby.”
I tilt my face upwards. “You’re not here because you feel guilty, are you? It’s not your fault I caught a cold.”
He runs his fingertips from my chin down the length of my throat. “It was a bit more than a cold, gorgeous. I’m here because I love you.”
I make a strangled noise in my throat. I pinch myself. Ouch. I’m not dreaming now. “You—”
“Love you. I wasn’t sure you heard me last night.”
“I did, but I thought I was dreaming.”
He cups my cheek. “I’ve fallen for you, gorgeous. I’m in love with you. Everything with you is different. More. Better. Right. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”
His words melt my heart. “Nor have I. I love you.” Saying it makes me giddy. My chest gets light and bubbly. “I love you.”
He kisses me. My breath must be rank, but he doesn’t hold back. He massages my lips with his and explores my mouth with his tongue. He steals my breath and makes my heart thump wildly. I whimper as he pulls away. His eyes are full of sadness.
I caress his cheek. “What’s wrong?”
“Thinking about how much I’m going to miss you.”
A lump blocks my throat. I swallow to rid myself of it and succeed in making myself cry again. I can’t speak.
“Your life isn’t here, beautiful. You need to be in a fashion hub. I love Leeds, but fashion companies don’t make their home here.”
Tears blur my vision. “I don’t have any interviews yet.”
“When was the last time you checked your emails?”
