“A life… You just met me, Eli,” I remind him. He isn’t kidding about this going fast.Warp speed.
“And you’ll find soon, baby, I’m not the kind of man who sits around with his finger up his ass trying to decide when to make his move when he knows what he wants.”
“Wow.” The mental note slips through my lips.
“Wow is right.” His lips twitch as he studies me for a moment. “Now, it’s been a long day. A lot has happened. I’m gonna go get us food, and we’re gonna sit back and relax. Eat, talk, and relax. Together. You get me?”
“I think so.”
“Good.” He nuzzles my nose before dropping a soft kiss on my cheek.
“Relax, baby, I’ll be back.”
I don’t know what to say as he hurries out the door almost as if he’s in a rush to get back to me. And I don’t mind that at all because I’m really looking forward to being around him again.
7
ELI
Iknow the moment she drifts off completely, but I have no plans of moving.
I returned with dinner and ice cream, and curtains. After they were put up and we ate, we cuddled on the couch and watched a movie. The whole time, my body and heart were hyperaware of her. Attuned to her every move and breath. The old romcom movie she put on isn’t over, but she’s knocked out.
I stroke her hair and slouch into the couch a little more. Come morning, my back will be yelling at me, but I can’t think of a better place to be than with Stella in my arms. We had a long day. A life-changing day. I look down at her and love that she feels comfortable enough to fall asleep with me. Today was the day I will tell our kids about. Hell, our grandkids.
The day I met their grandma.
I stifle a yawn, afraid to make any noise that might wake her up. I should head home. I gotta be up in a couple of hours to start my day at the bakery, but as a spring digs into my back, I know I’m not leaving. I can’t.
I pull a throw blanket Camila must have left behind over my girl, and she only cuddles into me further, snuggling closer,making my arms wrap around her tighter. It feels freaking great. I settle in and let the sound of her soft breathing be the lullaby that ushers me into the best sleep of my life.
I wake slowly, feeling a warm, luscious body over mine. Somehow, in sleep, we must have sprawled out, Stella’s sweet body over mine, her head on my chest. I don’t think before I kiss the top of her head, and she mewls in her sleep, tossing a leg over mine. I didn’t set my alarm clock, but thankfully, my internal clock knows it’s time to get my day started.
“Baby, beautiful Stella, wake up, honey.” I don’t want to leave her side for anything in the world, but I sure don’t want to leave without letting her know.
“Mmm,” she moans in her sleep and takes a deep breath but exhales slowly. Her relaxed body stiffens over mine as she feels me. “Oh my god,” she whispers. I don’t have it in me to bite away my smile.
“Baby, I hate to do this, but I gotta go.”
“Of course.” She sits up still on my lap, and I follow, letting her straddle me completely. Her eyes widen when she feels my length. I shake my head.
“It’s morning, and I slept with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. You gotta cut him a break.” I wink, and even though she laughs softly, I see a worry in her sleepy gaze. “What’s up?” I tuck a stray strand of her dark hair behind her ear and watch her eyes soften. She likes that.Good.Because that will be happening a lot from here on out.
“I fell asleep on you. I’m a terrible first date.”
“I was thinking the complete opposite. I had the best night’s rest despite this couch being this couch.” I’m going to hurt when I stand up.
“It certainly leaves something to wish for.” Her smile brightens the still darkened living room, and I nod. “Cam’s hadthis couch forever. It’s a family heirloom by now,” she jokes, and I laugh roughly. “What time is it?”
“Probably about three,” I answer without looking at my phone.
“Three? And you have to go?” She looks almost disappointed.You and me both, baby.
“I gotta go home, shower, change, and head over to open the bakery.”
“Oh.” She hops off my lap all too quickly. I miss her body draped over mine instantly.Soon,I promise myself.Soon, I’ll have her back in my arms.
“I’d stay?—"
