Chapter 39
Derek
I knew my girl was strong, but fuck, that was some heavy shit she’d had to overcome. And for her to still be here as sweet and honest and painfully beautiful as she was, it was a god damn miracle. I meant it when I said I wasn’t letting go. Somehow I managed to get us both tucked into bed and flick the light off. Not once did I break my promise and break our connection. Together we laid in the darkness listening to our heartbeats. Mia was curled up, her head resting on my chest, her tiny breaths warming me.
I know we hadn’t finalized anything, but I’d never been more sure. Mia was it for me. I didn’t care if she could have kids or not. Having Mia would always be enough. All I had to do was convince her of that.
Despite the heaviness and the heartbreak that marred her lovely face, she fell asleep quickly. I guess being emotionally drained would do that to you. Settling back against the pillow, I let myself drift away. As long as Mia woke in my arms, I knew everything would be all right. And if it wasn’t, I’d fight like hell to fix it.
When I woke, I was alone. The space beside me was chilled. My heart took off in a panic. Mia was gone. I’d never slept as soundly as I did last night and now I was left with nothing but a pounding headache and regret. It was painful. Physically so.
With a heavy heart and even heavier footsteps I made my way into the bathroom and cleaned up. I didn’t even bother shaving. I just wanted to get out of this disgusting room and go home. Obviously Mia had made the decision without even waiting for me to wake. There was nothing holding me back now. I’d return to Melbourne, get my shit together, make sure Zoe was all good, and I’d get the hell out of there as quick as I could. Even if my place wasn’t ready when I got back, I’d crash at Jenna’s.
Just as I was stuffing the last pair of socks in my bag, the door swung open and there was Mia. She looked sexier than ever. Or maybe I was just so happy to see her I thought she did. It didn’t matter either way. She was here. She hadn’t run.
“You’re…you’re here.”
“Where’d you think I went?” Mia quirked her eyebrow at me as she strode into the room.
I felt like an idiot. She was wearing my white tuxedo shirt with my belt wrapped around her waist and her hooker heels from last night. Fuck, did she look hot. The cold shower I’d just suffered through wasn’t doing anything to help my current situation as the room in my jeans tightened with every breath.
“I…I woke up and you were gone.”
“I went to get coffee. Thought you could use a cup.”
Mia handed me the paper cup, and even though the smell was awakening my every nerve, I put it down on the nightstand before setting hers down. Usually I was smart enough not to get between a woman and her coffee first thing in the morning, but right now I had to kiss her. She could be pissed at me later, right now I needed her.
I kissed her hard and deep, and when we finally broke apart, we were both panting desperately. “That was…”
“Just the beginning,” I promised.
