“Do you think it will always be that good?” I blurt before analysing what could be taken from such a question, what it implies. But he’s made his own declarations tonight in regards to the future; why shouldn’t I?
“I think it will always be good—maybe notthatgood. I won’t be trying to impress you as much fifty years from now.”
“Fifty years, huh?” I roll on my side to tease him, but he nods sincerely, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
“Yeah, I’ll try for at least forty.” He’s so earnest it actually catches me off guard. I feel my cheeks flush.
“You really mean that?” I don’t entirely know what I’m asking, but it certainly isn’t just about sex. Warren turns his body towards mine, wraps an arm around me, and pulls me to him, our bodies flush.
His chin rests on top of my head and presses into me slightly as he begins to speak. “I thought it was obvious. I plan on keeping you forever. If you’ll have me.”
I’ll have you. Yep. Forever. Done.“Yes, please.”
“I love you,” Warren says, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
“I love you too.” I brush a loose palm across his chin, curling into him further, before I let sleep close in.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Lane and Emily spent the last two days settling into their new apartment. Tonight we christen it. Just us, a cheese board, and a few bottles of red wine. Warren has Willow at home, and I have a tote bag over my shoulder, the contents of which are 90 percent dairy products.
“Welcome, welcome!” Emily kisses both my cheeks and hands me a glass of wine.
“Ah, yes. Wine before I have even removed my shoes. I have missed living with you, Em.”
Handing Lane my bag, I say, “I come bearing cheese!” She arranges cheese boards like it’s her religion–—it would be offensive to her if anyone else attempted. She makes salami rivers for crying out loud.
“Thank you, my liege.” Lane peeks inside the bag as she speaks. “Come see the kitchen. Yours is way nicer, but we have a dishwasher.”
“Jealous!” I follow her to their narrow galley kitchen and nod approvingly at the appliance. “There she is.”
“A beauty, isn’t she?” Lane takes a sip of wine, looking lovingly at it.
I huff out a laugh and rub a hand over her back as I pass behind her towards their living room where Emily is waiting to give me the rest of the tour.
“She only cares about the dishwasher, but let me introduce you to my walk-in closet. She is the true star of the show,” Emily says as I follow her down the hall to her bedroom.
Once the tour is finished, we all reconvene on the couch, a gorgeous charcuterie in front of us on the coffee table.
“To you being back in the city!” I hold out my wine, and we all clink glasses.
“To roommates, old and new!” Lane raises another toast, winking at me.
“Real casual segue there, Lane.” Emily sips some wine, smirking into her glass.
Lane rolls her eyes. “Okay, I’ve been plenty respectful, but Chlo… Did it happen?”
I assess how much is left in my glass and throw it back in a few large gulps.Courage.It isn’t that I’m a prude or that I don’t want to talk about it, because Ireallydo. I simply don’t know how. I always was more of a listener when Emily and Lane would talk hookups.
“Yes. It happened… and happened… and happened some more.” I pour more wine into my glass as the women squeal. “I’ve never had it… happen… this much in one week.”
“Every night?” Emily ogles.
“First time was our date last Friday, and… twelve times since,” I say, and Lane audibly gasps. “He is… thorough.” I bite my bottom lip, smiling despite myself. “He gets the job done every time.”
“Well, damn. Cheers to that!” Emily says.
We all clink glasses again, giggling.
