Chapter Twenty-Two
A big smile spread across Ollie's face when he opened his eyes on Saturday morning.The weight of Callie's head against his shoulder and her arm flung across his waist made him feel as though everything was finally right in his world.
His smile faded.He really shouldn't think that way.Not yet, at least.But it was hard not to.Yesterday had been such an amazing day.
His dick twitched, and he willed it back down.Making love with Callie in the pool had been amazing.He shifted his hips away from her at the memory of last night, here in bed.That had been just as good — maybe even better.When he told her that she was the best, he hadn't just been echoing her words.It was true.They just fit together.She felt so right.
He inhaled deeply.She really did feel like home.
He turned to face her, curling his arm around her waist and holding her close to his chest.He'd probably said more than he should have yesterday, suggesting that she could turn the conservatory into her workspace, but he was really starting to hope that she might come to see this place as home.
She opened her eyes and smiled up at him.Her green eyes reminded him of the sea glass she'd found on the beach.
"Morning," she mumbled.
He pressed a kiss to her forehead."Good morning.How did you sleep?"
She nodded."Amazing.I had this big, comfy pillow."
He chuckled."Well, your pillow is volunteering for duty anytime you want him.Every night, if you like."
Her eyes widened, and she nodded slowly."You know I can't stay here with you all the time."
His heart sank."I know, but I'm hoping that sometimes..."
"Yeah, I'd like that.And I'm not saying that I don't want to, but I worked hard to build my life in Fort Bragg, Ollie.And I love my cottage."
He relaxed a little at that."I love it too.I'm not asking you to choose.You can have both."He smiled."And if you invite me to come with you,wecan have both."
She smiled back."You really do like it there, don't you?"
"Yeah, I do.It's everything that I don't have here.But most importantly, it's you.And I love—" His heart thundered in his chest.It hit him before he said it.He loved her.He hadn't noticed it sneak up on him, but it had.Her eyes were wide — was she afraid he'd say it, or eager to hear it?He couldn't tell, so he recovered with, "I love it."
She blew out a big sigh."We don't need to decide it all at once, do we?"
"We sure don't.And even if we had to, we shouldn't do it right now.If you're going to be up and off shopping with Becca this morning, we should get up, get showered, get coffee, and get going."
She leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips."Let's do it, then.But before we do, I need you to know — I'm having a good time with you, Ollie.And I'm hopeful about us."
He tightened his arm around her waist."Thanks.I am too.Should we make it official?"
Her eyes widened, and he laughed."Don't panic.All I'm asking is if you want to be my girlfriend.If I can call you my girlfriend."
She nodded happily."Sure.I'd like that."
He held her gaze as he said, "Then that's what I'll call you."
He wanted to addfor now, because he was already starting to hope that their relationship might lead to something more permanent.But this wasn't the time.
Instead, he slapped her ass and said, "Come on, let's get up, then.I'll go make us coffee while you shower.I want to go in there with you, but if I do that, you'll be late to meet Becca."
She grinned."You're right.I should get moving this morning, but maybe..."Her smile faded."Not tonight either, because we're going to Muse, aren't we?"
"Yep.But there's always tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow morning it is, then."
With that, she swung her legs out of bed, and as soon as her feet hit the floor, the dogs came running from their beds in the corner.
