“By the way, I missed you, too, lover.” Her cheeks flush, and her eyes dance with emotion as she smiles shyly at me.
“Any regrets about last night?”
“Nope. Not a single one.” She presses a kiss to the underside of my jaw, and I hug her closer, relishing the comforting warmth of her body snuggled against mine.
“You?” she asks, peering up at me.
“Zero regrets.” I kiss her gorgeous mouth. “You’re stuck with me now, beautiful.”
“I don’t deserve you,” she whispers as pain flits fleetingly across her face.
“Stop that. You are more than worthy.” I kiss the tip of her nose before straightening up. My nostrils twitch as I cast a glance around the kitchen. “What culinary delights have you whipped up tonight?”
“I was going to make your mother’s lasagna, but Sierra gave me the recipe for Mazzone meatballs earlier and convinced me it was yummy and really easy to make, so that’s what’s coming up.”
I chuckle. “A staple in everyCosa Nostrahousehold in New York. I’ve been telling Natalia for years she should publish a cookbook instead of giving all her recipes away for free.” My arms band around Sloane’s waist as I gently sway us. “Natalia uses all her mama Rosa’s recipes, and they’ve been handed down for generations.”
“I love that, and she should definitely do a cookbook.” She shucks out of my embrace. “I need to finish dinner. Go shower or whatever. It’ll be ready in ten minutes.”
* * *
Dropping my laptop bag in the bedroom, I strip out of my clothes and grab a hot shower before redressing in jeans and a designer hoodie. I slip my feet into slides and return to the kitchen, where Sloane has dinner waiting. The flowers occupy center stage in the middle of the table, and I decide to buy her flowers regularly because she gets so much enjoyment from them. My mission in life is to make her happy today and every day for the rest of her life.
34
CRISTIAN
“How did your session go with Sierra?” I ask as I twirl spaghetti and a chunk of meatball with my fork.
“It was great. She was great, so nice and full of advice. I’ve never had acupuncture before. I thought it would hurt, but it was really relaxing. I even fell asleep for a while.”
“That’s good.” Flavors explode on my tongue. “This is too,” I add after swallowing, pointing to my bowl.
“I think I might’ve found a new passion and a new sleep remedy.” She sweeps her fingers across my face, smiling expansively. “That’s two nights in a row I’ve had decent sleep with you.”
I arch a brow and grin. “I think I fucked you into a coma last night.”
“I think you did.” Devilish delight glints in her eyes. “You might have to take one for the team every night if it means I sleep soundly after.”
“Mission accepted, beautiful.” I lean in and kiss her. “I love this.”
She tilts her head, urging me to continue with her eyes.
“Coming home to your gorgeous smile, eating your delicious food, you curled around me on the couch and sprawled on your back in my bed as I love you into a deep sleep.”
Heart eyes glimmer in her gaze. “Sounds like my ultimate fantasy.”
“Mine too.” I cup her face and kiss her deeply. “I’m so glad you came into our lives, Sloane. It feels like we’ve both been waiting for you to show up.”
“Cristian.” Her tone is all choked up. “You say the sweetest things.”
“I’ve never been one to play games. You will always know where you stand with me, and I will only ever speak the truth.”
“Like I said,” she whispers. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Of course, you do.” I kiss her quickly before easing back. “Eat.” I point toward her half-eaten dinner. “You need to keep your strength up.” I flash her a flirty wink, and she giggles before picking up her fork.
“We haven’t talked about us properly yet,” I say, before taking a drink of my water. “How should we play it? What are your thoughts?”
