“I hate that I’m not going to be here tonight. I’ve loved falling asleep with you.”
“Me too.” An ache forms in my heart knowing that he’s going back to Jackson’s house tonight.
He leans forward and kisses me, and my insides melt. “My hand is going to be getting a workout tonight.”
“Mine too. I hate this.”
“I do, too, but at least we are in the same city.” He sighs, kissing me again. This is true, he could be an airplane’s ride away. “I can come see you tomorrow.”
“I have work.”
“I’ll bring you lunch, even if it’s for ten minutes.”
“I’d like that.”
“And don’t forget this weekend we get to catch up with my parents,” Charlie reminds me.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Charlie cups my face. “This is the start of us, D, we won’t be apart forever. I could never be apart from you.”
“Me either, but I understand why. You and me,” I reassure him.
“I know. It’s just …”
I shake my head. “We have forever. Get Everly set up, and then it’s our turn.”
“Fuck, I love you,” he says, grabbing my face and kissing the hell out of me until my lips turn numb. “How did I get so lucky?”
“We both got lucky. Now go. Everly is probably waiting excitedly for you. I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch, and I can’t wait to officially meet your family.” I kiss him again.
“Night, D,” he says reluctantly as he walks away from me.
I’m a nervous wreck. I’m meeting Charlie’s mum for the first time in person. She’s flown in early to meet up at the studio to go through the items I’ve pulled for the gala she is going to.I really hope she likes what I have for her.
“Derrick, it’s going to be fine,” Rory, my assistant, tells me, trying to calm me down.
“Today has to be perfect.”
“It will be. I won’t let you down. Charlie loves you,” he reassures me.
“Yes, but will his family?”
“How can people not love you. You’re loveable.” He smirks at me.
“I am, aren’t I.” I chuckle, giving myself an internal pep talk. I’ve got this. Parents love me. Charlie’s mum is going to loveme. My phone buzzes, I look down and see Charlie’s name. My stomach drops. Oh no, has something happened?
Charlie: We are about to pull up out the front. I wanted to warn you. I know you’re nervous, but you have nothing to worry about. I love you. Mom will love you. Trust me.
“Charlie just messaged that they are about to arrive,” I nervously tell Rory.
“Deep breaths. The champagne is chilled. The clothes are steamed. The studio is tidy and smells delicious. The flowers look perfect,” he says, handing me the bouquet that I got for her. “Lunch is confirmed. Everything is ready to go.”
“Thanks,” I tell him as the door to my studio buzzes.
“I’ll get it.” He smirks, rushing toward the door, while I stand there awkwardly with a bouquet of flowers.
“Welcome to the Derrick Jones studio. Would you like to follow me in?” Rory asks. I hear the high heels on the wooden floors, my heartbeat goes up a notch, and I see Rory bring in Charlie, Everly, and a gorgeous blonde woman. Charlie’s eyes light up when he sees me, then widen when he notices the flowers.
