Hoping she likes it, I watch her take her first drink and then a second one, before she exclaims, “Okay, this is the best coffee I’ve ever had!”
Letting out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, I relax with the knowledge that I just made her the best coffee she’s ever had. Maybe now that she’s enjoying her coffee, and seems completely relaxed wearing my shirt sitting on my kitchen counter completely lost in her mug. She paints a gorgeous picture that does something to my insides. My heart feels like the Grinch once he’s saved Christmas. It’s a picture I didn’t think I’d ever want. It makes me want more.
Now I’m picturing her in the same position as she is now, but with a baby bump stretching out my old t-shirt. Fast forward a few years and we have a little Hannah sitting up on the counter next to her enjoying her own cup of milk.
Caught up in my thoughts of the future and how easy they come to mind with Hannah, I speak without thinking.
“About last night, I don’t want it to be a one time thing. I want to keep getting to know you. I really like you; I haven’t felt like this in a long time. I want you to know that I meant every single word I said to you last night, it wasn’t just the heat of the moment. I will wait for you, but you’re mine, Hannah.”
Giving her a minute to take in what I’m telling her, I keep tracing my finger in unknown patterns up and down her thighs. Finally, after what is probably only a few seconds, but what feels like a lifetime, she looks up at me meeting my eyes with a wide smile gracing her kissable lips.
“Honestly, I made that decision last night. When I asked you if I could come over I had already decided to just let go and see how things go. Again, I’m not saying I want to jump into a relationship, but I can’t seem to stay away from you. As long asyou understand that I’m not looking for anything serious at this point in my life.”
“I know, and like I said last night—I’ll wait for as long as I need to.” I know she’s not where I am, yet I can’t say that I’m not a little hurt. For her, I will wait. She’s worth it. I know she’s the one I was made for. She might not see it yet, but she was made for me too. I can clearly see what our future could look like. Her becoming a famous author, me continuing my career here in Calgary. Having a few kids running around the house, maybe adding a few friends for Hagrid as well. Spending our summer Sundays at the ranch with my parents and Sadie.
She doesn't see it now, but I see it clearly enough for the both of us. So I’ll wait for as long as I have to. She’s worth the wait, and I’ll make sure she knows she’s worth it along the way.
With my strengthened resolve, I’m unable to stop myself, I dip down and press my lips to hers. With a laugh she puts a hand against my chest pushing me back as a look of uncertainty crosses her eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Giving her the space to gather her thoughts, I pull her in against my chest resting my chin on her head.
Taking a deep breath, she rushes out, “I just don’t want to share you with anyone.”
“Is that what you’re worried about, Han?” I gently ask.
“I’ve just been through this before. You’re young, and quite frankly you could do better. I just want you to tell me when you get sick or bored of me. I don’t want to be blindsided like last time.”
Unable to let her finish, I pull back, tilting her head back with a hand on her cheek so I can look into her eyes to make sure she understands what I’m about to tell her.
“Hannah, you will in no way ever have to share me with anyone. I’m all yours. Just like I know you’re all mine byagreeing to just be with me in any capacity that you are willing. I’m a patient man, and you’re worth the wait, however long that may be. And in the meantime, I promise you I will never get bored of you. And before you say I can’t promise that, you’re wrong. I could spend days just sitting on the couch with you. Plus, how can I get bored if you’re always creating Bucket Lists. You haven’t even told me what the last items on your list are.”
“Just promise me that when you get bored or tired of waiting for me to decide if I want to take this step with you . . .”
“There will be no when. I won’t,” I answer, illicing an eye roll from her.
“Just promise me that if you ever get bored of me or anything like that you’ll talk to me.”
“It won’t happen, but if it’ll make you feel better, I promise to talk to you if I ever get bored of you.”
“Thank you,” she says in a quiet voice. I can see that I have an uphill battle on my hands convincing the woman that I will not get bored of her and that she’s now stuck with me. There’s no way in hell I’m letting her go now that I’ve gotten her to agree to be mine. I might not have known her for long, but I knew she was mine from the minute I spotted her across that crowded dance floor. Now I just need to convince her that she’s worth someone’s full heart and attention. For the life of me I don’t understand how her ex-husband was able to step out on her. Clearly, I’m going to have to step my game up here. Thank God I’ve always loved a good challenge. I think this is going to be my favorite one yet. Starting with that trip the girls want to take me down to my own beach house.
“How about a shower redo?” Hannah asks, pulling me out of my thoughts before I can start planning our beach getaway.
“Nowthatyou never have to ask, Pretty Girl!” I say, pulling her off the counter and throwing her over my shoulder, makingher laugh as I land a hand on that ass of hers on our way to my master shower.
Chapter 26
“So you’re telling me this guy planned an entire trip for you? As a surprise?” Summer asks, not believing me. After weeks of not being able to talk to her, other than a few emails here and there, she was finally able to FaceTime me.
“Yes! Well, no. We—Lacy, Ellie, and I—asked to use Ian’s beach house down in Florida, and the boys—being Ian, JJ and your brother—ran with it! So all us girls had to do was be ready for them to pick us up and drive us to the airport.”
”Damn girl! This guy is a keeper! I can’t wait to meet him!” she says. “Does he have any single friends?”
“Getting lonely there, Sums?” I ask with a wiggle of my eyebrows.
“It’s not even a joking matter at this point. It’s just sad. The desert has nothing on me.”
