“Royce,” I whisper, gently lifting it from its case and admiring it. It’s small, but it’s the marina, tiny boats placed with care. I twist it upside down and watch the specks float.
“Do you know how hard it is to get snow globes in the summer?” he smirks and I laugh softly, placing it back in the bag.
“I love it, thank you,” I say, my eyes misting.
He gives a gentle nod. “How was your evening?” he asks softly, changing the subject and I walk towards the kitchen.
“Good, I had a really nice time.” I lick my lips, my stomach twisting.
“I’m glad.” He follows me. “The signing?”
“It was epic.” I sigh; I really shouldn’t have drunk so much. “I’m a little drunk,” I admit, giggling.
“Would never have guessed.” A playful look flits across his eyes.
I turn to face Edel sleeping. He closes the gap between us, his intense gaze on me and suddenly he feels too close.I needed him.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, and I suck in a breath. “I shouldn’t have pushed you away…” He trails off, dropping his head for just a moment.
“It’s okay.” I lick my lips, my heart drums in my chest.
“No, it’s not. I was a dick, I know that. I just…” Lifting his head, he turns his face away from me.
I watch as he clenches his jaw, his sights set on the floor-to-ceiling windows. Grabbing his face, I turn him to look at me.
“Just nothing.” My breath dances across his face.
His eyes fall closed like he is fighting with himself. “I need you, Athena. I can’t function without you. I need you at the race on Sunday. Ineedyou.” His ice blues settle on me.
My heart jolts, my lips parting as my eyes dart back and forth from his.
“Kiss me,” I whisper, my fingers slowly dropping from his face. “I’m sorry, I… I didn’t?—”
He cuts me off, his hands cupped around my head as he tilts my lips up to his. “You never have to ask me to kiss you, Lucky.”
I blink at him, the sound of the nickname raspy on his tongue, the nickname I have come to love. “Why Lucky?” My voice trembles as I finally ask after weeks of him calling me it.
“Because you’re my lucky charm, and not just that…” He pauses, edging his lips closer. “I’m so fucking lucky you crashed into my life.”
Before I can protest, his mouth crashes against mine. His fingertips press into my skin as his tongue slips past my lips. A soft whimper escapes as I mould into him, pressing my body to his. Fingers tiptoe over his shoulders as I dig my fingers into his warm skin. He pulls away abruptly, a loud sigh passing through his nose.
“You’re drunk.”
“I think you’ve sobered me up,” I whisper, my chest rising and falling. My skin tingles, my lips feel bruised and I want more. So much more.
“No.” He shakes his head, curling his fingers around my delicate wrist, tugging me behind him as we walk to the bedroom.
“What are you doing?” I hiss, trying to pull back.
“We’re going to bed.” He closes the door behind me.
“I can sleep on the sofa,” I mutter, suddenly feeling overwhelmed as he passes me and sits on the edge of the bed.
He stays quiet for a moment as if thinking about it. My stomach flips and I feel like he is going to ask me to go. The look on his face is serious, eyes narrowed ever so slightly on mine as if weighing up his options.
“No chance,” he growls, reaching forward for me as he tugs me towards him. I slot between his legs, his fingers curled around my waist as he looks up at me. My fingers trail through his thick, black hair.
“I have no pyjamas,” I whisper, my hair falling forward and teasing his shoulder.
