Minimize. Stabilize. Reassure. Otherwise Antonio might see the cracks and start to panic. But he deserves more than that. And the truth is—I know he can handle my vulnerability. The real question is whether I can.
“Not really,” I admit, looking at him. “But I will be.”
He nods like that answer makes perfect sense to him.
Then he leans up, kisses my jaw, frowns slightly, and climbs fully into my lap.
“I was too far,” he explains.
I laugh under my breath, relief and gratitude breaking through.
“Come here,” I murmur, even though he already has.
I wrap my arms around him, holding him close, pressing my mouth into his curls.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
He tilts his head up immediately, demanding another kiss, and I give it to him.
Maria watches us with open fascination.
“Madonna,” she says cheerfully. “You two are disgusting.”
“We try,” Antonio replies smugly, settling more comfortably against me like he has no intention of moving for the rest of the night.
That’s absolutely fine with me.
CHAPTER 72 – ANTONIO
Caspian is waiting for me outside when my shift ends. My body jolts withhappiness, like it does every time I see him.
“Hi.” He leans down to kiss me.
“Hey,” I say, inhaling him. He’s my favorite smell. My favorite everything .
I pull him into another kiss.
When we’re done, my head is spinning. I want to go home and be naked with him the rest of the day. Or my life.
“Can we skip the milkshakes?” I ask, cheeks flushed.
The look he gives me is more amused than aroused, so I already know he’s not going to say yes.
“Didn’t you say this morning that today might as well be the last day of your existence if you don’t get a double chocolate salty caramel surprise?”
I shift my weight from foot to foot. In theory, I did say that. Well, in practice too.
“You also told me that when Shakespeare wrote about ‘the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ he was talking about not getting a milkshake.”
What is wrong with his memory? Why is it so good?
“That was in the morning,” I mutter.
I’m pouting, but that’s okay, because Caspian is flaunting his elephantine memory.
“I want a different treat now,” I tell him.
He doesn’t change his mind. He obviously wants me to suffer and have a milkshake. I should stop declaring things I shall perish without, because Caspian sees them as personal challenges.
